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Pre-Purchase Inspections Before Buying a New Car

Pre-Purchase Inspections Before Buying a New Car article image by HP Automotive

A comprehensive vehicle inspection can help you decide whether you should repair or trade in your car. If your vehicle requires a major repair, such as in the case of a transmission system rebuild or engine replacement, you may be wondering if such activities are excellent investments. A car in good working condition but suffering from a few minor issues can benefit from major repairs and regular maintenance. 

It is also imperative for you to schedule a safety inspection to ensure that your car is not suffering from underlying issues that can put you and other people at risk. After a thorough safety inspection, you will be made aware of any problems that may require immediate repairs. Additionally, a comprehensive safety inspection will give you a clear view of your car’s overall condition and performance. It will also help you assess the value of your vehicle if you wish to put it up for sale. 

When it comes to car inspections, it must be a priority for vehicle owners to obtain inspection services from a trusted automotive shop in Sydney. You want an inspection to be accurate, thorough, and detailed. A skilled auto mechanic has all the knowledge and tools to perform a comprehensive vehicle and safety inspection. If you own a European car, it is recommended to find a car mechanic with adequate training and knowledge servicing luxury vehicles. 

Here are some vehicle pre-purchase tips to know before deciding on whether to sell your car or major repairs instead. 

Perform the necessary research before buying a used car

If you are leaning towards purchasing a second-hand or used car, you must first determine your special needs and budget. You need to narrow your choices to car makes and models that align with your specific driving need and lifestyle. Ideally, you must have up to four cars to choose from. Having too many cars in your selection roster will make you more confused than when you started. 

After setting your specific requirements and budget, look for cars that fit your criteria. The average price of used cars will depend on various factors, such as manufacturer, model, make, and other external factors such as the current demand of a vehicle model in the current market. 

It is also critical that you determine where to buy your car. Are you limiting the choices to online car sale platforms, or are you considering going to a dealership? Remember that dealerships will be slightly more expensive than when you perform your own vehicle search online.

Take notes of obvious issues before inspection 

For the average vehicle owner, it is impossible to get a clear picture of your overall car condition just by mere visual inspection. You can perform a comprehensive vehicle inspection and list down obvious issues. 

The next step involves conducting in-depth research on potential reliability or performance issues with the specific year or model of the car you wish to purchase. This will provide insights into understanding what to look for or ask the seller if you agree to inspect the car in person. 

Having reliable data about the car make and model will help you once you start negotiation for the final purchase price. At the end of the day, you want to gain an upper hand and successfully purchase the car within your budget.

Engine Inspection 

If you and the seller arrived at an agreement that an inspection should be performed before the purchase, make sure to find a reliable, unbiased auto mechanic. An engine inspection will involve the assessment and evaluation of the overall condition of the vehicle’s engine. This also includes checking for related components., such as the radiator, water pump, cooling system, hoses, spark plugs, coils, ignition system, rotor, drive belt, transmission mounts, engine mounts, and many more. During an engine inspection, a mechanic will also check for oil leaks, fluid leaks, and radiator leaks.

Brake Inspection

An auto mechanic will also inspect the brake pads and brake rotors on both sides, as well as the front and rear portion of the vehicle. Qualities such as firmness of the brake pads will be evaluated during inspection. To ensure safety, the emergency brakes are also inspected to ensure that they are engaging  properly. 

Suspension and Steering System Inspection 

An experienced auto mechanic in Sydney will not forget to include inspection of a car’s steering system. The front and rear portion will be thoroughly inspected and tested as well. Other factors that will be assessed following steering system inspection include the overall condition and performance of struts, idler arm, shocks, tie rod ends, steering, gear, wheel bearings, U joints, just to name a few. 

Fluid Level and Leak Checks

During an inspection the fluid levels will be checked as well. The presence of leaks in the manual or automatic transmission will be looked into closely, including assessing the presence of leaks in a vehicle’s cooling system, brakes, and transfer case.  

For all your vehicle inspection and servicing needs in Sydney, there is only one name you can trust. HP Automotive takes pride in its years of experience in providing premium pre-purchase vehicle inspections for vehicle buyers and owners in Sydney. As a reputable auto mechanic shop, you can rest assured that our auto mechanics perform through inspections with the utmost accuracy, precision, and honesty. To schedule an appointment, contact their direct line on 02 9979 8372 today.