Shopping for a used car can be time consuming and, at times, unnerving. But you can tell a lot about the state of a car just by looking at it. Here’s our guide of what to check for... Body of the car Inspect the following in bright light and when dry.

Accident damage or rust
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 that may be hiding rust spots. A vinyl roof may conceal rust or other damage.

Hail damage
Found mainly on horizontal panel surfaces (bonnet, roof, boot lid). If hail damage is evident, check with your insurance company – they may not insure the car until it’s fixed.

Panel fitment
Loose panels may indicate accident damage or that the car has been regularly driven over rough roads.

Doors and boot lid/tailgate
Catches should close firmly. Rubber seals can perish over time.

Paint
Look for colour variation, overspraying, dents or ripples.

Under the bonnet

It’s important to check the following.

Engine number and VIN (vehicle identification number)/body number
These numbers must match the numbers on the Certificate of Registration. Check for signs of interference: scratches, grind marks, drill holes, and so on, as they could indicate illegal interference with the numbers.

Year and month of manufacture
Ensure 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).

Engine appearance
Build-up of dirt or oil may indicate mechanical problems or poor maintenance.

Engine oil 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. Engine at idle Listen for irregular running, or any knocking/rattling noises.  Oil Fumes Remove the oil filler cap while the engine is idling. Fumes may signify worn piston rings or cylinder.

Radiator coolant
Should be clean and brightly coloured. Oil in the coolant may indicate a cracked cylinder-head or a leaking gasket. Also, check for corrosion or damage on the radiator cooler fins and core tubes.

Battery and mounting platform/bracket
Check for acid corrosion.

Underneath the car

When it comes to what’s happening down below, it’s important to take note of the following.

Tyres (including the spare)
Uneven wear may mean worn or misaligned steering or suspension.

Oil leaks
Check the engine, transmission, axles, brakes, power steering and shock absorbers.

Exhaust system
Fumes or excessive noise indicate holes or rust in the pipes or mufflers.

Car's interior

Seat belts
Check that the belts are not frayed or damaged, and that the belts, buckles, adjusters and child restraint anchorage points are in good condition.

Lights Check the operation of all lights, both inside and outside the car. If the vehicle is fitted with ABS and/or SRS air bags, check that the dashboard warning light/s illuminate for a short time when the ignition is turned on. Equipment and accessories Check aircon, ventilation fan, electric windows, sound system, and so on. Inoperative items can be expensive to repair or replace.

Jack and toolkit
These items should be in place and in serviceable condition.

Upholstery, trim and carpets
Check everywhere for any wear and tear.

Why NRMA CarWise is a must

NRMA CarWise helps you select the right car for you and conduct a background check on the vehicle. It also provides detailed reports to help you negotiate the right price and avoid unexpected costs.

If you have a few cars in mind then make sure you get the FREE CarFacts report which will give you information on the specifications, price range, road tests, number of recalls and NRMA identified common faults for the vehicles.

When you’ve found the car you want to buy, then the first thing you need to do is get a background check on it.

To do this, you need to get a CarBuyer’s Report which gives you a detailed valuation on your chosen car to show what you’re really paying for and tips on negotiating to get yourself a fair deal.

It also has details of common faults as identified by NRMA, a REVS check to see if there is any finance owing on the car, if it’s been stolen or written-off and recall information to ensure the car is safe.

For more details visit NRMA Car Wise.