[LINK] AI overviews have transformed Google search
Antony Barry
antonybbarry at gmail.com
Mon Jun 23 15:16:32 AEST 2025
On Tue, Jun 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM Stephen Loosley <StephenLoosley at outlook.com>
wrote:
>
> One of the most popular questions Australians recently asked was: “How to
> inspect a used car?”.
>
>
I asked Perplexity AI and got this response -
Inspecting a used car in Australia involves a thorough check of its
mechanical condition, documentation, and history to avoid costly surprises.
Here’s a step-by-step guide with a detailed checklist based on best
practices and official recommendations.
## Steps to Inspect a Used Car
**1. Documentation and History Check**
- **Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):** Confirm the VIN on the car
matches the paperwork and is free from signs of tampering[1][2][3].
- **Registration:** Ensure the car is currently registered and that the
plates match the paperwork[2][4][5].
- **Service History:** Review the logbook and receipts for regular
servicing[4][3][6].
- **Ownership History:** Check the number of previous owners and any
outstanding finance (PPSR check)[4][5][6].
- **Odometer Reading:** Verify the odometer is working and matches service
records[1][4][3].
- **Safety Certificate or Roadworthy Certificate:** Confirm the car has a
valid certificate if required by your state[3][6].
**2. Visual Inspection**
- **Exterior:** Look for rust, dents, mismatched paint, and poorly aligned
panels. Check for signs of accident repairs or repainting[7][3][6].
- **Tyres:** Inspect tread depth (minimum 1.5mm, replace near 3mm), wear
patterns, and check the spare[3][6].
- **Interior:** Check seats, carpets, controls, and electronics. Look for
corrosion under carpets and ensure seatbelts are intact[2][7][3].
- **Engine Bay:** Open the bonnet and check for oil or coolant leaks,
corrosion, and the condition of hoses and belts[1][7][3].
- **Undercarriage:** Look for rust, oil leaks, and damage underneath the
car[2][3][6].
**3. Mechanical Checks**
- **Fluids:** Check oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid levels and
quality. Milky or frothy oil indicates engine trouble[1][7][3].
- **Battery:** Inspect for corrosion and ensure it holds charge[2][7].
- **Radiator:** Check for corrosion and ensure coolant is clean and
brightly coloured[1][2].
- **Exhaust:** Look for excessive fumes or smoke and listen for unusual
noises[1][2][7].
**4. Start-Up and Test Drive**
- **Engine:** Should start easily and idle smoothly. Listen for knocking,
rattling, or whistling noises[2][7][6].
- **Interior:** No warning lights after start-up. Test air conditioning,
lights, indicators, horn, and wipers[2][7][6].
- **Driving:** Test acceleration, braking, and steering. Listen for unusual
noises. Brakes should operate smoothly without pulsing (unless ABS is
operating)[2][7][6].
- **Transmission:** Gears should engage easily (automatic or manual).
Clutch should not slip or shudder[2][7].
- **Suspension:** No knocking or thumping over bumps. Steering should not
pull to one side[2][7].
**5. Final Checks**
- **After Driving:** Check for new oil or water leaks under the vehicle and
in the engine bay[2][7].
- **Reason for Selling:** Ask the seller why they are selling the car.
Their response may reveal underlying issues[3][6].
## Used Car Inspection Checklist
| Area | What to Check
|
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Documentation | VIN, registration, service history, PPSR check,
odometer, safety certificate |
| Exterior | Rust, dents, paint, panel gaps, lights, glass,
doors |
| Tyres | Tread depth, wear patterns, spare tyre
|
| Interior | Seats, carpets, controls, electronics, seatbelts,
odours |
| Engine Bay | Oil, coolant, hoses, belts, battery, leaks
|
| Undercarriage | Rust, leaks, damage
|
| Fluids | Oil, coolant, brake, transmission, power steering
|
| Start-Up | Easy start, smooth idle, no warning lights, test
electronics |
| Test Drive | Acceleration, braking, steering, gear changes,
unusual noises |
| Final Checks | Leaks after driving, reason for sale
|
## Additional Tips
- **Consider a Pre-Purchase Inspection:** A qualified mechanic can spot
issues you might miss[1][8][6].
- **Trust Your Instincts:** If something feels off, walk away or seek
further advice.
- **Negotiate:** Use any identified issues to negotiate a better
price[8][6].
This checklist and process will help you make an informed decision and
reduce the risk of buying a problematic used car in Australia.
Sources
[1] Vehicle inspections checklist | NSW Government
https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/buying-and-selling-vehicles/buying-a-used-vehicle/vehicle-inspections-checklist
[2] [PDF] Used Car Inspection Checklist - AustralianCar.Reviews
https://www.australiancar.reviews/_pdfs/Checklist.pdf
[3] How to Inspect a Used Car Before Buying : 9 Expert Tips
https://www.mycarchoice.com.au/how-to-inspect-a-used-car-before-buying/
[4] Car buyer's checklist - Consumer Protection - DEMIRS
https://consumerprotection.wa.gov.au/car-buyers-checklist
[5] Car Inspection Checklist: Used Car Buyers Guide - Car Craft
https://car-craft.com.au/car-inspection-checklist-used-car-buyers-guide/
[6] The Ultimate 2nd Hand Car Buying Checklist
https://www.gpsvehicleinspections.com.au/blog/ultimate-second-hand-car-buying-checklist/
[7] How to inspect a used car before buying
https://www.redbookinspect.com.au/articles/how-to-inspect-a-used-car-before-buying
[8] Your Complete Guide to Buying a Used Car in Australia: From Pre ...
https://roundaboutaustralia.com.au/newsblog/blog/your-complete-guide-to-buying-a-used-car-in-australia-from-pre-purchase-inspection-to-post-purchase-maintenance/
[9] car-inspection-checklist - Last Check Vehicle Inspection
https://www.lastcheck.com.au/car-inspection-checklist
[10] How to buy a used car: Everything you need to know | Turo AU
https://turo.com/blog/australia/gearheads/how-to-buy-a-used-car/
Tony
--
Mob:04 3365 2400 Email: antonybbarry at gmail.com, antonybbarry at me.com
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