I’m Ky, from SendIt Mobile Mechanical Services and through my decades of experience with cars, I know that buying a used car is a smart financial decision. You avoid a lot of the depreciation cost and in recent years, used cars have become far more reliable too.

But, for many, but without the right know-how, it can quickly turn into a costly mistake. While many car buyers opt to do their own inspections, too often there are hidden problems that only a trained eye can spot. In this guide, I want to change that:

This guide will walk you through the steps of performing your own used-car inspection, based on my experience as a mechanic and working with and on cars for 15+ years, and will put in insights from the comprehensive used-car checklist I use every day. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and ensure the car you’re buying is truly worth your investment.

And then, if you want a second opinion, you can come through me, Ky, for any vehicle on the Sunshine Coast, I come to you to do a mobile pre-purchase inspection that can save you thousands!

Want the Hassle Free Way?

Book Pre-Purchase Inspection Through Us Today!

Why Perform a Pre-Purchase Inspection?

A pre-purchase inspection is an essential step when buying any used car. Even if the seller assures you that the vehicle is in great shape, many issues are easily hidden from view, either because they haven’t yet shown major symptoms or because sellers aren’t always forthcoming. By inspecting the car thoroughly, you can avoid unexpected repair bills and, in some cases, prevent buying a vehicle that could be unsafe to drive.

A DIY inspection can help you catch many obvious issues, but there are limits to what most people can identify without the proper experience or tools. This guide will help you conduct a thorough inspection yourself while highlighting why professional assistance might still be beneficial for more complex diagnostics.

Let’s take you through step-by-step on the basics of some of my processes when inspecting a used car for clients.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Inspecting a Used Car Before You Buy

1. Start with a General Walk-Around

The first thing you should do is conduct a visual inspection of the car’s exterior and interior. This initial look can reveal a lot about how well the vehicle has been maintained. This is the first point of call everyone knows when inspecting a used car before they buy, yet time and time again I see key steps getting missed! So go through the following step-by-step:

Exterior Inspection:

Body Panels: Walk around the car and inspect each body panel closely. You’re looking for inconsistencies in the paint, which might indicate that the car has undergone body repairs. If you notice mismatched paint or areas where the color seems off, it’s possible the car has been in an accident and has been repaired.
Gaps Between Panels: Check the alignment of the panels. Uneven gaps can suggest that the vehicle has sustained structural damage, which could affect its safety and performance. We’ve even come across ‘fixes’ that have led gaps in seals that let water in and under the dash. So what appears to be a reasonable car interior, is one downpour away from mould! Not fun.
Rust: Surface rust isn’t uncommon, even on older cars, and especially in warmer climates like the sunshine coast. But you have to look deeper! You should be gravely concerned if you spot rust on critical areas like the frame or undercarriage. Rust can weaken the car’s structure, leading to expensive repairs or safety risks.
Windshield and Windows: Look for cracks or chips in the glass, as these can spread over time and require ridiculous costs of replacements. Also, check the seals around the windows for wear or damage, which could lead to water leaks.

Interior Inspection:

Seats and Upholstery: Inspect the seats for excessive wear, stains, or tears. A well-maintained interior can be a good sign that the previous owner took care of the car. On the flip side, a dirty or damaged interior obviously indicates neglect. Even if it looks good on the surface, try seeing
Controls and Electronics: Make sure to test all of the electronics inside the car—windows, locks, air conditioning, radio, and any other electrical systems. Even small issues here can lead to expensive repairs if the wiring is faulty.
Odometer Reading: Check the mileage and ensure it lines up with the car’s overall condition. Excessive wear on a low-mileage vehicle is a red flag and could point to odometer tampering.

2. Check Under the Hood

This is where things get serious. The condition of the engine, belts, hoses, and fluids will give you a good indication of how well the car has been maintained and whether there are any major mechanical problems looming.

Fluids:

Engine Oil: Pull out the dipstick and check the oil level and condition. The oil should be golden or light brown and at the proper level. Dark or sludgy oil could mean the car hasn’t been serviced properly, which could lead to engine damage.
Transmission Fluid: If the car has an automatic transmission, check the transmission fluid. It should be a bright red or pink color. Brown or burnt-smelling fluid is a sign that the transmission might need major repairs soon.
Coolant: Check the coolant reservoir for proper fluid levels. Low or discolored coolant could point to leaks or overheating problems.
Brake Fluid: This fluid should be clear or slightly yellow. If it’s dark or contaminated, the braking system might need attention.
Power Steering Fluid: Make sure the fluid level is within the recommended range. Low fluid levels could indicate leaks or other problems with the steering system.

Belts and Hoses:

Drive Belts: Inspect the belts for cracks, fraying, or wear. These are crucial for keeping the engine running smoothly. A worn-out belt could snap, leading to expensive repairs.
Hoses: Check all of the hoses under the hood for signs of cracks, leaks, or softness. A failing hose could lead to overheating or engine damage if not replaced.

3. Inspect the Underbody and Suspension

Getting under the car is crucial for spotting rust, leaks, and suspension problems. While it might be harder to do this during a DIY inspection without a lift, it’s important to at least get down on the ground and underneath, taking a look at the undercarriage. Obviously, ideally you’d jack the car up or get it up on a hoist, but that’s the disadvantage of inspecting a car before you buy the DIY way, you don’t always have the right tools! Regardless, we’ll try to be as thorough as we can:

Suspension:

Shock Absorbers and Struts: Press down on the car’s hood or trunk—if the car bounces more than once, the shocks or struts might be worn out. Also, look for leaking fluid around these components, which indicates they need replacement.
Tire Wear: Uneven tire wear can point to alignment problems or issues with the suspension. Tires should have an even wear pattern; otherwise, you might be dealing with more expensive issues like suspension damage.

Rust and Leaks:

Rust: Pay particular attention to the frame, floor pan, and suspension components. A little surface rust might be normal, but rust that’s deeper coated inside the metal is a sign that the car’s structural integrity is compromised.
Fluid Leaks: Look for any oil, transmission fluid, or coolant leaking from the car. Leaks can be an indication of significant mechanical issues that need attention.

4. Take a Test Drive

No inspection is complete without a test drive. This is your chance to see how the car performs on the road and to identify any issues with handling, braking, or acceleration.

Braking:

Noise and Vibration: When you press the brakes, listen for squealing or grinding noises, and pay attention to any vibrations through the brake pedal. These are signs of worn brake pads or warped rotors.
Brake Performance: The car should come to a stop smoothly without pulling to one side. If you feel the car pulling, there may be an issue with the brake system or alignment.

Transmission and Acceleration:

Smooth Shifting: The transmission should shift gears smoothly, without jerking or hesitation. Grinding noises or difficulty shifting can indicate a failing transmission.
Acceleration: Pay attention to how the car accelerates. If the engine hesitates or struggles to pick up speed, it could be a sign of engine or fuel system problems.

Steering and Handling:

Responsive Steering: The steering wheel should feel responsive, and the car should handle turns smoothly. Any pulling or wandering can point to suspension or alignment issues.
Suspension Feel: As you drive, listen for any clunking or knocking noises from the suspension. These sounds can indicate worn-out components like ball joints or control arms.

Common Mistakes I’ve Seen When Going DIY: Inspecting a Used Car Before You Buy

Even with a solid guide, like this one, it’s easy to make mistakes when going DIY and inspecting a used car before you buy. Here are a few common missteps that could lead to expensive surprises down the road:

1. Not Using a Diagnostic Scanner

A visual check might help you catch some obvious issues, but modern cars have complex systems that can hide problems from the untrained eye. A diagnostic scanner plugs into the car’s OBD-II port (essentially the brains of the car) and reads any error codes that have been logged. Without this tool, you won’t know if the car has hidden problems with the transmission, fuel system, or even airbags.

Solution: Either invest in a basic scanner or have a mechanic, like me, come scan the vehicle for you.

2. Skipping the Undercarriage Inspection

Many buyers focus on the car’s exterior and forget to check the undercarriage. This is a huge mistake, as the underbody can reveal critical problems like rust, suspension wear, or leaks.

Solution: Make sure to at least glance under the car or have a professional lift it for a thorough inspection.

3. Ignoring Fluid Levels and Condition

Fluids are the lifeblood of your car. Low or dirty fluids can point to leaks, overheating issues, or poor maintenance. Ignoring these can lead to expensive repairs later on.

Solution: Always check the oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid during your inspection.

4. Underestimating Minor Engine Noises

A small rattle or ticking noise might not seem like a big deal, but these sounds can be early warning signs of serious engine trouble, like valve issues or timing chain wear. Many buyers overlook these noises because they assume they’re just minor.

Solution: If the engine doesn’t sound smooth and steady, it’s worth having a mechanic take a closer look.

Why a Professional Inspection Might Be the Better Option

While a DIY inspection can help you catch some problems, it’s no substitute for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Here’s why:

1. Experience Matters

As a mechanic, I’ve seen things that even a thorough DIY inspection would miss. Inspecting a used car before you buy it is an option and I think it makes sense for cheap reliable vehicles, if you’re relatively mechanically minded! But, at the end of the day my experience and equipment allows me to spot early signs of wear, subtle indications of previous accidents, and potential long-term problems – allowing you to negotiate better prices. Without this expertise, you might miss something that could cost you later.

2. Tools You Don’t Have

Professional mechanics have access to tools that most buyers don’t—like diagnostic scanners, paint thickness gauges, and compression testers. These tools allow us to get a deeper understanding of the car’s true condition.

3. Save Time and Effort

Let’s face it—doing a thorough inspection yourself takes time, and unless you have the right setup, it can be difficult to spot every issue. I made this guide to combat that, and hopefully it’s been helpful to some to avoid the common pitfalls that most people make. But, at the end of the day, even if you are mechanically minded, you’re at a disadvantage. At Send It Mobile Roadworthy, we’re equipped with the tools, expertise and experience to catch everything you can about the car’s history and condition! And best of all, we offer mobile pre-purchase inspections, which means we come to you.

Whether you’re at home, work, or at the seller’s location, we’ll handle the inspection for you, saving you the hassle of coordinating a visit to a workshop.

4. Peace of Mind

Ultimately, a professional inspection gives you the peace of mind that you’re making a smart investment. Our comprehensive reports give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your purchase, avoid lemons or negotiate a better price!

Conclusion: Protect Your Investment With a Professional When Inspecting a Used Car Before You Buy

Inspecting a used car before you buy, and going the DIY route can give you a good sense of a car’s condition. I think it makes sense with cheaper cars for sure! And hopefully this blog has given you a better idea of how to go about it, and what to look out for.

But when it comes to making a more significant investment, there’s no substitute for a professional inspection. At Send It Mobile Roadworthy, we provide comprehensive mobile inspections that go beyond the basics, ensuring you’re fully informed! Getting us inspecting a used car before you buy it will save you money in negotiation or costly repairs down the line!

To book your inspection, visit our book above on our website or give us a call on 0456 183 541. Don’t risk buying a lemon—let us make sure your next car is the right choice.