QLD Car Care
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How to Tell if a Used Car is in Good Condition
December 06, 2024
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Buying a used car can feel like stepping into a minefield. You might not know what you’re getting until it’s too late. Is it a well-loved gem or a potential money pit? The good news is that with the right knowledge and a bit of patience, you can make a confident decision and avoid nasty surprises.
As an experienced pre-purchase inspector, I have seen my fair share of dodgy used cars. My guide will walk you through everything you need to check when buying a used car, from spotting hidden damage to understanding what that strange noise might mean. Let’s get into it.
Inspect the Car
When you’re buying a used car, your eyes (and hands!) are your best friends. A thorough visual inspection can help you spot damage and get an idea of the car’s condition. Here’s how to give the car a good once-over, both inside and out, without breaking out your mechanic’s toolbox.
What to check on the outside of a used car
Bodywork Details
Start with the basics. Walk around the car and check for uneven panel gaps, overspray, or slight color differences. Look for dents, dings, or signs of filler. Run your hand along the edges; smooth is good, lumpy isn’t. These are often subtle hints that the car might have been in an accident and had some patchwork done.
Take a closer look at the bolts on the doors, hood, or trunk. If the paint on these bolts is scuffed or missing, it could mean the panels have been removed and reinstalled.
Usually, cosmetic damage like this won’t be a deal breaker, but noting small imperfections are a good way to negotiate on price, even for a few hundred dollars.
Suspension
Suspension is the system of springs, shocks, and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Basically, it makes sure you have a smooth ride by absorbing bumps and maintaining stability on uneven roads. A degraded suspension is not only costly to repair but also very unsafe, so you want to make sure it’s in good condition.
To check your suspension, push down hard on each corner of the car one at a time. It should return to its position without wobbling or delay. Most modern cars should also have warning lights that let you know about suspension issues, but this is a great extra test.
Brakes and rotors
Brake pads are what presses against the rotors (discs attached to the wheels) to create the friction that stops the car. It goes without saying that both of these components are really important to check in a used car.
Inspect each and look for uneven wear or uneven grooves. This could be a sign that either is time for a replacement. While this is a part of standard vehicle maintenance, I’d recommend negotiating a price reduction if these will need a change soon.
Tyres & spare tyre
We all know that replacing tyres can be a massive cost when it comes to regular services, so always make sure to check the state of the tyres! Keep in mind bald tyres are super dangerous, it’s actually illegal to drive in Australia with tyres less than 1.6mm tread.
You can tell tyres are worn when they have less tread on them, like in the photo below.
Actually, a good trick to check for tire tread is to use a 20c coin and gauge the depth the coin sinks into the tire grooves. While you’re there check for any obvious damage, too. Make sure to check all tires as, in my experience, it’s pretty common to replace the front or back pairs at different times.
Of course, don’t forget to check the spare tyre. Sometimes people will use their emergency tyre and forget or neglect to buy a new one. If the car doesn’t come with a spare tyre, I always recommend asking the seller to knock off that cost from the asking price.
Mirrors
Check for cracks or signs of discolouration on the mirrors. These are easy to spot and easy to fix.
Exterior lights
Next, I recommend you check every light bulb on the car. This includes headlights (both high and low beams), taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and even fog lights if the car has them.
A burned-out bulb might seem like a simple fix, but it could also indicate deeper electrical issues, such as wiring problems, a faulty fuse, or a failing light housing. I’ve seen this happen many times, a buyer thinks the repair will only cost the price of a new bulb but in reality they have to pay for completely new electrical. What a nightmare!
In my opinion, blown lights should be negotiated to be fixed before the purchase. Not only is it illegal to drive around with faulty brake lights or turn signals, the vehicle also won’t pass a roadworthy certificate test without these fixes. And of course, you should never buy without a roadworthy certificate!
What to check on the inside of a used car
Once you’re satisfied with the exterior, then it’s time for you to hop in! Basically, what I recommend here is pushing every button you can find (in a methodical fashion ).
Here’s a quick list of some of the interior things I check during a pre-purchase inspection:
- Seats and Belts: Make sure they adjust properly and click into place securely.
- Rear and Front Window Demisters: Foggy windows can be a pain. Check that they turn on, atleast. It can be difficult to check if they’re working properly without mist!
- Heater and A/C: Test the entire range of temperatures. If it’s blowing warm air instead of cool, it might need an aircon regas.
- Horn: Give it a honk.
- Windows and Interior Lights: Operate all switches and buttons.
- Trims and Dashboard: Look for cracks, scratches, or signs of excessive wear.
- Radio and Infotainment System: Tune in and test Bluetooth, aux, and USB connections.
How to check for rust on a used car
Okay, so in my experience, rust on a used car is a really common issue that some sellers aren’t even aware of.
Peek under the bonnet and inspect areas around the alternator and bonnet latch. Rust here can suggest flood exposure.
For utes and four-wheel drives, get low and check the undercarriage. Here, you’ll be able to see if sand and salt water have been left to rust the bottom of the car after a day of offroading at the beach.
If you find significant rust, it’s often better to walk away. It’s not just an aesthetic issue, it’s probably going to lead to structural damage down the road. Repairs can quickly snowball, and in my experience it’s not worth the headache.
Ask to Take it For a Test Drive
A test drive is one of the best ways to tell if a used car is in good condition, so never skip it. Start by paying attention to how the car feels on the road. Listen carefully for any unusual noises.
A clunking sound when going over bumps could mean trouble with the suspension or worn-out bushings, while grinding noises might point to an issue with the brakes or transmission. Squealing? That’s often a sign of worn brake pads or a loose belt under the hood.
Next, focus on how the car handles. Is the steering smooth and responsive, or does it feel heavy or wobbly? A car that drifts to one side might have an alignment issue, while vibrations in the steering wheel could hint at warped rotors or unbalanced tires. Don’t forget to test the brakes – there shouldn’t be any shuddering or delay when you press the pedal.
Check for warning lights during a test drive
Finally, take a good look at the dashboard. If any warning lights are on, that’s a big red flag. It doesn’t matter if the seller insists it’s already been looked at by a mechanic, they are there for a reason.
Trust your gut and let the car prove it’s worth your investment during the test drive. If anything feels off, I recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection before you go any further. It’s worth investigating further – or walking away.
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
If all this talk about inspections has you feeling like you need a degree in mechanics to avoid buying a lemon, don’t worry. That’s where a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) comes in!
A PPI is essentially your safety net, giving you a professional’s perspective on the car’s condition before you commit. Even if the car looks brand new or is supposedly in perfect shape, getting it checked by a mechanic is a must.
Here’s why: A trained eye can spot things that you’d never notice. For example, I recently inspected a car that was less than six months old. From the outside, it looked flawless, but during the inspection, I discovered the suspension had been completely wrecked, leading to thousands of dollars in urgent repairs.
Situations like this happen more often than you’d think, and it’s why I recommend every buyer invest in a PPI, even if the used car is almost new or looks in good condition!
What a PPI includes
A good PPI includes a detailed inspection of the entire car – inside, outside, and underneath. The mechanic will also take the car for a test drive to uncover any hidden issues that might not be apparent when the vehicle is stationary.
You’ll receive a thorough written report (complete with photos) outlining any problems and a vehicle history check (PPSR) to flag past accidents or write-offs.
Not all inspections are created equal, though, so make sure the service you choose is comprehensive. The cost of a quality PPI is worth the peace of mind, and in many cases, it could save you from buying a car that ends up costing more in repairs than it’s worth.
If you’d like more information about the specifics of our PPI reports, take a look at this example pre-purchase inspection report.
Check if The Car Has Been in an Accident
In my experience, you can’t take a lot of sellers at their word, like being honest about whether the car has been in an accident.
And we all know that when a car has been in an accident, it’s much more likely to come with hidden issues like alignment problems, weakened structural integrity, or even dodgy repair jobs that you won’t spot right away. That’s why it’s so important to dig into the car’s history yourself.
A quick and easy way to do this is by running a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) check. This handy report will tell you if the car has been in an accident, written off, or even if it’s stolen. Plus, it’ll show if there’s any debt still owing on the car, because the last thing you want is someone else’s unpaid loan becoming your problem.
If all this sounds like too much hassle, our Silver and Gold PPI packages have you covered. Along with a full inspection of the car, we include a PPSR check so you’ll know exactly what you’re buying. No surprises, no stress, just peace of mind!
Look at the Service History
The service history of a car is like its medical record – it tells you how well it’s been cared for and if any major issues might be brewing. Always ask the seller for a service history, and if they can’t provide one with a proper stamp from a mechanic shop, that’s a big red flag. In my opinion, if the seller can’t provide a service record, you should walk away from the deal.
If they do hand over a service book, don’t just glance at it – take your time to ensure everything checks out.
What to check in the service history of a used car
Look for proof that services were done on time, and pay attention to the mileage intervals. For petrol cars, services should generally be every 10,000 km or every six months. Diesel cars usually require even more frequent attention, around every 5,000 to 7,500 km.
Also, make sure the right items were taken care of during each service, things like oil changes, brake checks, and filter replacements. Skimping on these basics can lead to bigger problems down the road.
In my experience, a well-documented and consistent service history is one of the best signs the car has been properly maintained and is less likely to surprise you with costly repairs later.
Checklist for Buying a Used Car
- Exterior inspection
- Body Panels
- Sunroof & Convertible
- Rear Suspension
- Rear Brakes
- Rear Rotors
- Front Suspension
- Front Brakes
- Front Rotors
- Tyres & Spare Tyre
- Side and Rearview Mirrors
- Exterior Lighting Systems
- Transmission
- Drive Shafts
- Tail Shafts
- Steering Components
- Interior Inspection
- Seats (including adjusters)
- Seat Belts
- Rear Window Demister Rear
- Front Window Demister
- Heater System
- Horn
- Window Operations
- Interior Lights
- Trims
- Radio
- Air-conditioning System
- Windscreen Wipers
- Windscreen Washers
- Remote Central Locking (test on both keys)
- Headlights Operation
- Warning Lights
- Arrange a pre-purchase inspection
- Do a vehicle history check (PPSR)
- Inspect the service records
Final Thoughts
Buying a used car doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you know what to look for and take the time to inspect everything thoroughly. Use the checklist above to make sure you cover everything I’ve discussed in this blog, and you’re well on your way to driving off with a car that’s worth every penny.
If you’re wanting to book a pre-purchase inspection with us, just get in touch!