Many car buyers find that purchasing a brand-new vehicle is simply out of their budget. Opting for a used car can offer fantastic value, but there’s always the chance of hidden mechanical issues lurking beneath the surface. Additionally, buying from a private seller can be a gamble. While it might save you some money compared to purchasing from a licensed motor car trader (LMCT), it also comes with fewer legal protections. For instance, in Victoria, an LMCT must provide a statutory warranty for cars under 10 years old and with less than 160,000 kilometres on the clock. This means the dealer is responsible for fixing any problems that crop up during the warranty period.
A statutory warranty lasts for 5,000 kilometres or three months, and even after it expires, you may still have some rights under the Australian Consumer Law if you run into any mechanical issues. Private sellers, on the other hand, don’t have these obligations.
That’s why it’s essential to arrange a pre-purchase car inspection before sealing the deal on a used vehicle. Keep reading to discover why a pre-purchase inspection is absolutely worth the investment.
What Is A Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection is a thorough vehicle check performed by a certified mobile mechanic to assess the condition of the mechanics, electrics, and body for signs of wear and tear. The mechanic then provides you with a report summarising their findings so you can be aware of any maintenance issues, negotiate a better price, or simply veto buying the car altogether.
The mechanic is on your side and will give you an honest and clear evaluation of the car, so you can purchase it with peace of mind.
What Is Included In A Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection involves a visual examination, a test drive to check for any handling issues, and appraisals to ensure all important features are working correctly. Additionally, the engine will be tested to ensure there are no faults. This evaluation process typically includes the inspection and documentation of several critical components of your car, such as:
- Body
- Chassis
- Under-structure
- Interior
- Exterior
- Electrical Systems
- Cooling Systems
- Exhaust Systems
- Braking Systems
- Fuel Systems
- Steering & Suspension Systems
- Safety Systems
- Transmission Systems
- Final Drive Systems
- Road test
Is A Pre-Purchase Inspection Worth The Investment?
Choosing to get a pre-purchase inspection depends on your knowledge of cars. For those who are informed of car mechanics and have the time to conduct their own inspection, a pre-purchase evaluation may not be necessary. However, if you do not know a lot about cars and require an honest evaluation, then a pre-purchase inspection is absolutely worth the investment, as purchasing a used car without knowing its potential issues can result in incurring thousands of dollars in maintenance and repair expenses in the future.
You should consider getting a pre-purchase inspection if:
- You’re interested in buying a car and need to know if it’s worth the price.
- You want to make sure you’re not taking on a car with mechanical, electrical or body issues.
- You want to find out if you can negotiate a better price.
- You want to confirm the seller is being honest about the car.
- You have found a competitively priced vehicle located far away from where you live and need an inspection carried out on your behalf.
You can expect to pay an average of $299 for a pre-purchase inspection.
How Do I Organise A Pre-Purchase Inspection?
When you book a pre-purchase inspection with Verifiinspect, we will contact the seller and the mechanic and organise the inspection on your behalf. You only need to fill out our simple online booking form, and we will take care of the rest. With our Australia-wide service, we can provide you with a mechanic no matter where you are.
For any queries, contact our Australian-based customer service team by submitting this form, or call us on 1300 88 40 33.
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