Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist: What We Look At

A pre-purchase inspection is one of the smartest investments you can make before buying a used vehicle. At Cairns Auto Repairs, our qualified mechanics put every car through a thorough inspection so you know exactly what you are buying — and what it might cost you down the track.

We start with a full visual inspection of the body, panels and underbody, looking for rust, accident damage and signs of poor previous repairs. In the Far North Queensland climate, hidden corrosion can become a serious safety issue, so this step matters more here than in many other parts of Australia.

Next we run a full mechanical check: engine condition, transmission operation, clutch wear, suspension components, steering, brakes, tyres, exhaust and cooling system. We also plug into the vehicle’s onboard computer with our diagnostic scan tools to read fault codes and check for any issues the seller may not have mentioned.

Finally, we road test the vehicle to evaluate how it actually drives — listening for unusual noises, checking gear changes, brake performance and handling. You receive a written report with our findings and an honest opinion on whether the vehicle is worth the asking price.

Booking a pre-purchase inspection with Cairns Auto Repairs is easy. Call us on (07) 4051 3592 and we will arrange a time that suits you and the seller. It is a small cost for serious peace of mind.