Vehicle Profile Guide

Vehicle Profile Guide

Why Your Vehicle Profile Matters

Your vehicle profile is the foundation of a successful sale on AutoSettle. It's where buyers get their first real look at your vehicle, complete with verified information, comprehensive documentation, and government-backed checks.

A well-crafted vehicle profile doesn't just list your car's features - it builds trust, demonstrates transparency, and gives buyers the confidence to move forward. This guide will show you exactly how to create a profile that stands out and sells.

Two Ways to Create Your Vehicle Profile

AutoSettle gives you flexibility in how you build your vehicle profile. Choose the method that works best for you:

Option 1: Import from Your Marketplace Listing

Already listed on Carsales, Facebook Marketplace, or another platform? This is the quickest way to get started:
  1. Copy the link to your existing listing
  2. Paste it into AutoSettle
  3. AutoSettle automatically imports your photos and description
  4. Our AI reads your number plate from the photos (if visible)
  5. Verify the detected plate number or enter it manually if redacted
  6. AutoSettle retrieves and verifies vehicle data from government databases
What gets imported: All your listing photos, vehicle description, features, asking price, and any details you've already written. You can edit or enhance any of this information after import.

Option 2: Build Your Profile from Scratch

Not listed anywhere yet? No problem! Here's what you'll need to create a complete profile:

Vehicle Details You'll Provide
  1. Registration number
  2. Make, model, and year
  3. Mileage (we'll verify this with an odometer photo)
  4. Colour
  5. Features and options
  6. Condition (honest assessment)
  7. Description (what makes your vehicle special)
  8. Asking price
Note: You don't need to provide the VIN yourself - AutoSettle retrieves this from government databases once we verify your registration.

Photos You'll Upload (Recommended)
  1. Exterior from all angles (front, rear, both sides, front three-quarter, rear three-quarter)
  2. Interior shots (front seats, rear seats, dashboard, boot/trunk)
  3. Engine bay (clean and well-presented if possible)
  4. Any damage (scratches, dents, wear—transparency builds trust)
  5. Odometer (our AI will read this to verify mileage)

Photography tips: Take photos in good lighting, clean your vehicle first, and be honest about condition. Buyers appreciate transparency more than perfection.

Documents You Can Upload (Highly Recommended)
  1. Service history (shows you've maintained the vehicle)
  2. Roadworthy certificate (if applicable in your state)
  3. Purchase receipt (proves ownership history)
  4. Owner's manual (adds value)
  5. Photos of keys (especially spare keys)
  6. Warranty documents (if still valid)
  7. Receipts for accessories or upgrades (roof racks, stereos, modifications that add value)
All documents are stored securely in a vault that buyers can access when they're seriously interested in your vehicle.

What AutoSettle Verifies Automatically

Once you provide your registration details, AutoSettle goes to work behind the scenes to verify your vehicle.

Government and Commercial Database Checks
  1. Registration verification
  2. VIN retrieval and validation
  3. Make, model, and year confirmation
  4. Vehicle specifications
PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) Check
This comprehensive government-backed check reveals:
  1. Stolen vehicle status (whether the vehicle has been reported stolen)
  2. Write-off history (whether the vehicle has been written off by an insurer)
  3. Encumbrances (whether there's outstanding finance on the vehicle)
How buyers see this information:
  1. Summary results appear directly in your vehicle profile
  2. The full official PPSR report is securely stored in a vault
  3. Buyers can download the complete report at settlement time
Why this matters: This level of verification gives buyers enormous confidence that your vehicle is legitimate, properly owned, and free from nasty surprises.

Odometer Verification
Our AI technology reads the odometer from the photo you provide, verifying the mileage you've stated. This extra layer of verification helps prevent odometer fraud and gives buyers peace of mind.

Creating a Profile That Sells

Here's how to make your vehicle profile stand out:
  1. Be Honest and Transparent
    Don't hide damage or issues. Buyers appreciate honesty, and transparency builds trust. If there's a scratch, show it. If the seats have wear, mention it. Buyers will find out anyway during inspection—being upfront saves everyone time and builds credibility.

  2. Tell Your Vehicle's Story
    In your description, share why you loved this vehicle. Was it a reliable family car? A weekend adventure vehicle? Did you meticulously maintain it? Personal stories help buyers connect emotionally and see themselves owning the vehicle.

  3. Highlight What Makes It Special
    Recent service? New tyres? Premium sound system? Rare colour? These details matter. Don't assume buyers will notice—spell it out clearly.

  4. Upload Everything
    The more documentation you provide, the more confident buyers will feel. Service records are gold. Receipts for recent work show care. Even photos of both sets of keys demonstrate completeness.

  5. Keep It Updated
    You can edit your profile anytime—even after importing from a marketplace. Added new photos? Just serviced the vehicle? Update your profile to keep it fresh and accurate.

For Buyers: What to Look For in a Vehicle Profile

When reviewing a vehicle profile as a buyer, here's what indicates a quality listing:
Green Flags (Good Signs)
  1. Comprehensive photos from all angles, including interior, engine bay, and odometer
  2. Clear PPSR results showing no encumbrances, not stolen, not written off
  3. Service history documents showing regular maintenance
  4. Honest disclosure of any damage or wear
  5. Registration documents and ownership proof
  6. Detailed description that answers common questions
  7. Photos of spare keys and accessories
 
Red Flags (Warning Signs)
  1. Very few photos or only showing the 'good' angles
  2. No service history or documentation
  3. PPSR showing encumbrances (outstanding finance) - proceed with caution
  4. Vague or minimal description with no personal details
  5. Odometer reading doesn't match vehicle age or condition
  6. Price seems too good to be true (probably is)

Trust your instincts. A comprehensive, honest profile is the hallmark of a trustworthy seller. If something feels off, ask questions through AutoSettle's secure chat or keep looking.
 

Editing and Updating Your Profile

Your vehicle profile isn't set in stone. You can update it anytime to:
  1. Add more photos or documents
  2. Update the description
  3. Change the asking price
  4. Add information about recent service or repairs
  5. Correct any details
Even if you imported your profile from a marketplace listing, you have complete control to enhance and improve it within AutoSettle.

Your Next Steps

For Sellers:
  1. Choose your profile creation method (import or build from scratch)
  2. Gather your photos and documents
  3. Create your comprehensive vehicle profile
  4. Let AutoSettle verify everything automatically
  5. Start connecting with buyers

For Buyers:
  1. Review vehicle profiles thoroughly
  2. Check PPSR summary results
  3. Look for comprehensive documentation
  4. Trust the verification process
  5. Ask questions if anything is unclear


Notes
Related guides to help you:
Seller Guide - understand the complete selling process
Buyer Guide - know what to look for when buying
Identity Verification Guide - complete your biometric verification
Test Drive Guide - arrange safe vehicle inspections


A comprehensive vehicle profile is the cornerstone of a successful transaction. Whether you're selling or buying, the verified information in an AutoSettle profile gives everyone the confidence to move forward.

Build trust through transparency!
    • Related Articles

    • Seller Guide

      Welcome, Sellers! Selling a vehicle privately can feel daunting - meeting strangers, worrying about scams, dealing with non-genuine buyers (tyre-kickers), and hoping you'll actually get paid. We understand those concerns, and that's exactly why ...
    • Buyer Guide

      Welcome, Buyers! Finding the right vehicle is exciting, but buying privately can feel risky. Will the vehicle match the description? Is the Seller genuine? What if something goes wrong with the payment? These are all perfectly reasonable concerns - ...
    • Settlement Guide

      Welcome to Settlement Congratulations! You've reached the settlement phase - the final step in your vehicle transaction. Whether you've accepted an offer, had your offer accepted, or clicked Buy Now, you're now moving into the secure process where ...
    • Getting Started Guide

      Congratulations on taking the first step towards a safer, simpler vehicle transaction! Whether you're buying or selling, AutoSettle is here to support you every step of the way. We understand that buying or selling a vehicle privately can feel ...
    • Can I Sell My Vehicle Without Accepting Offers?

      Yes - absolutely. As a Seller on AutoSettle, you’re always in control of how your vehicle is priced and sold. Whether you want a fixed price or prefer to negotiate, AutoSettle lets you choose what works best for you. Selling at a fixed price If you’d ...