Shopping for a used car can be time-consuming and, at times, unnerving. Print out our kit and take it with you to make sure you leave no stone unturned. It includes a DIY inspection checklist, handy phone numbers and a receipt form.
Check inside the boot, the floor wells, doors and lower sills for red or other dark stains, dimpled or bubbled paint. Use a soft fridge magnet to check panels for plastic body filler.
A vinyl roof may conceal rust or other damage.
Found mainly on horizontal panel surfaces (eg, bonnet, roof, boot lid). If hail damage is evident, check with your insurance company - they may not insure the car until it's fixed.
Loose panels may indicate accident damage or that the car has been regularly driven over rough roads.
Catches should close firmly. Rubber seals can perish over time.
Look for colour variation, overspraying, dents or ripples.
Check for wear and tear.
These numbers must match the numbers on the Certificate of Registration. Check for signs of interference - scratches, grind marks, drill holes etc, as they could indicate illegal interference with the numbers.
Check these are as advertised by inspecting the compliance and/or build plate (compliance plates are fitted to most cars made for Australia since 1970; usually attached to a panel in the engine bay).
Build-up of dirt or oil may indicate mechanical problems or poor maintenance.
Dirty/thick oil and a build-up of sludge in the engine may indicate a lack of maintenance. Grey or milky coloured oil may signify the presence of water, which can indicate serious engine problems.
Listen for irregular running, or any knocking/rattling noises.
Remove the oil filler cap while the engine is idling. Fumes may signify worn piston rings or cylinder
Should be clean and brightly coloured. Oil in the coolant may indicate a cracked cylinder-head or a leaking gasket.
Check for corrosion or damage.
Check for acid corrosion.
Uneven wear may indicate worn or misaligned steering or suspension.
Check the engine, transmission, axles, brakes, power steering and shock absorbers.
Fumes or excessive noise indicate holes or rust in the pipes or mufflers.
Check that the belts are not frayed or damaged, and that the belts, buckles, adjusters and child restraint anchorage points are in good condition.
Check the operation of all lights, both inside and outside the car.
If the vehicle is fitted with ABS and/or SRS (air bag), check that the dashboard warning light/s illuminates for a short time when the ignition is turned on.
Check airconditioning, ventilation fan, electric windows, sound system, etc. Inoperative items can be expensive to repair or replace.
These items should be in place and in serviceable condition.
IMPORTANT: Before taking the car for a test-drive, check with the seller about your legal liability if an accident should occur.
Excessive 'free travel' or wandering on straight roads can indicate worn suspension or misaligned steering.
The car should stop smoothly and in a straight line. The pedal should not sink to the floor or feel spongy and the steering wheel should not vibrate.
Blue smoke indicates oil is being burnt.
Should run smoothly (accelerating, decelerating and cruising) and the water temperature gauge should stay in the 'safe' range. Rattling or knocking sounds could mean incorrect tuning or excessive wear.
Gear changes (manual or automatic) should be smooth, without any rattles or knocking noises. On front-wheel drive vehicles, these noises could indicate worn constant-velocity joints.
Listen for rattles when you drive over bumps.
Get a thorough report on the car's mechanics and condition from our experts at NRMA. Vehicle Inspection bookings can be made seven days a week, between 7 am and 10 pm for Sydney, the Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong and Canberra. In country areas, phone 13 11 22 for your nearest NRMA inspection service.
Check for stolen parts, that the registration is current and that the seller is the registered owner. Visit the RTA website or e-mail the RTA.
Check no money is owed on the car. Have the Certificate of Registration handy when you call. Visit the REVS website or e-mail REVS
Get insurance cover before you drive away. Call NRMA Insurance 7am-10pm, seven days a week. Get an online insurance quote
Date:
Seller's name:
Address:
Phone:
Mobile:
Seller's drivers licence
no & name:
Car registration:
VIN/chassis/engine no:
Agreed condition:
Amount received:
From (buyer's name):
For (cross one out): Deposit / Full payment
This agreement is subject to the purchaser obtaining an inspection report from NRMA Vehicle Inspections. If the reported condition of the vehicle is not satisfactory to the purchaser, he/she may rescind the contract, and any deposit paid shall be refunded in full to the purchaser.
Seller's signature:
Buyer's signature:
Download the receipt only as a PDF
This agreement is subject to the purchaser obtaining an inspection report from NRMA Vehicle Inspections. If the reported condition of the vehicle is not satisfactory to the purchaser, he/she may rescind the contract, and any deposit paid shall be refunded in full to the purchaser.
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