car assessment

Assessing a car is part detective work, part gut check, and entirely less glamorous than the photos suggest.

Start with paperwork: matching VINs, a clear PPSR check, and a fat folder of receipts—thin histories are thin for a reason.

Cold start it, listen for rattles, watch for smoke, and check for leaks, uneven tyre wear and overspray that whispers “resprayed”.

On the test drive, demand a decent route: potholes, a freeway stint, hard braking, full‑lock turns; anything less is just a scenic tour.

Electrics should all work, the A/C should be icy, and the dash must be warning‑light free (no, “it’s always been on” is not charming).

When in doubt, pay for a pre‑purchase inspection and sleep like a baby who didn’t buy a lemon off vibes alone—then go shopping on Tradingpost with confidence.