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).
