Buying a used car can be a good way to save money, but it also has some risks. Every used car has its own story, from how it was used to how it might have been damaged in an accident. If you know how to inspect a used car before you buy it, you can avoid having to pay for repairs and headaches down the road.
This guide has expert tips, checklists from the industry, and useful information for people in Australia who want to buy a car. These steps will help you make a smart, confident choice, whether you’re looking for a family SUV, a fuel-efficient hatchback, or a tough Ute.

Why it’s important to carefully inspect a used car

A lot of used cars look good on the outside, but they may have serious mechanical problems. An inspection makes sure you don’t buy a car that will need costly repairs soon after you buy it.
A good inspection can help you: 
• Avoid mechanical problems that come up out of the blue
• Find out about safety risks before you leave 
• Talk about a better price
• Make sure the car is safe to drive and follows the law

Consumer law in Australia protects buyers in some ways, especially when they buy from a licensed dealer. But even with those protections, it’s always better to find problems early than to wait until after the purchase to fix them.

Getting Ready for the Inspection

Before you check the car, get some basic tools and information:
• A small flashlight to see in dark places under the hood or in the car 
• A clean cloth or gloves to handle dipsticks 
• A tire tread gauge (not required but helpful) 
• A notepad or phone to write down what you find 
• A copy of a used car inspection checklist

You should check the car when it’s light out and dry. Bright light makes it easier to see leaks, rust, and paint flaws. If you can, bring a friend or family member along to get a second opinion.

Step One: A General Look Over

 Take a step back and look at the whole car. Look for signs that it was in an accident or wasn’t taken care of well. Important things to notice:
• Panel alignment: The spaces between the doors, hood, and trunk should be the same size.
• Consistency of paint: If the colors don’t match, it might need repairs.

• Rust: Look for it in the wheel arches, door edges, boot seams, and under the windscreen.
• Check the glass for cracks or chips in the windows and windscreen. 
• Test the mirrors, wipers, door handles, and lights on the outside.

It’s a good sign if the car is clean and looks good, but it could also be hiding problems. Gently run your hands over the panels. If you feel rough spots, they may be filler used to cover up damage.

Checking the wheels and tires

You can learn a lot about a car’s condition by looking at its tires. Uneven wear could mean that the suspension or wheel alignment is off.
• Minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm (the legal limit in Australia), but 3 mm is safer 
• All tyres should wear evenly 
• No bulges, cracks, or deep cuts 
• All wheels should have the same type and size of tyre 
• A spare tyre, jack, and wheel brace that are roadworthy should be included
If you see that the tread edges are feathered or that one side is worn more than the other, the car may have been driven with bad alignment or suspension problems.

Checking Under the bonnet 

The engine is often called the heart of the car, and for good reason. Repairs can quickly become expensive and inconvenient if the item isn’t in good shape. Before you buy a used car, take some time to look under the hood to see if there are any warning signs. A few minutes here can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Checking the oil in the engine

Take out the dipstick, clean it, put it back in all the way, and then take it out again. The oil should be a golden-brown color and feel smooth. A thick, sludgy build-up could mean that the car hasn’t been serviced in a while. Metallic particles in the oil can be a big problem because they could mean that the engine is wearing out. Another sign of trouble is milky or frothy oil, which could mean a blown head gasket, which is a big and expensive repair.

Looking at the coolant

Check the coolant reservoir or open the radiator cap (but only when the engine is cool to avoid burns). The coolant should be a bright color, like green, pink, or orange, and it shouldn’t have any rust or oil on it. If the coolant level is low, it could mean that there is a leak in the system. If you see rust particles in the coolant, it could mean that the radiator or engine block is corroding, which can lead to overheating problems.

Checking the belts and hoses

 Lightly press on the belts and hoses in the engine bay. They should feel solid but still have a little give. If the rubber has cracks, is fraying, or feels brittle, it may be old and about to break. You should pay extra attention to the serpentine belt and the timing belt or chain because replacing them can be costly. Hoses shouldn’t have any bulges, soft spots, or oil on them.

Searching for leaks

Look for oil stains, coolant residue, or fuel smells on the engine block, valve covers, and the area around them. Next, check under the car for any new puddles or drips. If you don’t fix small leaks, they can turn into big problems, so you should include them in price talks or repair plans.

Looking at the battery

Look for rust around the battery terminals. A white powdery buildup can get in the way of electrical connections and make it hard to start. Check to see that the cables are secure and the terminals are tight. Check the age of the battery if you can. Most car batteries last between three and five years, so an older one may need to be replaced soon.

A tip for buyers

If you’re not sure how the engine bay is doing, you might want to bring a flashlight to help you see into small spaces better. You can also ask the seller for receipts for work that has been done, like oil changes, coolant flushes, and belt replacements. This not only proves that the car has been well cared for, but it can also help you feel better about signing the deal.

Searching for signs of damage from an accident

Some sellers might not tell you about past accidents. You can find repairs by looking at:
• Gaps between panels that aren’t even

• Paint that has been sprayed too much on rubber seals or trim

• New underbody sealant that covers up repairs
• Parts that look new on one side of the car only

• Metal that is wrinkled in the engine bay or on the boot floor
To be extra sure, check the PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) to see if the car has been written off or if there is money owed on it.

Features and condition of its interior

You can learn a lot about a used car’s history and how well it’s been cared for by looking inside. Even though mechanical problems may not always be easy to spot, signs of neglect inside the cabin can be a clear sign that the car hasn’t been taken care of. A clean, working interior also affects how comfortable you are, how much you can sell it for, and how good the overall driving experience is.

Checking the seats

Check the seats closely for any signs of wear, stains, or tears. The leather in leather interiors should feel soft and flexible, not dry, cracked, or peeling. If the car has a lot of creases or discoloration, it may have been used a lot or left out in the sun for a long time.

Check for signs of fading, cigarette burns, or mildew on fabric seats. If your house smells musty, it could be because of water damage or bad ventilation. If the air freshener is too strong, it could be hiding an odor problem.

Checking the seat belts

Seat belts are very important for safety. Take each one out completely and look for fraying, cuts, or too much wear. Make sure that they retract easily and don’t stick, and that the buckle stays closed. It can be expensive to fix broken seat belts, and you need them to pass a roadworthy inspection.

Looking at the dashboard and instrument cluster

The dashboard shouldn’t have any cracks, bends, or too much fading. Sun damage often shows up as fading or brittleness, especially in older cars. When you turn the key to the “on” position (without starting the engine), all of the warning lights on the dashboard, like the ABS, airbag, and engine check lights, should briefly light up. They should turn off when the engine starts. A warning light that stays on could mean that there is a problem that needs to be fixed.

Checking all of the controls and features

Use every control to make sure it works right. This includes:
• Lights and indicators for hazards
• Headlights (low beam, high beam, and fog lights if they are there)

• Windshield wipers and washers
• Air conditioning and heating

• Bluetooth, stereo, and infotainment screen
Also, make sure that all of the locks, windows, and mirrors work properly. Even small problems, like a broken electric window motor, can be annoying and costly to fix.

Looking for leaks and wet spots

Water leaks can lead to serious problems that last a long time, like mold growth and electrical problems. Check for dampness by running your hands over the carpet in the footwells and trunk. Take up the mats and check the floorpan for any water or rust. If you smell something damp, you should look into it more. Possible causes are leaking door seals, sunroof drains, or a broken windscreen seal.

Tip for buyers

Take your time with the interior check. For a few minutes, sit in the driver’s seat and picture yourself driving the car every day. When you tap on the panels, listen for rattles, pay attention to how comfortable the seat is, and make sure you can see well. You will spend all of your time driving inside, so comfort and usefulness are just as important as how well the car works.

Suspension and Chassis Checks

The suspension system of a car is very important for both safety and comfort. Parts that are worn out or broken can make the car unstable, cause the tires to wear unevenly, and cost a lot of money to fix. Before you buy a used car, check the suspension and chassis to make sure there aren’t any hidden structural problems.

Checking how the suspension moves

Put your hands on the body of the car at each corner and press down hard, then let go. The car should quickly rise back to its normal position and stay there. If it keeps bouncing more than once or feels too soft, the struts or shock absorbers may be worn out. Too much movement of the body can also make handling worse, especially when turning or braking hard.

Checking the underside

If you can, crouch down safely and look under the car, or use a flashlight to see better. Watch out for:
• Rust or corrosion on the chassis rails, suspension arms, or mounting points, especially if the car has been driven near the coast or on roads that have been treated with road salt.
• Oil streaks down the side of the unit are a sign that the shock absorbers are leaking.
• Parts of the frame that are bent or broken could be a sign of damage from an accident or hitting a big object like a pothole or curb.
• Exhaust hangers that are loose or broken. If the exhaust isn’t supported well, it can make rattling noises and cause more damage over time.

Hearing noises from the suspension

Pay attention to how the car feels over bumps and potholes during the test drive. If you hear clunks, rattles, or squeaks coming from the front or back, it could mean that the bushings, ball joints, or sway bar links are worn out. These parts are necessary for safe braking and stable handling.
Extra advice for buyers
If you’re not sure if there is a problem with the suspension or chassis, you might want to have a mechanic look at the car on a hoist. This will let you check all the parts more carefully, even the ones that are hidden and can’t be seen during a basic driveway inspection.

The Test Drive

One of the most important things you can do to learn how to check out a used car is to take it for a test drive. If you can, drive for at least 20 to 30 minutes on city streets, highways, and a few hills.
Starting the engine: It should start up easily without having to crank it too much. Pay attention to any knocking or rattling sounds.
Steering: It should feel responsive and not pull to one side. If the steering wheel has too much play, it may be worn out.
Brakes: The pedal should feel solid. The car should stop in a straight line without making any noise or squeaking.
Transmission: Gear changes should be smooth, no matter if they are done by hand or automatically. If your shifts are slow or clunky, it could mean trouble.
Engine behavior: Look for warning lights on the dash, smoke coming from the exhaust, or the engine getting too hot.
Ride quality: The car should be able to handle bumps on rough roads without making loud noises or shaking.

Paperwork and Legal Checks

You still need to make sure the car is legally sound, even if it passes the physical inspection.
• PPSR report: Confirms that the car hasn’t been written off and that no money is owed. 
• Service history: Check the logbook for regular maintenance. 
• Registration papers: Make sure the seller is the registered owner. 
• Roadworthy certificate: This is required in most states for sale.

If you’re buying from a dealer, make sure to read the sales contract carefully to see what the statutory warranty covers and what extra fees there may be. When you sell something privately, be extra careful about checking who owns it.

When to Get Help from a Professional

If you’re not sure you can do all the checks yourself, hire a qualified mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection. In Australia, this usually costs between $150 and $300 and can find problems that you might not have noticed.

• Vehicles worth a lot of money should have a professional inspection.
• Cars with complicated electronics or advanced safety features 
• Cars that have been brought in from another country or changed in some way
You can also ask mechanics for an estimate of how much the repairs will cost, which can help you get a better deal.

More Advice for Buying a Used Car Successfully

• Always look at more than one car before making a decision. 
• Be ready to walk away if something doesn’t feel right. The car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) should match the paperwork in more than one place. Think about getting an independent appraisal so you know what the car is worth on the open market. If you can, check out the car when the engine is cold to see if there are any problems starting it.

Final Remarks about How to inspect a used car

Knowing how to inspect a used car is worth it for your peace of mind. Every step is important, from the tires to the paperwork.
A thorough check protects you from having to make unexpected repairs, helps you get a better deal, and makes sure you leave in a safe, reliable car.
You are much more likely to enjoy your purchase for years to come if you take the time to check it out thoroughly or hire someone else to do it.

A Quick Checklist for Inspecting a Used Car

Outside: No big dents, scratches, or rust; the paint color and panel gaps are even; all lights, wipers, and mirrors work.
Wheels and Tires
• Tread depth of more than 1.5 mm 
• Even wear and matching types
• Spare part that is safe to drive
• Oil and coolant are clean 
• Belts and hoses are in good shape 
• Battery is secure and free of rust
• The seats and belts are in good shape. 
• All of the electronics and controls are working. There are no signs of leaks or wetness.
Suspension and Chassis:

No excessive bouncing, no visible rust or damage to the frame
Take a test drive
• No warning lights or strange noises
• Smooth start, acceleration, and braking
• Steering and suspension that respond quickly
Paperwork:

• The PPSR report is clear 
• The service history is complete 
• The registration papers match the seller
You can feel good about buying a used car next time you do it because you know you did everything you could to avoid making a mistake that would cost you a lot of money.

Read more about top tips to buy used vehicles in Australia.