What happens during a vehicle check in Melbourne?
Get peace of mind – discover what’s included in a car check
When you first get in touch with Buy Smart Vehicle checks, we’ll ask you two simple questions:
- What sort of vehicle are you looking at purchasing?
- Where is the vehicle located?
This is usually enough for us to determine the cost of the vehicle inspection!
Then, we’ll ask for the address of the seller, and with their consent, will carry out the inspection service. A vehicle check usually takes between 1-1.5 hours, however for a prestigious or older car, this could be longer.
What do we look at during a car inspection?
Full comprehensive inspection
Your inspection starts with these general checks:
- All electrics including windows, heating/air conditioning, audio, sat nav, sensors, and cruise control
- Matching engine and transmission numbers
- Any airbag recalls
- Service and maintenance records
We also inspect roadworthiness items including tyres, brakes, steering, engine, mounts, exhaust, windscreen, and safety belts.
Mechanical and safety report
Now, we check for mechanical defects, engine transmission, and differential wear. We also check cooling systems, radiator circulation, and all other fluids.
We inspect for timing belt replacement and if the mileage is genuine, and we’ll also make sure modification or engineer plates are compliant.
Inspect for possible pre-existing accident damage
During this step we check for hidden accident damage, rust, and signs of any repair work that’s been conducted in the past. We’ll also inspect the condition of repairs.
Diagnostic scanning of vehicle fault codes
We check for electrical fault codes including scanning of the engine, transmission, and SRS airbag modules.
What do we look at during a car inspection?
Full comprehensive inspection
Your inspection starts with these general checks:
- All electrics including windows, heating/air conditioning, audio, sat nav, sensors, and cruise control
- Matching engine and transmission numbers
- Any airbag recalls
- Service and maintenance records
We also inspect roadworthiness items including tyres, brakes, steering, engine, mounts, exhaust, windscreen, and safety belts.
Mechanical and safety report
Now, we check for mechanical defects, engine transmission, and differential wear. We also check cooling systems, radiator circulation, and all other fluids.
We inspect for timing belt replacement and if the mileage is genuine, and we’ll also make sure modification or engineer plates are compliant.
Inspect for possible pre-existing accident damage
During this step we check for hidden accident damage, rust, and signs of any repair work that’s been conducted in the past. We’ll also inspect the condition of repairs.
Diagnostic scanning of vehicle fault codes
We check for electrical fault codes including scanning of the engine, transmission, and SRS airbag modules.
Also included in your pre-purchase car inspection is a full test drive (3-5km)
There’s perhaps no better way to get a ‘feel’ for a car than by getting behind the wheel!
We’ll take the car for a test drive (up to 5km), assessing things like steering, suspension, acceleration, abnormal noises, and movement.
What do you get following a car check?
Verbal report
Immediately following the inspection, we’ll provide you with a verbal inspection summary and information.
60 high res photos
These photos cover each angle of the vehicle, including underneath the body. It also includes the diagnostic scan results.
Detailed advice
You’ll also receive a PDF download of your comprehensive vehicle inspection report.
My personal opinion (if you want it!)
Sometimes you need a second opinion. If you want it, I’ll give you my unbiased and honest opinion about the car we’re looking at following the outcomes of your inspection.
And if you’d rather make the decision on your own, that’s OK too!
What should you know about me?
Hi, I’m Cliff, and I provide comprehensive on-site car inspections for buyers across Melbourne.
- I’m a qualified mechanic with 25+ years’ experience
- I have 10 years’ experience as an ex-VicRoads license holder
- I offer independent, fair, honest, and complete car inspection and reporting
- My services are offered in Melbourne metro and northern suburbs
Don't buy a lemon!
Call me during business hours on 0457 974 719 or use this online form and I'll come back to you quick-smart.
"Great friendly honest service made me 100% confident towards my car purchase. Highly recommended." ~ David Chapman
Contact me. And remember, I come to you.