Nobody wants to get caught out with a lemon.
When you are looking to buy a used car – whether through a dealer or through private sale – it pays to go into the inspection and test drive knowing what to look for and which questions to ask.
Background checks.
- Run the vehicle’s VIN through a Personal Properties Securities Register (PPSR) search to check if the vehicle has been stolen, reported as written off, or has outstanding finance owing
- Is there proof available of the car’s service history so you can be confident it has been well-looked after?
Vehicle faults to look for.
- Bodywork and paint – any obvious scrapes or scratches can give you room to negotiate on price. But you should also check for any suspicious marks or welds that could be signs of crash repairs
- Check tyres have good tread – bald tyres will be expensive to replace and can be a red flag that the last owner wasn’t committed to looking after the car
- Engine – pop the hood and check the oil and radiator fluid, then inspect for signs of any leaks underneath the car. Run the engine with the bonnet open and check for fumes or smells that could be a sign of engine problems
- Check all lights, equipment and accessories are working properly – power windows, wipers, car stereo etc.
Driving in comfort.
- Does the car have everything you need to be comfortable while driving – e.g. cup holders, storage, space for legs, shoulder, and head clearance, good visibility?
- Listen for any noise while driving. Take the car over a speed bump or two to check for any rattles
- Check brakes and gears are working well.
Get help from the professionals.
An independent inspection from a qualified mechanic can help you pay a fair price and buy with confidence. Several insurance companies also offer a pre-purchase inspection service for a fee.
- NRMA in Sydney, Newcastle, Central Coast NSW, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Perth. Remote Video Assessments (RVA) are available for all other areas
- RACV across Victoria, including regional hubs like Mildura, Bendigo, Ballarat, and Geelong
- RAA in Adelaide
- RAC in Perth Metro areas
- RACQ across Queensland.
Keep learning.
- Looking for a car loan? Beyond Bank offers competitive rates with 1-7 year loan terms and unlimited extra repayments. Explore car loans
- Read our complete car buying guide. We step you through each stage of the car buying process, from selecting a model to arranging finance.
- Want to chat to someone one-to-one about your car loan options? Our Lending Team are here to help. Visit a branch or call us on 13 25 85 to arrange an appointment.
