When buying a second hand vehicle it is very important to inspect it thoroughly. The NSW government fair trading department has released a vehicle inspection checklist that is very useful.
Under The Hood Inspections
Engine number and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
VIN is an International system of identifying motor vehicles and is required under ADR’s. It is a combination of letters and numbers to identify its individual characteristics, for example model code, series, luxury level and body style.
The numbers shown on the Certificate of Registration must match the engine and VIN numbers on the car. Be wary of any signs of interference such as scratches, grind marks or drill holes. These may indicate illegal tampering with the numbers and the vehicle.
Built plate
A motor vehicle’s built date is the date during manufacture when the engine is fixed to the chassis. This is usually determined as the date of manufacture. This date is usually stamped on a metal plate fixed to the motor vehicle.
Compliance plate
A motor vehicle’s compliance plate will define the date on which the vehicle was confirmed to comply with certain Australian Design Rules (ADR). With some imported vehicles the date of compliance will vary from the date of manufacture.
Engine appearance
A build-up of dirt may suggest poor maintenance or mechanical problems.
Engine oil
Dirty/thick oil and a build-up of sludge in the engine may suggest poor maintenance. Grey or milky coloured oil may suggest the presence of water, which would indicate serious problems.
Engine idle
The engine should idle smoothly. Listen for irregular running or any unusual noise such as any knocking or rattling noises.
Oil fumes
Remove the oil filler cap while the engine is idling. Fumes may signify worn piston rings or cylinders. Thick, black smoke coming from the exhaust can signify problems as well.
Radiator coolant
Should be clean and brightly coloured. Oil in the coolant may indicate a cracked cylinder-head or a leaky gasket.
Radiator cooler fins or core tubes
Check for corrosion or damage.
Battery mounting platform/bracket
Check for acid corrosion.
Odometer Alteration Inspection
Check that the odometer is working during the test drive. Note the number of kilometres travelled which can indicate when a major service will be required. The Motor Dealers Act (The Act) makes it illegal to interfere with an odometer. It states that the following actions are deemed to be interference:
- altering the reading of the odometer
- removing or replacing the odometer
- rendering the odometer inoperative or inaccurate by any means whatsoever
- fitting a device capable of rendering the odometer inoperative or inaccurate.
A dealer is also prohibited from advertising or specifying that the reading of an odometer is accurate if the dealer knows or has reasonable cause to know that this is not the case
Underneath The Car Inspection
Tyres (don’t forget the spare)
Uneven wear may indicate worn or misaligned steering or suspension. Check that there is at least 5 mm of tread.
Oil leaks
Check the engine, transmission, axles, brakes, power steering and shock absorbers. A leak in any of these areas could indicate a problem and could possibly be a danger.
Exhaust system
Fumes or excessive noise may suggest there is a hole or rust in the pipes or the muffler.
Body Of Car Inspection
Rust/accident damage
Check inside the boot, the floor wells, doors and lower sills for red or other dark stains, dimpled or bubbled paint. Use a soft fridge magnet to check panels for plastic body filler.
Hail damage
Hail damage makes a car difficult to insure. Check the horizontal panels such as the bonnet, roof and boot lid.
Panel fitment
Loose panels may indicate accident damage or that the car has been driven over rough roads.
Doors and boot lid
Catches should close firmly and lock. Rubber seals can perish over time.
Paint
Look for colour variation, overspraying, dents or ripples. These may indicate that the car has been in an accident.
Interior Inspection
Upholstry, trim, carpets
Check for wear and tear.
Seat-belts
Check that the belts are not frayed or damaged, and that the belts, buckles and adjusters and child restraint anchorage points are in good condition.
Lights
Check that all lights, both inside and outside the car, are working. If the car is fitted with ABS and/or SRS (air bag), check that the dashboard warning light/s illuminate for a short time when the ignition is turned on.
Equipment and accessories
Check air-conditioning, ventilation fan, electric windows, sound systems, horn, windscreen wipers etc. Inoperative items can be expensive to repair or replace.
Jack and tool-kit
These items should be in place and in serviceable condition.
Vehicle Driveability Inspection
As part of a thorough inspection many people test-drive the car. The following are some things to check when test-driving.
Steering
Excessive ‘free travel’ or wandering on straight roads can indicate worn suspension or misaligned steering.
Brakes
The car should stop smoothly and in a straight line. The pedal should not sink to the floor or feel spongy and the steering wheel should not vibrate.
Exhaust
Blue smoke indicates oil is burning.
Engine
Should run smoothly (accelerating, decelerating and cruising) and the water temperature gauge should stay in the safe range. Rattling or knocking could mean incorrect tuning or excessive wear.
Transmission
Gear changes (manual and automatic) should be smooth, without any rattles or knocking noises. On front-wheel drive vehicles, these noises could indicate worn constant-velocity joints.
Suspension and bodywork
Listen for rattles when you drive over bumps. It is also wise to have the car inspected by a reputable mechanic.
Note: Before taking the car for a test drive, check with the seller that the seller has an insurance policy that covers you if an accident occurs.
http://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/Consumers/Motor_vehicles/Vehicle_inspection.html