7 Things to Check When Buying a Second Hand Car

Buying a used car can save you money because the first owner has already taken the biggest hit on depreciation. You need to know what to check, or you might end up with someone else's problems instead of a great deal.

Dealerships often provide warranties for cars under 10 years old and 160,000km. Still, you should know what to look at before buying any used vehicle. Used car prices have been dropping since their peak in March 2023.

The Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check is a vital step before you finalise your purchase. This tells you if the car was stolen, written off, or has any money owing on it. A Roadworthy Certificate will give a clear picture of the car's safety and fitness. These paperwork checks might seem boring, but they can save you from decisions that get pricey later. The next sections will walk you through seven areas that need attention before you sign any used car agreement.

Engine Condition

The engine acts as the heart of any vehicle, and that makes it the most critical part to check when buying a used car. Getting a full picture of the engine reveals the vehicle's overall health and helps you avoid repairs that can get pricey later.

Engine Condition Key Indicators

You can spot several visual clues to learn about a used car's engine condition. The engine bay's cleanliness tells a story - dirt buildup often points to poor maintenance or mechanical issues. The oil should look clean and golden-brown on the dipstick rather than dirty or gritty. Oil that's dark and dirty or has a burnt smell shows overdue maintenance or engine wear.

Start by taking off the oil filler cap while the engine idles and watch for excessive fumes that might show worn piston rings or cylinders. The radiator coolant needs to be clean with a bright colour. Oil mixing with coolant could mean you're dealing with a cracked cylinder head or leaky gasket.

The core team looks at belts and hoses to spot cracks, fraying, or heavy wear. These parts should look intact without damage. Battery terminals need to be clean without corrosion or rust buildup.

Service records are a great way to get reliable proof of engine health. These should show regular maintenance that follows manufacturer recommendations, especially for oil changes.

Engine Condition Common Issues

Oil leaks are some of the most common and damaging problems in used car engines. You'll want to check for oil spots under the car or around the engine bay - even small leaks might mean worn seals or gaskets.

Overheating is another serious issue that usually points to radiator or water pump problems. The engine could fail catastrophically if this goes unchecked. Missing a timing belt replacement can wreck the engine, too. Most cars need new timing belts between 90,000 km and 180,000 km or every 4-8 years.

Transmission problems plague many used cars. Watch out for clunking or grinding sounds, gears that slip, burning smells, and leaks from worn seals or gaskets. The "check engine" light on your dashboard warns you about detected faults.

The most expensive engine repairs include:

• Complete engine failure
• Transmission failures
• Oil consumption issues that speed up engine wear

Engine Condition test drive tips

Test drives give you the best chance to review an engine's performance. Try to see the car early morning to test it cold. A cold engine that fires up right away and runs smoothly usually means it's in good shape.

Listen for strange noises during the cold start and check the exhaust smoke. Blue smoke means the engine burns oil - that's a major warning sign. Normal exhaust should look gray-white with a typical petrol or diesel smell, not blue or black with strong odours.

The engine needs to perform well in different situations: speeding up, slowing down, city traffic, and highway driving. You shouldn't hear knocking, rattling, or hesitation. The temperature gauge should stay centred after the engine warms up.

Let the engine run idle for a few minutes during your check. A healthy engine keeps steady RPMs without sudden changes. Pay attention to weird vibrations or knocking while it idles since these might show engine oil problems.

Power delivery matters a lot - losing power as you speed up could mean engine knock. After the test drive, look under the car for fluid leaks that show up only after running the engine.

A trusted mechanic or car expert can give you the full picture of the engine's condition if you're not familiar with cars.

Fluid Leaks

Fluid leaks are often the first warning sign that something's wrong with a used car. If you ignore a leak, it can lead to serious problems - from brake and steering issues to complete engine failure. You just need to know how to spot and evaluate different fluid leaks when checking out a used vehicle.

Fluid Leaks Visual Signs

The colour, consistency, and smell of fluid puddles give away important clues about where they're coming from and how bad they are. Engine oil looks light amber to dark brown based on its age. It feels slick and thick with a slight gassy smell. Transmission fluid usually shows up red or pink and leaves a reddish stain with a lighter pink ring around it on paper.

Coolant leaks show up as greenish, orange, or sometimes blue or pink puddles. They have a sweet smell because of the ethylene glycol in them. This sweet scent helps you tell coolant apart from other fluids. Brake fluid looks clear or slightly yellow and feels slippery. Power steering fluid comes in reddish, amber, or light brown shades.

To identify leaks correctly, put some clean white paper, cardboard, or an old bedsheet under where you think the leak is. Park the car overnight to catch any drips and check the colour in good light. White foot powder on parts you think are leaking can help you find exactly where the leak starts.

Fluid Leaks under the hood

A good look at the engine compartment shows signs of fluid leaks you might miss from the ground. Look for wet spots, buildup, or crusty deposits on engine parts. Check the rocker cover gaskets on top of the engine where oil might collect.

The fluid's colour helps narrow down the problem - reddish fluid near the power steering reservoir points to loose connections or cracked hoses. Black or brown oil residue around the oil filter or drain plug means they weren't installed properly during the last service.

You should check hoses and the radiator for white residue or colored stains to find coolant leaks. Coolant should look clean and bright, usually red or green. Whatever type of fluid it is, any wet spots around caps, seals, or connections spell trouble.

Yes, it is worth getting a professional inspection if you see lots of moisture but can't tell where it's coming from. Before buying a used car, check all fluid levels - if they're always low, you probably have an ongoing leak.

Fluid Leaks under the car

Fluid spots under a vehicle tell you a lot about what's wrong. Oil leaks usually appear right under the engine. Transmission fluid leaks show up in the middle or toward the back of rear-wheel-drive cars.

Brake fluid leaks near the wheels or around the brake pedal area need immediate attention for safety reasons. You can spot a brake fluid leak by looking for moisture around brake lines, callipers, or the master cylinder.

Fuel leaks are serious - you can smell gasoline without even seeing the puddle. These leaks create fire hazards, so don't drive the car until it's fixed.

Not all fluid under a car means trouble. Clear, odourless liquid is usually just AC condensation, which is normal on hot days. But if you see clear fluid when the AC hasn't been running, take a closer look.

When checking a used car, park it on flat ground for at least 15 minutes, then look underneath for leaks. You can also move the car and check where it was parked for stains. Use a flashlight to check the undercarriage for wet spots, drip trails, or grime mixed with leaked fluid.

Fluid leaks tell you a lot about a car's health and how well it's been maintained. Watch out for multiple types of leaks at once, puddles that keep getting bigger, or leaks that come with problems like rough shifting, overheating, or brake issues. By taking time to check fluid leaks carefully, buyers can avoid getting stuck with expensive hidden problems.

Tire Wear and Suspension

Your second-hand car's tyres and suspension tell a vital story about its maintenance history, safety, and future costs. These parts are your only connection to the road, so you need to check them carefully before buying.

Tire Wear and Suspension Inspection Tips

Start by checking the tread depth on all tyres. Australian law requires at least 1.6mm of tread, but you should plan to replace tyres once they hit 3mm to keep good grip in wet weather. Here's a quick test: put a 20-cent coin in the tyre grooves at several spots around the tyre. The tread might be too low if you can see the coin's rim.

Look at how each tyre wears down. Different wear patterns point to specific problems:

• Feathering (tread ribs feel like saw teeth): The wheels might be out of line
• Cupping (dips around the tread edge): Something's wrong with the suspension
• One-sided wear (inner or outer edge worn more): The wheels need alignment
• Centre wear only: The tyres have too much air

Run your hand over each tyre in every direction. You'll feel any rough spots right away. The sidewalls shouldn't have cracks, cuts, bubbles, or bulges - these mean the tyre's damaged inside. Such damage could cause dangerous blowouts.

Take the car for a test drive on different roads. The car shouldn't pull to one side - that's a sign of bad alignment or worn suspension. Pay attention to any clunking or squeaking, especially over bumps. These noises often mean the suspension bushes have failed.

Tire Wear and Suspension Safety Concerns

Bad tyres and suspension make your car harder to handle and less safe. Worn tyres lose grip fast in wet weather, so you'll need more distance to stop and might crash more easily. Tires with cuts, bulges, or cracked sides might blow out and make you lose control.

The suspension does more than just give you a smooth ride. Bad suspension parts make the car unstable and harder to control. This gets dangerous when you need to dodge something quickly or drive on rough roads.

Used tyres might seem like a bargain, but watch out. You can't spot all tyre damage by looking - you need special tools.

Bad tyres or suspension often mean the owner cut corners elsewhere, too. Finding different tyres on each wheel suggests cheap maintenance. Really worn tyres might mean the car's been in crashes or has frame damage.

Tire Wear and Suspension replacement costs

New tyres and suspension work cost serious money - factor this into your price negotiations.

Suspension repairs add extra costs. You'll need a pro to fix bad bushings, worn shocks, and alignment problems. These repair costs should affect your offer price if you spot issues during inspection.

Note that new tyres need wheel alignment to last longer. The shop should also check your suspension and steering when putting on new tyres to catch any other issues.

Exhaust and Emissions

Looking at the exhaust system will help you learn about a vehicle's overall health when you shop for a second hand car. Just like a doctor spots illness through symptoms, the exhaust system shows clear signs of the engine's internal condition.

Exhaust and Emissions smoke types

The exhaust smoke's colour is a great way to get diagnostic clues when you check a used car.

We spotted three main smoke colours to watch for:

• White/Grey Smoke: You'll see a bit of white smoke at startup that looks like steam - this is normal, especially on cold mornings while condensation clears. But thick white smoke that stays after the engine warms up shows coolant leaking into the engine. This usually means serious problems like a broken head gasket or cracked cylinder head.
• Blue Smoke: This smoke has a bluish tint and comes with a burning smell. Blue exhaust smoke means the engine burns oil, which could be from worn valve seals, piston rings, or damaged turbochargers. These signs point to major engine wear and expensive repairs.
• Black Smoke: This darker smoke suggests the engine isn't burning fuel properly. In petrol cars, you might have clogged fuel injectors, dirty air filters, or fuel-pressure regulator problems. Diesel vehicles often show black smoke from soot buildup or when the diesel particulate filter cleans itself.

Modern vehicles should barely show any visible emissions. Any noticeable smoke from the exhaust pipe needs a good look before you buy.

Exhaust and Emissions noise issues

Strange sounds from the exhaust system usually mean trouble's brewing. Note that a healthy exhaust produces an even sound without rattles or pops.

A hissing or tapping noise might mean a cracked exhaust manifold or a leaking manifold gasket. These let exhaust gases escape before they reach the catalytic converter. This affects your engine's performance and emissions.

A roar or rumble usually points to holes in the exhaust pipe or muffler, or a loose exhaust system. If a quiet car suddenly sounds like it belongs on a race track, you've got a serious exhaust leak.

Popping or backfiring from the exhaust could mean several things - from bad ignition timing to muffler problems. Rattling sounds under the car, especially over bumps, often mean loose heat shields or broken hangers.

Take the car for a test drive to catch these problems. Listen for odd noises, then let it idle while you check the exhaust system.

Exhaust and Emissions Warning Signs

Beyond smoke and noise, other signs can reveal exhaust problems. These signs need your attention right away when you check out a used vehicle.

Your check engine light might come on due to exhaust problems, especially with oxygen sensors or the catalytic converter. Today's vehicles have complex systems that catch even small emission issues.

Bad smells tell you a lot. A rotten egg or sulphur smell might mean your catalytic converter's failing. Any fuel smell in the car could mean dangerous exhaust leaks are letting harmful gases inside.

The car might shake from exhaust problems. If you feel vibrations during idle or acceleration, the exhaust system could be the cause. You'll feel these through the steering wheel, pedals, or seat.

Poor fuel efficiency might signal exhaust issues. A clogged catalytic converter or blocked exhaust pipe can cut power, make starting hard, and waste fuel.

Rust on exhaust parts needs quick attention. It weakens mufflers and pipes, leading to leaks or holes. This often happens from short trips where water sits in the system without getting hot enough to evaporate.

Check all these exhaust and emission warning signs when buying a used car to avoid getting stuck with the last owner's expensive problems.

Interior Condition

A used car's interior tells the real story of how well its previous owner cared for it. Even cars with shiny exteriors can hide many problems inside that could hurt comfort, function, and value.

Interior Condition seat and belt checks

We checked the seats first to spot any rips, tears, or heavy wear. The driver's seat usually shows the worst damage. Look under seat covers and floor mats since they might hide serious wear or damage. All seat adjustments should work smoothly. Manual levers and power controls shouldn't make grinding noises or get stuck.

Seat belts need a close look because they're crucial to safety. The belts should pull out and retract without issues. Make sure the locks work right and the material isn't frayed or damaged. Sagging seat supports often show that the car's owner didn't take good care of it. Test every seat in the car. Problems with rear seats or passenger controls can get pricey to fix.

Interior Condition: smell and cleanliness

The car's smell can tell you a lot about its condition. Take a good sniff when you open the door. Musty smells usually mean water damage from leaky windshields, sunroofs, doors, or trunk seals.

Strong air fresheners or chemical smells might be hiding other problems. You can spot a smoker's car by looking for yellow stains on seats, burn marks, or ashes in the tray. These smells almost never go away completely.

Pet hair and stains throughout show that the owner's pets rode in the car often. This matters if you have allergies. Bad smells plus wet carpets or foggy windows usually point to moisture problems. These issues can damage electrical parts under the carpets.

Interior Condition wear and tear indicators

Small signs of wear can reveal the car's true history. The rubber pedal covers gave an explanation - low-mileage cars should have minimal pedal wear. Heavy wear might mean the odometer isn't honest.

Look for wear and damage in these spots:

• Dashboard and trim for cracks, fading, or sun damage
• Steering wheel's rim for smoothness or damage
• Buttons, switches, and controls to check if they work
• Upholstery and carpets for stains that don't match the car's age
• Interior plastic parts for colour changes or damage

Test all electrical parts like windows, lights, AC, and entertainment systems last. Problems here might mean electrical issues or flood damage. Misaligned interior pieces, drooping headliners, or loose panels usually mean past accidents or poor repairs.

A car's interior shows its true history. A perfect engine with a badly worn interior suggests the owner only fixed what they wanted to, and might have skipped other important maintenance too.

Exterior and Bodywork

A car's exterior does more than just look good. Its condition tells us about structural integrity and how well previous owners maintained it. A proper body inspection can reveal hidden issues that could cost thousands to fix.

Exterior and Bodywork rust and dents

We need to look for rust around wheel arches, sills, doors, floor pans, and lower sections of all panels. Cars with perfect-looking bodies can hide serious rust underneath. The best way to spot small defects is to look at the car in direct sunlight rather than showroom lighting.

A small magnet (even a fridge magnet works great) helps get the full picture of what's under the paint. Metal underneath makes the magnet stick. If it doesn't stick, there's likely plastic filler hiding damage. Some body filler is fine in good repairs, but it shouldn't make up the whole repair.

The real story often lies underneath the vehicle. Look at the floor pans and the boot area for rust. These spots can rot while the visible exterior looks good. Cars with vinyl roofs need extra attention because rust loves to grow under that covering.

Exterior and Bodywork paint inconsistencies

The paint tells us about a car's hidden past. Fresh paint on an older car should make you suspicious - it often hides problems. Signs of a rushed paint job include overspray under wheel arches, on window rubbers, door handles, and tyre surfaces.

Natural daylight helps spot colour differences between panels. Watch for uneven paint texture, different shine levels, or mismatched colours - these point to previous repairs. Your fingers can detect rough surfaces or overspray along panel edges, which shows poor repair work.

Bad paint matches often contradict sellers who claim "no accident history." Even subtle shine differences from various angles can reveal past damage. Factory paint should look uniform all around.

Exterior and Bodywork: door and boot function

Doors, bonnet, and boot should work smoothly with even gaps between panels. Uneven shut lines or misaligned parts usually mean accident damage. Each latch should close firmly and lock properly.

Door and window rubber seals break down over time and let water in. Doors that don't close right or a poor panel fit might mean structural damage or lots of rough road driving.

Boot hinges need to work safely and securely. Small alignment problems can show the car has had collision repairs, which affects both safety and value.

Vehicle Paperwork and History

Physical inspections alone can't catch every issue with used cars. Documentation verification is a vital defence against common pitfalls. The paperwork tells the true story of a vehicle beyond what your eyes can see.

Vehicle Paperwork and History VIN verification

A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) works like a car's fingerprint - a unique 17-character identifier. You'll find it in the owner's manual, on a small silver build plate in the engine compartment, at the windscreen's base, or stamped on the driver's side door. The VIN on the registration papers must match exactly with the car's VIN to confirm you're getting the advertised vehicle.

This simple check protects you from fraud or misrepresentation. The VIN also lets you access detailed history reports that reveal everything about the car's past and current condition.

Vehicle Paperwork and History service records

Responsible ownership and proper maintenance show up in a complete service history. Ask for the logbook and check if it shows regular servicing every 10,000-15,000 km or every six months. Professional mechanics should properly stamp and date each entry.

Service records show critical maintenance like oil changes, timing belt replacements, brake inspections, and major repairs. The car might have hidden problems or suffer from neglect if records are missing or have gaps. These documents help you estimate future maintenance costs and know the next service date.

Vehicle Paperwork and History PPSR check

A Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) search could save you thousands. This official government register shows if the car has outstanding debts, has been written off, or was reported stolen.

The previous owner's unpaid finance could lead to your car being repossessed if you skip this check, even after you've paid for it. The VIN or chassis number works for this check - not the license plate or engine number.

The PPSR check should happen on the purchase day or the day before to get the latest information. The certificate becomes your legal protection if questions about the car's history come up later.

Conclusion

Buying a used car is one of the most important investments you'll make, and you really need to check everything carefully. This piece explores seven key areas you just need to look at before you buy any used vehicle.

The engine's condition shows how healthy the vehicle is overall. Fluid leaks can reveal mechanical problems that might not be visible right away. Your car's tyres and suspension affect both comfort and safety, and uneven wear patterns might point to accident damage or problems with how the wheels are arranged.

The colour and consistency of exhaust smoke is a great way to get clues about internal engine problems. The car's interior tells you a lot about how previous owners took care of it, beyond what you'll find in service records.

Looking at the exterior and bodywork helps you spot past accidents or repairs that could affect the car's structure. Sellers often try to hide these issues. The sort of thing I love to emphasise is checking all the paperwork - service records and PPSR checks keep you safe from buying stolen vehicles or ones with debt attached.

The whole process might look daunting at first. A step-by-step check of these seven areas will save you from expensive surprises later. This knowledge helps buyers feel confident when they're shopping for a used car. You'll make better decisions if you take time to check everything properly.

Don't rush through your inspection. It's worth mentioning that being patient now can save you thousands in surprise repairs down the road. On top of that, if you're not sure about anything, getting a professional pre-purchase inspection is a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Your main goal isn't just to get from point A to point B - you want a reliable car without hidden issues. Approach each used car purchase with excitement, but stay sharp, and you'll drive away with both a good deal and a car you can count on.

At Coastal Cars Select, we make finding your next reliable car simple. Contact our friendly team located in Moffat Beach on the Sunshine Coast today! Browse our fully inspected vehicles, all backed by our 150-point mechanical check.

FAQs

Q1. What are the most crucial things to check when buying a used car in Australia?

When purchasing a used car in Australia, it's essential to check the vehicle's history, safety rating, and any outstanding debts. Get a mechanical inspection, verify service records, and conduct a PPSR check. Also, examine the engine condition, look for fluid leaks, inspect tyre wear and suspension, and thoroughly assess the exterior and interior condition.

Q2. Why is getting an independent inspection important when buying a used car?

An independent inspection is crucial because it can reveal hidden issues that may not be apparent during a casual examination. Even if a dealer has "certified" the vehicle, an unbiased mechanic can identify potential problems, helping you avoid costly repairs down the line and ensuring you're making a sound investment.

Q3. What should I look for under the hood when inspecting a used car?

When examining under the hood, check for signs of fluid leaks, the condition of belts and hoses, and any unusual residue or corrosion. Pay attention to the oil's colour and consistency, inspect the coolant, and look for any signs of overheating or poor maintenance. Also, listen for unusual noises when the engine is running.

Q4. How can I verify a used car's history before purchasing?

To verify a used car's history, start by checking that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the registration papers. Review the service records for regular maintenance and major repairs. Conduct a PPSR check to reveal any outstanding debts, write-offs, or if the car was reported stolen. Additionally, consider obtaining a comprehensive vehicle history report.

Q5. What are some red flags to watch out for when examining a used car's exterior?

When examining a used car's exterior, be wary of inconsistent paint colour or texture between panels, which may indicate previous repairs. Look for rust, especially around wheel arches and under the car. Check for misaligned doors or uneven panel gaps, as these can suggest accident damage. Also, use a magnet to detect areas repaired with body filler instead of metal.