Pre-Purchase European Vehicle Inspections

Have you been on the lookout for used European cars? We can help you dodge a lemon.

Our friendly, experienced mechanics can swoop in to inspect the pre-loved car before you buy, so you don’t make a costly mistake.

Why you need pre-purchase vehicle inspections

Buying a used vehicle can be risky when you don’t know what to look for and avoid.

European cars have distinct mechanical features and engineering characteristics that can set them apart from other cars. They’re often built with all the bells and whistles – cutting-edge tech, as well as elaborate electrical systems and complex engine and transmission designs.

While these are great features to have in a car, it can be expensive when things go wrong. Most buyers will find it much more difficult to navigate a successful pre-purchase inspection without extensive experience and knowledge.

Lucky for you, we have just that!

We’ve been under the hood of thousands of European car models and know to pay particular attention to the tight and often restrictive confines of the engine bay and complex mechanics of the car.

What we inspect

Found a second-hand European car you like? We’ll swoop in to make sure it’s worth your time and money.

Our mechanics follow a clear inspection checklist, including:

Inspections Specific to European Cars

  • Engine and Transmission: higher-level inspection due to the complexity and specific characteristics associated with European vehicles (road test, manually tested and visual inspection)
  • Auxiliary systems: higher-level inspection on variable engine settings, variable suspension settings and variable steering settings (road test and manually tested)
  • Electrical systems: higher-level inspection on navigation systems, stability control programs and climate control systems (manually tested and visual inspection)
  • Interior: higher-level inspection on door trims, sunroof, heated and electric seats, and interior componentry (manually tested and visual inspection)
  • Exterior: higher level inspection on paint finish, windscreens, trim finish, wheels and tyres (visual inspection)

Engine and Transmission

  • Engine and engine oil condition
  • Engine auxiliary systems
  • Drive belts, hoses and under bonnet fluid levels
  • Radiator and cooling system function and condition
  • Transmission (gearbox), differential (diff) and drivetrain function and condition

Vehicle Underbody and Outer Body

  • Steering systems function and condition
  • Suspension function and condition
  • Exhaust system condition and function
  • Body and underbody components for rust, corrosion, accident damage and repair
  • Paint finish, imperfections and blemishes
  • Front and rear windscreen condition
  • Rear vision mirror function and condition

Electrical and Electronics

  • Vehicles onboard computer diagnostics fault code check
  • Battery charge rate and condition
  • Headlights, taillights and indicators
  • Horn, wipers and washers
  • Side mirrors and function
  • Smart key operation and condition

Interior, Boot, and Stowage

  • Condition and function of the interior and cargo areas
  • Air conditioning operation
  • In-cabin dials, switches and buttons

Brake System, Wheels and Tyres

  • Brake function and condition
  • Wheel and tyre condition – including the spare

General

  • Road test to evaluate engine, gearbox, steering, suspension and braking performance and operations
  • Service and repair logbook history (if information is with the car)

European vehicle inspection pricing

Discover more about our pricing.

$275

Inspection exclusions for European cars

The items listed require in-depth mechanical diagnosis and disassembly of vehicle parts to inspect and are not included in a general pre-purchase inspection.

  • Brake lining material and brake drums, focusing on visible components only
  • Inspection of wheel cylinders
  • Indication of brake fluid contamination
  • Mechanics of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Estimation of the remaining lifespan of brake systems
  • Evaluation of sludge buildup in the oil pump strainer
  • Test of engine cylinder compression
  • Inspection of engine and transmission mountings
  • Verification of the condition of the odometer, camshaft belt and timing belt
  • Evaluation of the water pump/fan performance
  • Evaluation of the turbocharger or supercharger condition or performance
  • Checking/testing of the batteries in Hybrid/Electric cars (excluding startup battery in Hybrids)
  • Examination of vehicle electrics and electronics such as modules, wiring and connectors
  • Verification of the functionality of audio-visual or entertainment systems, including CD, Cassette, TV, DVD, iPod connectivity, sensors, alarm/security devices and satellite navigation systems/GPS
  • Check of the vehicle’s computer systems, such as trip meter computers, cruise control, and other onboard computer systems
  • Assessment of gas emissions
  • Inspection of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters
  • Evaluation of LPG systems
  • Assessment of internal transmission and drivetrain mechanics
  • Identification and investigation of body water leaks
  • Estimation of the remaining lifespan of exhaust systems, clutches and dual mass flywheels
  • Assessing the efficiency of air conditioning systems (exact temperature range)

After the inspection you’ll receive an easy-to read, detailed report with high-res photos of the vehicle so you can make a confident decision on your purchase.

Want to know more about our pre-purchase vehicle inspections for European cars?

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