Buying guide
How to inspect a used car before you buy
You don't need to be a mechanic to catch most problems. Work through the car cold, in daylight, unrushed — and know the few things that mean walk away.
Checking a specific car?
Paste the listing and get the likely risks, fair price and inspection checklist for that exact vehicle.
Before you turn the key
See it in daylight, dry weather, at the seller's home. Check panel gaps and paint for past crash repairs, look under the car for leaks, and feel the bonnet — a pre-warmed engine can hide a hard cold-start problem.
Cold start and idle
Start it yourself from cold. Watch for smoke that doesn't clear, listen for knocks, rattles or a rough idle, and check the dash for warning lights that flicker on then off.
The test drive
Drive it properly — up to highway speed if you can. Feel for smooth gear changes, no clutch slip, straight braking with no shudder, and no vibration or pulling. Try it cold and after it warms up.
Paperwork
Match the VIN on the car to the paperwork, confirm service history and ownership, and check registration. Consider a PPSR check separately for money owing or write-off history — that's not something a visual inspection covers.
Quick checklist
- ✓Daylight, dry, at the seller's address, engine stone-cold
- ✓Panel gaps + paint consistent (no hidden crash repairs)
- ✓Cold-start: no lingering smoke, knocks or warning lights
- ✓Test drive to highway speed: smooth shifts, straight braking, no vibration
- ✓VIN matches paperwork; service history and rego check out
- ✓Walk away on: overheating, gearbox slip, structural rust, flood signs
Frequently asked questions
What should I check when buying a used car?
Inspect it cold in daylight: panel/paint consistency, a clean cold start with no smoke or warning lights, a proper test drive to highway speed, and matching paperwork. Walk away from overheating, gearbox slip or structural rust.
Do I still need a mechanic's inspection?
A careful self-inspection catches a lot, but a professional pre-purchase inspection (and a separate PPSR check) is still the safest way to confirm the mechanical condition and history before you buy.
Checking a specific car?
Paste the listing and get the likely risks, fair price and inspection checklist for that exact vehicle.
Keep reading
General guidance for Australian buyers — not a PPSR check, mechanical inspection, or guarantee about any specific car. Always inspect the exact vehicle and consider a pre-purchase inspection before buying.