Buying guide

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection?

It’s smart to get any car you’re interested in mechanically checked before making a deal.

It’s smart to get any car you’re interested in mechanically checked before making a deal. A pre-purchase car inspection is an independent inspection of the condition and safety of the car. You should take it to a mechanic or a professional car inspection company such as VTNZ or the AA. It’s the buyer’s responsibility to pay for this, regardless of the outcome of the test.

After the inspection, you’ll be given a vehicle inspection report.

What’s checked during an inspection?

Everyone wants a good deal and to know they aren’t buying a lemon. By mechanically checking a car, especially when buying a used car, you’ll have more confidence in the sale.

Some key things checked in an inspection:

Exterior – any scrapes, dents, corrosion or past work.
Battery – if it’s working correctly.
Wheels – damage and tread.
Handling – steering and brakes.
Engine test – noise, smoke and any obvious wear.
Warrant of Fitness (WoF) – checks for any WoF issues.
Brakes – any faults or general wear and tear.

The inspection will not only give you peace of mind that you’re not buying a money pit, but it also flags any points of concern that are comparatively minor but less than satisfactory. If anything is wrong but you’re still interested, it’ll give some wiggle room for negotiating a better price with the owner.

To buy your next car with even more confidence, it’s an excellent idea to get a Vehicle Information Report (VIR) from MotorWeb. Check out what you can expect to see in a MotorWeb report and how both an inspection and VIR can help you buy the perfect next car.