Professional’s Way to Check a Used Car in Melbourne: Ultimate Guide

Only half of Melbourne's population care about inspecting a used car, while the other half blindly trust the seller. If you are eyeing a used car, you must check it before buying. However, like most people, if you check the car’s model, look at its exteriors, or test drive before purchase, you must not forget the other things.

Inspecting the car’s mechanical parts, interiors, and body determines its true value for your money. And to prevent frequent repairs and replacements within the few months of your purchase, diagnosing all the problems in a second-hand car is the key.

Interestingly, you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself. Hiring a professional mechanic to check a used car in Melbourne helps in getting a fair deal. In this blog, you will learn the step-by-step process of a professional car inspection, so continue reading it till the end.

Importance of Professional Mechanic Over DIY Inspection:

A mechanic has trained knowledge and experience of various car models. With that, you get accurate and fast reports of the car problems to proceed your decision.

Before you learn the professional’s way of testing a second-hand car, let’s understand their importance over the DIY approach.

Decades of Knowledge and Experience:

A professional mechanic has decades of knowledge and experience in the automobile industry. He is well trained to recognise different types of car models, along with their functions and technologies.

Besides that, an automobile technician has ample experience inspecting small to large cars. Even the 4-wheel drives for off-the-road terrains are easier to inspect. Moreover, if you are considering imported, European, Prestige, and even classic pre-owned models, then a handyman knows their specific challenges as well.

Comprehensive Car’s Inspection:

Buying a second hand car is riskier when you are not aware of the core problems. Even when you test drive a pre-owned car, problems may not surface until you start driving it for a few months or years.

Having a professional to check a used car in Melbourne before buying brings peace of mind. There is a comprehensive car’s evaluation, ranging from its mechanical parts, chassis, to its interior and exteriors.

Detailed Reporting:

A written record of the vehicle’s examination is mandatory for transparency. A mechanic makes sure to email a full report covering the current and potential problems in your car. This report serves as an evidence when a technician describes the details personally. When you receive a report attaching photos and videos, you get a clear picture of the problem.

You must look for a mechanic who provides the free report within 48-hour. Also, it is important to point out that looking for a professional with no dealership association is always beneficial. Since they are not dealing with a specific brand, there is a guaranteed prompt service.

Professional’s Method to Check a Used Car in Melbourne

A professional mechanic performs a good analysis of the engine, suspension system, car’s body, and interiors in the following ways.

Mechanical Check-up:

During the mechanical car inspection, there is an analysis of the following parts:

• Wiring, lens, and condition of the tail lights.
• Coolant level of the recovery tank.
• Leaks and condition of the engine and transmission.
• Thickness of the brake pad and the rotor’s condition.
• Analysis of the alternator, tyre, air conditioner’s condenser.
• Evaluation of the fuel pressure, pump, injector, and filter.
• Current condition of the power steering system.
• Examination of the bushing systems.
• Inspection of the damage, noise, and vibrations along the universal joints, CV joints, and drive shafts.

Body/Chassis Inspections:

A technician check a used car in Melbourne to examine the physical appeal and performance of the following parts:

• Scratches and dents over the body.
• Brake lights, headlights, reverse lights, number plate lights, and tail lights.
• Condition and brightness of the fog lamp.
• Functionalities of the door.
• Evaluation of the paint depth.
• Condition of the turn signals any potential hazards.

Interior/ Exterior Examinations:

Lastly, a mechanic takes a close look at the below-mentioned car’s interiors to complete their analysis.

• Interior lights, wipers, horn, seatbelts.
• Electric windows.
• Condition of the fuel, temperature gauges, and its dashboard.
• Park brake.
• Condition of the air conditioner, heater, and air vents.
• Steering wheel.
• Exterior mirrors.
• Carpet condition.

Important Considerations:

In your search for a professional technician to check a used car in Melbourne, you must look for one who adheres to Australian Road Safety guidelines. This is necessary to ensure vehicle inspectors about the vehicle’s legal status and compliance with road safety in Australia. Here are a few documents that you must provide to your mechanic.

1. Seller’s information, including name, contact details, and advertisement URLs.
2. Vehicle’s brand, model, year of purchase, and location.
3. Registration certificate.
4. Your name, e-mail, and contact information.
5. Any additional information of specific concerns.
6. Your availability.

Keep in mind that the vehicle inspection company holds Roadworthy Accreditation, which means that these inspections also contain road tests and the financial obligations on the car.

Qualified mechanics also provide a vehicle’s history report. It contains information for accidental damage, write-off history, loans, odometer roll back information, and Ancap safety rating.

Final Words

We hope you found this blog useful. As you see, second hand car inspections are more than just testing a drive or looking over the ambiance.

You must hire a professional mechanic to look at each of the car’s functionalities, understand the problem areas, and get a clear and written record of the examination. Consider RideCheck, a pre-owned vehicle inspection company to check a used car in Melbourne.