used car vehicle inspection Page 8

Buying a used car? Do a proper vehicle inspection before your heart writes cheques your wallet can’t cash.

Check the VIN and PPSR for finance or write-off history, then look for mismatched panels, overspray, rust, and uneven tyre wear that screams poor alignment or worse.

Cold-start it and listen for rattles, smoke, or rough idle; on the test drive, ensure the transmission shifts cleanly, brakes pull straight, and the temp gauge behaves.

Make sure every switch, window, light, and infotainment widget works, and scan for fault codes if you can—no warnings should remain lit after start-up.

Finally, get an independent pre-purchase inspection; in Australia they typically cost around AUD $200–$350 and can save you thousands and a lifetime of buyer’s remorse.