A mechanic working on a car engine.
A mechanic working on a car engine.

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When you need to hire a mechanic to chec a used car

  • Pre purchase inspection
  • Car inspection
  • Used car inspection
  • Pre purchase van inspection
  • … or anything else
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Why book a pre purchase car inspection through Airtasker?

Been thinking about upgrading your car? If you’re buying second-hand, it’s always a good idea to get a pre purchase car inspection to make sure you’re not buying a lemon. There are no guarantees when buying used cars and without mechanical experience, it’s hard to know whether a car is safe and in good working order. Not all issues are a deal breaker, but you should still be aware of them before you buy. A car inspection by an experienced mechanic will make you aware of current or potential problems that could have turned your bargain buy into a regretful purchase.

Give yourself peace of mind and organise a pre purchase car inspection via Airtasker. We’ve got experienced mechanics ready to visit your chosen car and give it a proper look over. You may even be able to negotiate a better price if they notice any minor problems.

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Top Pre Purchase Car Inspection related questions

A pre purchase car inspection usually includes a visual inspection and a short test drive. An experienced mechanic will look at the inside, outside, and underbody of the car to identify any current problems or future concerns. From steering and suspension through to indicators and lights, an inspection can help you get on the road sooner.
Used cars don’t come with a warranty or money back guarantee, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting for your money. A pre purchase car inspection will give you peace of mind that you’re not buying a lemon. It may also help you to negotiate a better price if issues are found.
Issues in used cars aren’t always obvious to car buyers. They could include mechanical or engine problems, issues with past repairs, and maintenance concerns. Problems with the gear box, clutch, and brakes could mean costly repairs down the track.
An inspection can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. Inspections are usually arranged quickly due to the short turnaround times of a car purchase. By arranging a mobile pre purchase car inspection, you can have the car inspected at a car dealership or the seller’s home.
If you’re buying a used vehicle, it’s up to you to pay for the inspection so you can get an impartial opinion on the car’s condition. Choose a trusted mechanic for your pre purchase car inspection so you know you’re getting the right information.
For certain types of tasks, you may need to enquire as to what specialist licenses may be required to undertake your task as this can vary. Please make sure that you confirm that a Tasker has the relevant licence and insurance before accepting an offer.

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What does a pre purchase car inspection include?

Cars are usually sold with a roadworthy certificate, but this only means your car is safe to drive on public roads. A pre-purchase car inspection is the only way to make sure there are no surprises when you drive away. A qualified mechanic will do a visual inspection, mechanical check, and test drive to spot any current or potential problems. They will also be aware of concerns that might be typical for the make or model of the car you’re buying and look specifically for those issues. Your mechanic will usually follow a comprehensive pre-purchase car inspection checklist to help you make an informed decision about buying the car. Some of these checks will include:

Exterior inspection

The outside of a car is a good indication of how well the car has been looked after. Panel damage or evidence of repaired damage could indicate the car has been in a serious accident. A pre-purchase car inspection will show whether repairs have been performed to a satisfactory standard. An exterior check also includes checks for rust and structural integrity as these issues may cause problems down the track.

Interior inspection

Your mechanic will conduct a visual inspection of the car’s interior, starting with seats and door trims. Then they’ll check all features inside the car operate normally, including lights, seats, seat belts, air conditioning, central locking, wipers, and windows. Next, they’ll check the dashboard instruments and gauges.

Mechanical inspection

Hidden mechanical problems are one of the pitfalls of buying a used car. And there’s no way of finding out the full extent of any car problems without pulling the engine apart. But an experienced mechanic can identify issues from just a visual check of the underbody and engine. Serious mechanical problems may also show themselves in other areas of the car. Brakes, suspension, wheels, tyres, gearbox, and steering will be checked, and a test drive will help to identify any additional concerns. Your mechanic will pay attention to electrical and cooling systems, as well as the alternator and battery. They will run a diagnostic scan to identify any other issues.

History check

You can make sure your new purchase isn’t hiding any secrets, and that it’s not at risk of repossession by including a history check as part of your pre-purchase car inspection. A history check (or REVS check) show any finance owing on the vehicle, if the car has been stolen, or whether it’s been in a major accident and written off. These records are kept and attached to your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).