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Get a Second-Hand Vehicle Inspected by a Trained Mechanic to Save you from Buying the Wrong Vehicle

Get a Second-Hand Vehicle Inspected by a Trained Mechanic to Save you from Buying the Wrong Vehicle article image by HP Automotive

Before buying a used car, it’s always best to perform a pre purchase car inspection from a reliable car mechanic in Sydney. It seems that a lot of buyers seem to ignore this advice as they end up wasting thousands of dollars on second-hand vehicles that are on the brink of destruction. There are many reasons why a lot of car buyers skip the pre purchase vehicle inspection. Here are some of them:

  • Some consumers are simply oblivious of the availability of used car pre purchase inspection services
  • A percentage of car buyers are unwilling to spend extra money on pre purchase inspections
  • Some car buyers want to avoid the hassle of convincing sellers or dealers to a pre purchase inspection

It’s important to remember that pre purchase car inspections play a vital role in revealing any defects, especially in used cars. Buying a used car that passed pre purchased inspection from a certified auto shop will provide you with that extra confidence on your buying decision. In the event your preferred mechanic detects any issues with the used car you are considering on purchasing, you can either withdraw from the deal or negotiate a reduced price to reflect costly repairs after purchase. 

Reputable sellers will let you take their used car for pre purchase inspection. Some will even agree to have the car inspected at their residence or place of work. If a car seller is reluctant with pre purchase inspection, there is a chance that he or she is hiding some considerable issues with their vehicle. Some will simply back out from the deal upon hearing pre purchase inspections. 

What happens during pre-purchase car inspection in Sydney?

It is important to pick a reliable and dependable mechanic to implement pre purchase inspections. A good mechanic will immediately identify major problems. During a pre purchase inspection, your mechanic will also detect poorly executed body work and alterations, including mechanical parts that require costly repairs. 

Elements that are impossible to evaluate from photos are stains, discolourations, and smell, some of which are important factors, especially to discerning consumers. Lastly pre purchase inspections involve detecting signs of flood damage. Flood damage is an issue that goes unnoticed, unless a vehicle undergoes thorough inspection. A mechanic with extensive experience in pre purchase inspection can easily spot signs of water damage. 

Other benefits of conducting a pre purchase inspection on a used car are as follows:

  • Confirm the equipment, features, and options included in the sale of a used vehicle
  • Verify the existing condition level of the vehicle
  • Identify hidden problems with the body, engine, and frame of used vehicles
  • Major engine problems that are spotted through engine codes
  • Establish confidence in the value of used vehicles

Where to get a used car pre purchase inspection in Sydney?

Independent auto shops such as HP Automotive offer inspections to Sydney residents. There are sellers who will be hesitant to let potential buyers take their vehicles for pre purchase inspection. In this case, you may give them the opportunity to pick their preferred auto repair shop. 

There are auto repairs shops who offer mobile pre purchase inspection. Although convenient on the part of sellers and buyers, this pre purchase inspection may not be as thorough as those that are conducted at repair shops. 

During a pre purchase inspection, a mechanic will not only look at areas of concern, but also the specific features that typically come with different car makes and models. An inspector will verify if a specific model has all features and options intact, hence giving the seller more confidence in their buying decision. 

What are the important elements that need checking during used car inspection in Sydney?

1. Thorough vehicle inspection

Make sure to inspect the car during the day or in a well-lit area. Inspect the paintwork and any signs of damage on the body of the car. Check the condition of the tyres. Evaluate whether the used car needs heavy body repairs after purchase. If the car has a history of major repairs or modifications, make sure to ask for the documentation that the repair was executed by a reliable auto repair shop. A good mechanic will also conduct close inspection of the interiors. 

2. Check for signs of leakage

During a pre purchase inspection, a mechanic will check for signs of leakage. If there are any leaks while running the engine for a few minutes, these will show immediately. Black fluid leaking means oil leakage, green fluid indicates antifreeze leakage, and pink fluid signifies a leak in the transmission. 

3. Checking the vehicle history

A mechanic will check documentation that pertains to a vehicle’s service and ownership history. It’s important that all deeds of sale are properly notarised with photocopies of IDs of previous vehicle owners. It’s also crucial to check the veracity of certificate of registration and original receipt to detect any issues such as encumbrance, as well as the year it was last registered. 

Whether you are conducting a pre purchase inspection at an auto shop or outside, it’s always wise to bring a trusted mechanic along. This is to ensure that you do not miss out on any important details that can mean costly repairs in the future. If you are planning to purchase a used car anytime soon, give us a call at HP Automotive. We will be more than happy to assign a well-trained and experienced auto mechanic to conduct meticulous and comprehensive pre purchase inspection for you.