Is it worth paying for an auto pre-purchase inspection?

Most people are aware of the benefits of a car mechanics service but tend to be unaware that the same sort of service can be very beneficial before you buy a car. By this we mean an auto pre-purchase inspection, which most people don’t think about or dismiss because they don’t want to pay for this type of car mechanics service.

There are of course arguments for and against an auto pre-purchase inspection, but if you are buying a car privately then the cost of this service can be extremely beneficial, especially if it prevents you buying a car that needs lots of repair work.

The RACQ and NRMA both offer this service, but any qualified and reputable mechanic can also perform a pre-purchase inspection. They will most probably take a few hours to go over the car and then give you an itemised accounting of any issues they have found on the vehicle.

Some of the issues they check include:

• Is the odometer working?
• Does the odometer agree with any service documents?
• Does the VIN number and the registration match?
• Is there any tampering around the compliance plates?
• Is there any sign of previous accident damage?
• Is there any rust?
• Has previous rust been fixed properly or just filled?
• Bouncy shock absorbers.
• Do all the tyres have a legal tread?
• Do all the lights and windscreen wipers work?
• Do all the gauges work?
• Is the A/C working properly?
• Are the seat belts intact, in good condition and working?
• Are there any radiator or hose problems?
• Are there any oil and transmission fluid leaks?
• Does the engine run smoothly with no problem noises or worrying exhaust smoke?
• Do all the doors lock and seal correctly?
• Are the seats in good order and fitted correctly?
• Any cracks in the windows or light fittings?
• Are there any computer fault codes?

 
Usually, a road test is also performed as part of this auto pre-purchase inspection because some problems only come to light when the engine is warm and has been running for a while.

If you don’t want to pay for an auto pre-purchase inspection, even though it can save you a lot of money in the long run, do make sure that you take someone with you who has a good mechanical knowledge. The last thing you want is to hand over your valuable money and register the car in your name, only to have to pay out thousands of dollars to have the car repaired a short time afterwards.