How to Perform a Vehicle Check Before Buying
Buying a used car can be a smart way to save money, but it also comes with risks. Without a thorough vehicle check before buying, many buyers fall victim to costly mistakes, from hidden mechanical issues to outstanding debts or even stolen vehicles.
Vehicle Checks Before Buying: A Complete Guide for Car Buyers
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to check a car before buying, whether from a private seller, a car yard, or a dealership. You’ll learn things to check when buying a car, how to spot common scams, and why booking a professional pre-purchase car inspection can give you true peace of mind.
Why It’s Essential to Perform a Car Check Before Buying
Purchasing a second-hand car without conducting proper checks can leave you exposed to numerous risks, including buying a vehicle with hidden issues, a stolen car, or one with finance owing. Additionally, consumer guarantees and statutory warranty terms vary depending on whether you buy from a private seller or a dealership.
Conducting a thorough pre-purchase check helps you avoid these pitfalls, giving you peace of mind and the power to negotiate a better deal. It ensures your purchase is legally sound and mechanically safe.
Quick Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Checklist
- Check exterior paint condition, rust, and panel alignment
- Inspect interior upholstery, air conditioning, and dashboard features
- Examine the engine bay for leaks and fluid levels
- Inspect tyres for tread wear and evenness
- Test brakes during road test
- Perform a test drive to detect hidden issues
- Verify vehicle identification number (VIN) and compliance date
- Check service history and ensure registration is current
- Confirm no outstanding debts or finance owing
What to Bring When Checking a Used Car
Before you head out to inspect a used vehicle, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Bringing a few basic tools and aids will help you conduct a more thorough check and avoid overlooking potential issues. Here’s what to pack:
- Torch or flashlight — essential for inspecting under the vehicle and inside the engine bay, especially in low-light conditions.
- Tread depth gauge — to accurately measure tyre wear.
- Gloves — for checking under the bonnet and around mechanical parts.
- Small mirror — useful for viewing hard-to-see areas under the car.
- Notebook and pen — to record any observations and questions.
- Printed checklist — keep a physical list of the key things to check when buying a car so you don’t miss anything during your car check before buying.
Being well-prepared helps you stay focused and conduct a more professional-style vehicle check before buying. However, it’s important to note: If you don’t have prior mechanical experience, conducting your own pre-purchase checks may come with risks. The chance of missing a defect is significantly higher compared to a qualified mechanic with industry experience.
While performing a basic visual inspection can be helpful, we recommend booking a professional pre-purchase vehicle inspection for complete peace of mind. If you’re unsure of your ability to thoroughly check a used car, our friendly team is here to help. Contact us today to arrange an inspection.
Visual Inspection: First Impressions Matter
Exterior & Paint Condition
Begin with a thorough visual inspection of the exterior. Look for dents, scratches, rust, and mismatched paint that may indicate accident repairs. Verify the compliance date and ensure the registration sticker and VIN match the paperwork.
Interior Condition
Inside the car, inspect the upholstery, seat belts, air conditioning, infotainment system, and dashboard features. Excessive interior wear should match the odometer reading. If it doesn’t, be cautious.
Under the Bonnet (Engine Bay) Inspection
Open the engine bay and perform a visual check for leaks, worn belts, and corroded battery terminals. Check all fluid levels:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
Signs of poor maintenance include dirty fluids, low levels, or visible sludge.
Tyres, Brakes & Suspension
Inspect tyres for tread depth, even wear, and sidewall condition. Uneven wear may indicate alignment or suspension issues.
During your road test, assess the brakes—they should respond smoothly without pulling. Listen for squeaks or grinding noises.
Also, check suspension performance by noting how the car handles bumps and cornering.
Test Drive: The Ultimate Pre-Purchase Check
The road test is crucial for uncovering issues not visible during a visual inspection. Pay attention to:
- Engine responsiveness and smoothness
- Gear shifting performance
- Brake feel and effectiveness
- Suspension behaviour
- Cabin noises or rattles
This is your chance to ensure the car drives as expected.
Test Drive Tips:
When conducting a test drive, take your time — a quick spin around the block won’t give you the full picture. Plan to drive for at least 15 to 20 minutes, covering (if possible) a variety of conditions:
- City traffic — assess low-speed responsiveness and gear shifting.
- Highway driving — listen for wind noise, vibration, and engine performance at higher speeds.
- Rough or uneven surfaces — helps reveal suspension issues and loose interior components.
- Tight turns and parking manoeuvres — check steering response and ease of control.
The more situations you test the vehicle in, the more likely you are to identify hidden issues. This is a critical part of any proper pre-purchase car inspection.
Checking Vehicle History & Paperwork
Verify the VIN against the car’s paperwork and ensure it isn’t flagged as stolen or written off. Check for finance owing or outstanding debts, which could result in repossession.
Ensure the service history is up-to-date and matches the car’s condition. Confirm the registration is current and the compliance date matches the vehicle model.
If buying from a dealership, review the warranty period and understand your consumer guarantees.
Using a PPSR Report to Verify Outstanding Debts and History
In addition to checking the VIN, service history, and registration, it’s wise to run a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) report on any used vehicle you are considering purchasing.
A PPSR report will show:
- If there is any finance owing on the vehicle.
- Whether the vehicle has been written off or is listed as a repairable write-off.
- If the car is recorded as stolen.
Without this check, you risk inheriting someone else’s debt — or worse, having the car repossessed after you’ve paid for it. For a small fee, this is one of the most valuable things to check when buying a car.
Lemon Car Check: Beware Of Common Scams
Be aware of these common scams when buying a used vehicle:
Odometer Reading Fraud
Compare interior wear with the odometer reading and request service records to verify mileage.
Title Washing
Use a VIN check to uncover past titles across states and verify no prior salvage history.
Flood Damage
Inspect for water stains, rust in hidden areas, and a musty smell—these can indicate prior flood exposure.
Fake or Forged Documents
Always verify service records and ownership documents with the issuing authorities.
Why a Professional Mobile Pre-Purchase Inspection Is Worth It
While a visual check and test drive are vital, only a professional car pre-purchase inspection can identify hidden issues that might cost you dearly later.
Experienced inspectors provide detailed reports, often including photos, to help you make an informed decision. Mobile pre-purchase inspections mean you don’t even need to be present – perfect when buying from a private seller or distant location.
Booking a professional inspection could save you thousands by helping you avoid a lemon.
Why Choose Roadworthies for a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection?
At Roadworthies, we offer expert pre-purchase vehicle inspection services across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. Our experienced inspectors provide comprehensive, mobile inspections at your convenience.
Benefits of choosing Roadworthies include:
- Thorough visual check, mechanical check, and road tests
- Detailed reports with clear recommendations
- Mobile service to your location
- Peace of mind for your next car purchase
By enlisting the expert pre-purchase inspection services provided by our team, you can purchase your next ride with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. Contact Roadworthies today to book your inspection and ensure your next used car is a smart investment.