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What does a pre-purchase vehicle inspection check?

A plain-English look at what a mechanic checks during a pre-purchase inspection, and why each part matters.

By Green Bean Auto · Reviewed by Luke, licensed mechanic (MVRL60337)·Updated ·2 min read
QUICK ANSWER

A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is an independent check of a used vehicle by a qualified mechanic before you buy it. It covers the engine and fluids, transmission, brakes, steering and suspension, tyres, body and rust, interior and electrics, a diagnostic scan for fault codes and a road test, followed by a written photo report.

A pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of a vehicle's condition by a qualified mechanic before you buy it. The aim is simple: to find problems before they become yours.

Areas covered

✓Engine and fluids: leaks, fluid condition, belts, hoses and how the engine starts and runs.
✓Transmission and driveline: shift quality, leaks and noises.
✓Brakes: pad and rotor condition, and how the car pulls up.
✓Steering and suspension: worn joints, bushes and shock absorbers.
✓Tyres and wheels: tread depth, uneven wear and damage.
✓Body, paint and rust: signs of accident repairs, corrosion and panel damage.
✓Interior and electrics: controls, air conditioning, lights and accessories.
✓Diagnostic scan: stored and pending fault codes in the car's computer.
✓Road test: how the car drives at different speeds.

Why a diagnostic scan matters

Modern cars record faults in their computer even when no warning light is showing. A scan can reveal issues that have been recorded, and can also suggest whether codes have been cleared recently, a possible sign that someone is hiding a problem.

What you get afterwards

You receive a written report with photos, explaining what was found and how significant it is. Use it to decide whether to buy, negotiate on price or walk away.

What an inspection isn't

An inspection is a thorough check of the vehicle's condition on the day. No inspection predicts every future failure, and a report is not a warranty, but you walk away with a far clearer picture than you'd get on your own.

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For how this differs from a rego safety check, read pre-purchase inspection vs pink slip.

Pre-purchase inspection vs pink slip →
General information only. For advice on a specific vehicle, book an inspection with a licensed mechanic.

Keep reading

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GUIDE Using an inspection report to negotiate How to turn the findings in your pre-purchase inspection report into a fair price, or a clear reason to walk away. ARTICLE Pre-purchase inspection vs pink slip: what's the difference? A current pink slip doesn't mean a car is in good mechanical condition. This article compares the two checks. ARTICLE Is a pre-purchase car inspection worth it? What you get for the cost of an inspection, when it matters most, and when you can skip it.