The Ultimate Car Pre Purchase Inspection Checklist to Follow
A car pre purchase inspection is the most crucial vetting procedure in the entire car purchase process. It's especially vital in certifying whether the pre-owned car you're buying is worth the price you're paying. Not doing a car pre purchase inspection now could affect you later. You could find yourself spending a lot more on unnecessary maintenance and repairs. This is why you must get the car thoroughly inspected by a reputed garage to ensure it runs well. The car pre purchase inspection typically consists of a comprehensive check-up of the exterior, the interior, and the functioning of all the units of the vehicle. The car technician can then offer their suggestions on how to proceed, based on the condition of the car.
Should you get a pre purchase inspection?
Our team of auto experts say it's an absolute must. The main reason for getting a car pre purchase inspection done is to ascertain the condition of the car you're getting. The team of car technicians will go over the vehicle thoroughly, from inside out, to ensure it will function properly in the long run. Various internal components will be thoroughly analysed, ranging from the battery, to the AC, to the radiator, to the engine, and more. They'll even perform intensive testing to check for any coolant or oil leakage. The exterior testing includes paint checks, to determine the extent of accidents and other body damage the car has taken.
Why do mechanics charge for diagnostic?
All car pre purchase inspections done at reputed car garages come with intensive scanning and diagnostics tests. Since this involves lifting the car up and using advanced technology, there's a fee attached to it. Some car owners or aspiring car owners may be put off by the prospect of having to spend to get their car inspected. However, this will only become beneficial in the long run. Spending a certain amount as the diagnostics fee will help you save a lot of money in the future, as you can avoid expensive maintenance and repair work. The ultimate car pre purchase inspection checklist for all aspiring car owners
Examine the car for any paint discolouration
Closely examine the exterior of the car for any scratches, rust build-up, or more commonly, any paint discolouration. These occurrences indicate the damage history of the vehicle that can be used to verify what you're told about the car.
Carry out a 'below-the-hood' inspection
A lot of components that require intensive checking rest under the hood.
- Start off by checking the oil level. The rule of thumb for checking oil is that a lighter shade of oil is new, while darker, murkier oil is old.
- Check the array of fluids. You have transmission fluids, brake fluids, and the battery electrolyte.
- Inspect the battery unit for any signs of rusting or corrosion, improper contacts or damaged cables, and any form of leakage.
- Examine the engine belts for any signs of damage. If the belts look like they're worn out, they need to be replaced soon.
- Lastly, look around under the hood and inside for any signs of rust or corrosion. This determines how the car has been cared for thus far, and how long it's likely to last.
Thoroughly inspect the engine unit
Make sure the engine's functioning correctly. There shouldn't be any signs of overheating, any knocking sounds or vibration, or any misfiring. If you see evidence for any of these, and especially, if there's any smoke, it's best to get a professional opinion.
Check the condition of the tyres
Have a closer look at the tyres and look for any signs of wear and tear. Check the tread depth by doing the coin trick. Insert a coin into the groove of your tyres. If you can see more than two-thirds of the coin, then your tyre tread is worn out.
Go through all the electrical components properly
When you're inside the car, it's best to get the easier inspections out of the way. Start with all the minor electrical components, such as the controls for the mirrors, the windows, and other programmed units. Once you're through with that, move on to the radio, the music system, and the AC. Spend some more time here as these units tend to cost more, in case you need to get any additional repairs done here.
Pay close attention to the odometer reading
Before you can start driving, check the odometer and its reading very carefully. Some owners may try to tamper with it to increase the value of the car. If you happen to see any scratches on or around the odometer, it's probably tampered with.
Have increased awareness while test driving
When you're taking the car out for a test spin, lower the windows and pay close attention to any noises you may hear from the vehicle. Try to figure out how the car feels as well by looking out for any vibrations or jerky motions. These kinds of symptoms typically point towards broader issues.
- Test the brakes – aggressively
- The brake system is one of the most critical components in your car. Don't be afraid to let loose and test it to ensure it's functioning correctly, with minimal resistance.
- Run a test on all of the lights
- Check if all the lights – brake lights, headlights, taillights, and indicator lights are all working correctly. You must also check if the interior lights are in working conditions.
- Go through the car's service and maintenance history
- Finally, ask the owner for the car's service and maintenance history. This will cover all the issues and repairs the vehicle has been through, and what you may have to look out for. Verify this information with what you have been told to make a guided choice.
Consider our car pre purchase inspection service
Ultimately, it's always better to get professional guidance on making a car purchase, especially if you're getting a pre-owned car. As a part of our extensive service network, we have the best garages with the most advanced scanning and diagnostics technology. Our team of certified car technicians will run a comprehensive car pre purchase inspection test on your car and give you a detailed health report. This will cover all the issues and what repairs you might need. You can also get a quote for all these repairs. However, no repair process will commence without your approval. Our team of former agency car service advisors will guide you through the entire process, so you remain in the loop.
Where do I get car pre purchase inspection near me?
Since we provide a pickup and delivery service, we're always near you for all your car maintenance requirements. If you want to get a renault service done, we'll pick up and drop off your vehicle at your desired time and location. Our booking system is designed to be simple and convenient for you. All you have to do is request a car pre purchase inspection, and sign off on all the repairs you want when you get the quote. Get personalised service from our dedicated auto service experts. They're always around to answer all your queries, and solve all your problems. Make a booking on the ServiceMyCar app or the website for your next car pre purchase inspection today.
