Essential Checks for Buying a Used Car: Tips to Avoid Costly Mistakes

When you’re in the market for a used car, there are a few essential items to consider before heading into the purchase. Some popular makes and models in the new car market have long wait lists as supply chains, and production lines attempt to catch up from the pandemic interruptions. This makes the used car market appealing to those who cannot wait for a new vehicle.

Regardless of what you’re looking for in a car, a few simple checks will ensure you are not buying a problem that will likely drain your energy and your bank account. 

One of the first checks to complete before a test drive is a PPSR – Personal Properties Securities Register check. The PPSR is an official government register managed by the Registrar of Personal Property Securities. This check will provide you with all current logged information, such as the last known mileage, accident history if a claim has been made, or if the vehicle has been registered as a repairable write-off. The check will also show you if the vehicle has been reported stolen. If a finance company holds the vehicle as security, this will also be evident. Additional information such as the VIN (vehicle identification number), engine number, registration expiry and the state where the vehicle is registered.

If the vehicle you’re purchasing is not in the same location as you, or if checking a vehicle isn’t your skillset, it is advisable to request a full comprehensive pre-purchase inspection before proceeding. A pre-purchase inspection will give you a thorough check-over, and includes items such as the paint, interior, panel alignments, tyre and suspension condition, and brake material thickness, to name a few.

If you are in the market for a used hybrid or electric vehicle, it’s advisable to scan the battery pack to reveal the State of Charge (SOC). These vehicles will have a reduced range in comparison to brand new. An example of this will be if the SOC is 60%, this is a decrease in the range of approximately 40%. At a recent electric vehicle training course, the example provided was a 2018 Mitsubishi PHEV, and the cost to replace the battery was significant and a consideration which it’s advisable to be prepared for.

When it comes to older vehicles, it’s essential to research and understands what the make, model and year are valued at. An additional check could be to browse online forums and understand common problems, or ask your trusted Mechanic.

With connectivity to the world at our fingertips, there will inevitably be someone, somewhere in the world with the same car, experiencing a problem that has been written about.

Two websites we recommend visiting are redbook.com.au and carsales.com.au

The final essential check is to ensure the logbook services are up to date and have been conducted routinely as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. The manufacturer has set scheduled servicing guidelines to ensure longevity for your motoring experience. If the vehicle is serviced and inspected for defects at the required intervals, the chance that worn components have been identified and replaced is much higher. This servicing frequency and regular maintenance will also increase the likelihood that the vehicle will pass a Safety Certificate Inspection, which is required for registration transfers.

If there are no logbooks and you have your heart set on the purchase, consider a full major service or a start-from-scratch service upon collection. A service like this will replace all the fluids and serviceable items in the vehicle so that you know they are in good condition, and the chances you get a surprise down the road are significantly reduced. 

With all the essential checks completed, you will have many years of motoring ahead, knowing you made an informed decision.