Pre-Purchase Inspections

In the vehicle climate that we live in today’s society it is extremely hard for the consumer to know where to turn for advice on vehicle purchasing and repairs.

It can be very confusing with new technology that the vehicle manufacturers are implementing to adhere to the new governed environmental laws, and the latest computerised technology to improve performance and standards.

In the current financial climate it can be very difficult for consumers to purchase a vehicle within their budget with the confidence that they will not in the near future be outlaying money on the vehicle for repairs.

It is of the utmost importance that when purchasing a vehicle the consumer invests their time in researching the type of vehicle they want and comparing running cost, maintenance and repair prices for that particular vehicle. There can be vast differences between these variances.

By investing this time in research you can save yourself quite a lot of money by being aware of difference maintenance and repair cost issues between car makers.

The most important piece of advice I could give the prospective car buyer is to make sure you take the vehicle to an authorised repairer prior to purchasing for an inspection. Whilst not all faults can be picked up at an inspection, it can be identified by the authorised repairer if the vehicle is road safe, has had regular service and maintenance repairs and has been generally well looked after.

If we do not spend this time prior to purchasing a vehicle we could find that what appears to be a bargain is indeed a costly purchase once we take ownership and things start going wrong with the vehicle. Consumers also need to be aware of warranties. They need to ask the seller what is included in their warranty and have this explained to them in detail as all warranties differ.

Once a purchase has been made it is necessary for regular maintenance and servicing be carried out to prevent any major breakdowns. By doing this we can quite often prevent a lot of major repairs.

We look after our houses and bodies doing regular preventative maintenance however sometimes we forget that our vehicles need the same care to prevent major repairs and keep the cars on the road today safe.

Craig Cowan
Barossa Auto Care

We offer a complete pre-purchase vehicle inspection service

If you're about to buy a used car, make sure that you bring it to us first. We check 150 different items on the vehicle and provide you with our 150 Point Vehicle Condition Report for peace of mind. We leave nothing to chance to ensure that you know what you're in for before you part with your hard earned cash.
UNDER BONNET
1.Air Cleaner
2.Carburettor/Fuel Injection Controls
3.Engine Oil Condition
4.Engine Oil Level
5.Fan Belts
6.Fan Operation
7.Hoses
8.Radiator
9.Pressure Test Cooling System
10.Water Levels & Condition
11.Oil Pressure
12.Transmission Oil Condition
13.Transmission Oil Level
14.Water Pump
15.(Charge/Rate) Volts
16.Alternator/Generator
17.Battery Clamp & Carrier
18.Battery Terminals
19.Cam Belt as per Mfrs Specs
20.Comprehensive or Power Balance Check
21.Emission Controls
22.Engine Mounts
23.Engine Noise Level
24.Exhaust Emissions
25.Fluid Levels
26.Fuel Lines
27.Fuel Pump
28.Ignition System
29.Oil Fumes
30.Oil Leaks
31.Starter Motor
32.Turbo
33.Wiring
34.Other
 
ELECTRICAL
35. Central Locking
36.Cigarette Lighter
37.Electric Mirrors
38.Gauges & Warning Devices
39.Hazard Lights
40.Indicators
41.Head Lamps
42.Park Lamps
43.Number Plate Lamp
44.Reverse Light/Buzzer
45.Stop Lights
46.Tail Lights
47.Instrument Lights
48.Intereior Lamps
49.Reflectors
50.Boot Light
51.Radio/Cassette/CD
52.Horn
53.Speedo/Odometer/Trip
54.Rear Demister
55.Alarm
56.Windscreen Washers
57.Wipers & Blades
58.Power Windows
59.Other
 
FRONT/REAR SUSPENSION UNDER CAR
60.Ball Joints/King Pins
61.Idler Assembly
62.Pivots
63.Power Steering
64.Rod Ends
65.Shock Absorbers/Plates
66.Struts
67.Spring/Sway Bar & Rubbers
68.Steering Box/Rack & Pinion
69.Steering Lock
70.Suspension Mounts
71.Tyre Condition
72.Wheels (Spin for True)
73.Wheel Studs & Nuts
74.Wheels ( Correct Size)
75.5 Tyres – Size & Type
76.Wheel Alignment (visual only)
77.Bushes
78.Wheel Bearings
79.Drive Shafts
80.Universals & Centre Bearing 		81.Oil Leaks
82.Other
 
BRAKES
83.Disc Pads Front
84.Disc Pads Rear
85.Front Rotor Thickness
L___mm   R___mm
86.Rear rotor Thickness -
L___mm   R___mm
87.Calipers
88.Drums
89.Linings
90.Brake Hoses
91.Hand Brakes
92.Hydraulic System
93.Mechanical Linkages
94.Pedal Reserve
95.Pedal Surface
96.Power Brakes
97.Wheel Cylinders
98.Fluid Condition
99.Other


BODY & ACCESSORIES
100.Body Alignment (Visual only)
101.Body Damage
102.Bonnet Release & Catch
103.Boot Release
104.Bonnet & Tailgate Struts
105.Doors Lock & Catches
106.Floor Covering
107.Heater/Demister Operation
108.Paint Work
109.Panel Beating Evident
110.Rear View Mirrors
111.Rust
112.Air Conditioner Operation
113.Petrol Flap Release
114.Water Leaks
115.Planting/Mouldings
116.Seat Adjustment
117.Seat Belts
118.Sunroof
119.Trim/Seats
120.Upholstery
121.Weather Seals
122.Window Operations
123.Windscreen
124.Other
 
DIESEL ENGINES
125.Ease of Starting
126.External Fuel Leaks
127.Glow Plug Operations
128.Exhaust Smoke
129.Other
 
L.P.G
130.Operation
131.Tank Date
132.Visual Inspection
133.Other
 
AIRBAGS
134.Light
135.ADR Specifications
136.Other
 
ROAD TEST
137.Auto Change Pattern
138.Brake Vibration
139.Driveline Noise
140.Gear Box Operations
141.Steering Operations
142.Select Indicator Position
143.Vibrations
144.Wheel Bearing Noise
145.Clutch Operation
146.Transfer Case
147.Start Inhibitor Switch
148.C.V. Joints
149.Cruise Control
150.Other