Buying a used car? Pre-purchase inspection checklist

A used car can be great value — or an expensive mistake. The biggest risks are flood-damaged cars, accident-repaired cars, and hidden engine or transmission problems. Before you pay, run through this checklist (or better, have a workshop inspect it) to avoid buying someone else's headache.

Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for knocking, check for oil leaks, blue/white exhaust smoke and the oil's condition.

Transmission: test drive for smooth shifting, no jerking, slipping or delay in D and R.

Flood signs: musty or damp smell, mud/silt under carpets and in the spare-wheel well, water lines or rust in odd places, foggy lights.

Accident signs: uneven panel gaps, mismatched paint, fresh underbody paint, welding marks, doors/bonnet that don't line up.

Paperwork: check the grant, service records, mileage against wear, and that there are no outstanding loans or summonses.

A visual check catches a lot, but engine, transmission and chassis problems often hide until you drive it. An independent workshop inspection before you buy costs little and can save you thousands.

Thinking of buying a used car? Bring it to 4M CARCARE for a pre-purchase inspection — we check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension and look for flood or accident history, then give you an honest report so you can buy with confidence. Based in Bandar Sri Damansara. Message us to arrange it.