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

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  • Pre purchase van inspection
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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).

Recent Pre Purchase Car Inspection tasks

Mechanic inspection

$120

Minneapolis, MN 55420, USA

Mar 11th 2024

My car won’t start. It’s making a ticking when I try to turn it on. Either my alternator or starter I assume. (Possible battery but it’s new n I just got it charged up so I doubt it?) I need to get it checked out where I am

Electrician inspection on my car

$60

Riverdale, GA 30274, USA

Dec 9th 2023

I have a 2016 Ford Focus and the car shut completely down when i was driving it from work. the lights on the vehicle come on still but the entire dash and radio isnt working neither will the car turn on when I turn the key in the ignition. - Due date: Flexible

Car inspection

$100

Chula Vista, CA 91910, USA

Oct 28th 2023

I have bought a used vehicle back in July. I need the car inspected to determine if I need to change the spark plugs since the car has over 140k miles. - Due date: Flexible

Pre purchase inspection

$125

Riverside, CA 92508, USA

Oct 10th 2023

pre purchase inspection on 2 vehicles at dealership - Due date: Flexible

Tune up and basic inspection

$100

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092, USA

Sep 27th 2023

YEAR: 2009 MAKE: YAMAHA MODEL : XVS950 (V STAR/ DRAG STAR 950) ODOMETER : 31,000 - Due date: Flexible

Inspection, carburetors inspection

$100

Bourbonnais, IL 60914, USA

Sep 22nd 2023

I have recently bought a 1982 Yamaha maxim 550, the previous owner said that it had sad for months before it last ran and I got it to run after putting in a new battery new fuel and some oil but it wouldn’t stay Running in idle, I pulled the carburetors out cleaned them up and even rebuilt some of it with new parts, I put it all back together and now the motorcycle won’t start at all, all the spark plugs are fine it has fuel and oil, I would like for somone with experience come and take a look and tell me what I can do to fix it and to see if the carburetors are working and tuned properly - Due date: Flexible

Engine bay inspection

$140

Roslyn, PA 19001, USA

Sep 21st 2023

Coolant problems w the car staying too cool idk if it's a faulty hose, faulty wiring, thermostat or the gauge reading incorrectly - Due date: Flexible

Mechanical inspection

$300

Pomona, CA 91767, USA

Sep 8th 2023

Need a key fob. I have a 2000 VW beetle. The check engine light is on. Code P0411. My brake light is on. (The symbol not the word brake) I can't find the pull handle to open the hood. Probably needs a once over. - Due date: Flexible

Maintenance and wheel inspection

$100

Buffalo, NY 14204, USA

Aug 25th 2023

Wheels are squeaking and pm - Due date: Flexible

Pre purchase vehicle inspection

$150

Uxbridge, MA 01569, USA

Jul 24th 2023

Looking to have a corvette looked at by knowledgeable mechanic to determine if the car has any potential issues. - Due date: Flexible

Motorcycle mechanic inspection

$150

Bumpass, VA 23024, USA

Jul 22nd 2023

Perform a motorcycle inspection - Due date: Flexible

Pre purchase inspection

$100

Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

Jul 2nd 2023

Pre purchase inspection of Toyota car - Due date: Flexible

Pre purchase used car inspection

$100

West Hollywood, CA 90046, USA

Jun 10th 2023

Buying a used car off of OfferUp. Need a mechanic to inspect it before purchasing - Due date: Flexible

Used car inspection

$50

North Hollywood, CA 91606, USA

May 14th 2023

Need to get car I want to buy inspected - Due date: Needs to be done on Saturday, May 13, 2023

Pre purchase car inspection i

$100

Santa Ana, CA 92705, USA

May 11th 2023

I need to get a pre-purchase car inspection done at a BMW dealership. CREVIER BMW 1500 Auto Mall Dr. Santa Ana, CA. 92705 - Due date: Flexible

Pre purchase used car inspection at dealer

$100

Norco, CA 92860, USA

May 4th 2023

2013 Nissan Rogue is being considered at this dealer. - Due date: Flexible

Pre Purchase car inspection

$100

Thousand Oaks, CA 91362, USA

Apr 27th 2023

Pre Purchase car inspection on 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV - Due date: Needs to be done on Thursday, April 27, 2023

Battery change and inspection

$1,000

South Riding, VA 20152, USA

Apr 23rd 2023

Its a Honda shadow bike and needs battery replacement and inspection as its not being used for long time - Due date: Flexible

Motorcycle inspection

$100

Swansea, IL 62220, USA

Mar 27th 2023

2008 ninja 650r that I bought used. I know a few things wrong with it and just want to know what else is wrong because im new to the moto world. I know my left side rearset is gone, I need footpegs, I need to replace the handlebars, and my brske calipers dont stay on. Other than that im not sure, but I just want a professionals look on it - Due date: Needs to be done on Monday, March 27, 2023

Inspection on used car

$30

North Hills, CA 91343, USA

Mar 22nd 2023

It’s a toyota prius V 2017 that I need to be inspected thoroughly including the battery before purchasing it. Dealer is Galpin ford in northhills. - Due date: Needs to be done on Wednesday, March 22, 2023