What’s included in a pre-purchase vehicle inspection?
Buying a pre-loved car can be risky, but it also doesn’t need to be. Green Bean Auto’s pre-purchase car inspections could save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.
Our pre-purchase vehicle inspections include the following checks:
| Engine | Oiling system, cooling system, engine mounts and auxiliary items (such as belts, pulleys, and accessories) are visually checked for leaks and/or excessive wear. |
| Drivetrain | Gearbox, transfer case, selectable 4WD system, tail-shaft/s, and differential are visually checked for leaks and/or excessive |
| Brake system | Braking system is visually checked for leaks and/or excessive wear. *This does not include the pad/shoe or disk/drum wear as these are considered serviceable items. |
| Steering and suspension | Linkages, steering rack/box, bushings, springs, and shock absorbers are visually checked for leaks and/or excessive wear. |
| Battery and charging system | Battery and alternator health/performance are checked by specialised test equipment. |
| Exterior | Lights, mirrors, and wiper operation are checked. Mirrors, lights, and windscreen/s are checked for cracks or large stone chips |
| Accident damage | Rust/corrosion and unsafe repair jobs are visually checked for. |
| Undercarriage | The vehicle undercarriage is checked for heavy ground contact, corrosion, and water damage. |
| Air conditioning | Air conditioning system is checked for efficiency (function and temperature). |
| Interior and cargo area | Interior and cargo areas are checked for their general condition (wear and tear), electrical system function, dials and switches, and seat belt function. |
| Computerised diagnostic check | The vehicle’s diagnostic systems are checked for fault codes. *(pre 2000 vehicles may not have this function). |
| Road test | The vehicle is test driven to help locate any issues or faults. *Cars are not driven on freeways. |
| Tyre condition | Tyres (inc. spare) are visually checked for wear, damage, alignment, and tread. |
| Images of faults | We provide images of any faults that are immediately visible. *We are not able to capture images of some engine faults due to their nature and location. |
The above will be put into an easy-to-read condition report which is emailed to you the same day as the inspection. If you booked a follow-up phone call in addition to your report, our fully qualified mechanic will call you soon after the inspection is completed. The mechanic will provide you with a verbal overview of what is included in the report and be available to answer any questions.
What is not included in a pre-purchase inspection
- Brake function and lining material, brake drums (limited to what is immediately visible)
- Brake wheel cylinders
- Evidence of brake fluid contamination/hydraulic fluid
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) mechanics
- Meters indicating oil and fuel consumption or the degree of oil and fuel consumption
- Oil pump strainer to assess sludge build-up
- Hybrid/Electric car Batteries (start-up battery is checked)
- Vehicle electrics and electronics
- Transmission mechanics (internal)
- Engine cylinder compression
- Engine/motor mountings
- Water pump/fan
- Body water leaks or reason for leaks
- Camshaft belt/timing belt condition
- Estimated expiry of the exhaust system, clutch, dual mass flywheels
- Standard to which repairs or service history have been completed
- The functionality of audio-visual or entertainment systems including CD, Cassette, TV, DVD, iPod connectivity, sensors, alarm/security devices, satellite navigation systems/GPS
- Degree of gas emissions
- Catalytic converters
- Additional accessories included as a result of the owner’s modifications
- LPG systems
- Status of habitation areas of motorhomes or caravans
- Vehicle’s computer systems, such as trip meter computers, cruise control and any other computer systems
If you would like a detailed inspection of the vehicle’s interior and exterior condition, please let us know at the time of booking.
What Our Customers Are Saying
The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.
“Benjamin Franklin”
