Purchasing a vehicle can be a costly exercise so you want to make sure you have done your research to ensure you choose the right vehicle. Chances are this will be the vehicle you drive for the next 5 years or more so you should not only consider the shape, make, and model, but also the condition of the vehicle particularly when it is second hand. If you’re in the market for a used vehicle it’s a good idea to safeguard yourself by arranging a pre-purchase vehicle inspection to avoid the all too common mistake of buying a lemon.

Do I need both a safety certificate and a pre-purchase inspection?

The short answer is yes. A pre-purchase inspection is quite different from a safety certificate which is by law in Queensland required to be undertaken prior to selling a used vehicle and the onus falls on the seller of said vehicle. A safety certificate is not as comprehensive as a pre-purchase inspection as it doesn’t determine the life expectancy of the vehicle, whereas a pre-purchase inspection is a lot more comprehensive and will give you more of an insight when it comes to the quality and life expectancy of the vehicle.

During the inspection.

A qualified mechanic will visually carefully check over all of the aspects of the vehicle including the exterior and interior, wheels, tyres, brakes, suspension, and the engine bay. They will take the car for a test drive to make sure the car is performing as it should be and determine if there are any faults to the engine or the transmission. Once the vehicle has been comprehensively checked the mechanic will give you his or her unbiased opinion and should be able to determine any existing faults, and reasonably predict things that may need attention in the near future. While as with buying any used vehicle there is still always the risk that something unpredicted may go wrong in the future, a pre-purchase inspection is still your best defence against getting stuck with a lemon!

Book an Auto Leaders pre-purchase inspection online today visit: https://www.autoleaders.com.au/services/inspections/