An onsite inspection is an essential part of any car purchase or sale.
When you’re buying a used car, you want to be sure that it is safe and reliable, and that it is genuinely what it is meant to be. An inspection can help you understand the condition of the car, its history and what repairs/maintenance it may need in the future.
This service typically includes an inspection of many components including brakes, suspension, transmission and engine performance. As well as checking for body damage, fluids and visible rust. It is better to have the automotive inspection carried out by a third-party inspection service, rather than a dealership or private seller because of their neutral stance when it comes to selling the vehicle. The independent inspection service has no vested interest in the sale of the vehicle. If you’re buying or selling a car- be sure to learn more about the car you are buying before you commit.
What Happens During an Onsite Inspection?
A mechanic will perform an inspection of the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, tyres, lights, windshield wipers, and other parts of the vehicle. They will check for signs of wear and tear, leaks, cracks, rust, and other issues. If there are any problems found, they will explain them to you so you can decide whether or not to buy the vehicle.
A used car inspection can vary depending on the mechanic that you hire. However, most automotive inspection companies will check the following:
- The exterior of the car for rust, dents and visible signs of damage.
- The condition of the lights and tires.
- The condition of the interior of the car – including the seats, lights, steering wheel and overall general condition.
- All of the car’s fluids including engine oil, transmission fluid (where possible), brake fluid and windshield wiper fluid.
- The condition of the car’s engine, transmission, suspension and brakes.
- Information about the car’s previous owners. The mechanic will also check the odometer reading and the VIN (vehicle identification number) to see if they match. If they don’t match, that may indicate the car has been in an accident and the odometer has been tampered with/replaced. They might also be able to tell when the car was last serviced based on the VIN and the date of the last service sticker on the car.
Why Is an Onsite Inspection Necessary?
An onsite inspection helps ensure that the vehicle has been maintained properly and is safe to operate. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that the car was inspected by a professional mechanic before being sold.
Before purchasing a car, you should make sure that it has been inspected by a professional mechanic. This is because a vehicle can develop mechanical problems after being driven for some time. It is also possible for a vehicle to fail its safety inspections. In addition, a mechanic can help you identify potential problems with the vehicle before you purchase it.
This is especially important for older cars with high mileage since these cars could have mechanical issues. A pre-purchase inspection helps you avoid buying a car that has major problems that you can’t see. It also provides you with information about the condition of the car so that you know what you’re getting into if you decide to buy the car.
Used car inspections are especially important if you are buying from a private seller rather than a dealership. When you buy from a private seller, you have no warranty or protection on the car. An automotive inspection is a way to check the car’s condition and make sure there are no serious problems. If a car has major issues, you can walk away from the deal or negotiate a lower price so that you aren’t paying a lot of money for a car that needs repairs.
Common Problems That Can Be Detected During an Onsite Inspection
There are several things that can go wrong with a vehicle during an onsite inspection. These include:
- A faulty engine
- Faulty brakes
- Defective suspension
- Poor tyre tread / incorrect type/size / poor quality
- Electrical issues
- Damaged wiring
- Cracked windshield
- Fault codes stored in control unit systems
- Incomplete paperwork
- Unsafe driving conditions
- Leaking fluids
- Poor alignment
- Damaged seats
- Inoperable lights
- Certain systems not operating
- Rust
- Other issues
How to Find a Reputable Mechanic for an Inspection?
When you’re deciding on a mechanic to perform your used car inspection, it’s important that you hire someone with a good track record and a high level of customer service. You can look online at customer reviews, ask friends for recommendations or search for local inspection companies in your area.
In the end, you want to make sure the mechanic is thorough in their analysis and doesn’t just ignore problems. You also want to make sure that they document the issues they find. When you get a copy of the inspection report, you should be able to understand the issues they found, and their recommended repair or maintenance options and they may be able to give a rough estimate of the costs involved.
When Is It Not Okay to Buy a Car Without an Inspection?
If you are buying a used car, it is usually always a good idea to have it inspected by a third-party mechanic before buying. There are times when it may be okay to buy a car without having it inspected, but you should use your best judgment in each situation.
If you are buying the car from a reputable dealership, it may be okay not to have the car inspected. Dealerships tend to have their cars thoroughly inspected and fixed before putting them on the lot and again before selling them to customers, and they may have a warranty, however, it is not good to rely on this. Note that in Victoria, once a car is over a certain age and km travelled, the dealer no longer needs to provide a ‘statutory 90-day warranty’. Check this before committing!
If you are buying a car from a private seller, you should always have the car inspected. These sellers may not be as careful with their cars, and you want to make sure the car is safe to drive.
Conclusion
Before making a used car purchase, equip yourself with our in-depth pre purchase inspections report. Our exhaustive on-site car inspection checklist ensures that your vehicle remains in optimal working order for many years to come, so you can be sure and confident about the car you want. Contact Us Now!
