Pre-purchase car inspections

What an inspection can reveal

A pre-purchase inspection can identify visible wear, warning lights, fluid leaks, unusual noises and maintenance concerns. It can help you ask better questions or decide whether specialist checks are needed.

Typical inspection areas

• Engine bay and visible fluid condition
• Starting and running behaviour
• Dashboard warnings and available diagnostics
• Tyres, brakes and suspension observations
• Body, lights, accessories and visible damage
• Service-history and maintenance clues

Important limitations

A mobile visual and operational inspection cannot guarantee future reliability or reveal every concealed defect. Access, weather, road-test permission and vehicle condition influence what can be checked. Finance, ownership, write-off and stolen-vehicle checks should be completed separately through appropriate official services.

Before the appointment

Ask the seller for permission, a safe inspection location, keys, available service records and enough time. Avoid relying only on a roadworthy or seller-supplied report when making a purchase decision.