Pre-Purchase AWD and 4WD Vehicle Inspections

Pre-Purchase AWD and 4WD Vehicle Inspections

4WD Vehicle Inspections, Swoop

When it comes to buying a used AWD or 4WD, vehicle inspections are crucial.

Have you considered whether the vehicle you’re eyeing has been bush-bashed, thrashed, or even submerged?

Four-wheel drives and all-wheel drives go through a lot in their lifetime, so buying a used one can carry a real risk. Especially when you don’t know exactly what to look for.

Our experienced mechanics know their way around four-wheel drives. We’ll inspect the car to ensure you don’t invest in a 4WD or AWD that has been pushed to its limits, skipped critical services, or suffered mechanical setbacks.

The importance of AWD and 4WD Vehicle Inspections

4WDs need a little more love and attention than some other vehicles.

In addition to our standard vehicle checks, we meticulously inspect signs of salt corrosion from boat and watercraft launching, as well as evidence of heavy ground contact from off-roading and bush-bashing.

Our scrutiny extends to testing the 4WD systems, evaluating high and low range functionality, checking hub locks, and more. And we don’t forget the aftermarket accessories – we check them out and assess their fitment quality.

Your Swoop mechanic will also take a look at the service history to confirm regular servicing or any repairs.

You’ll get a full understanding of the vehicle’s condition, which will help you make a confident decision whether it’s the car you want to take on your next adventure.

What we inspect

Swoop’s expert mechanics follow a meticulous inspection checklist, including:

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Specific Inspections

  • Engagement and disengagement of the 4WD system (only for 4WD vehicles)
  • Function of the 4WD system, including the high and low range functions (only for 4WD vehicles)
  • Transfer case, front differential (diff), transaxle, front drive shafts, front hub function and condition
  • Wear and tear and corrosion on the drivetrain, suspension and braking components, due to excessive towing or water submersion

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)

AWD and 4WD vehicle inspection pricing

Discover more about our pricing.

$275

4WD vehicle inspection exclusions

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
  • Test of the vehicle on offroad or on loose surfaces. This test cannot be carried out given the unknown proximity to these surfaces/conditions
  • 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
  • Assessment of the efficiency of air conditioning systems (exact temperature range)

Contact our team today to find out how a 4WD vehicle inspection could help you.

Our pre-purchase vehicle inspections will give you an easy to read and detailed report outlining everything you need to know about the vehicle. Plus, you will get some great hi-res photos to show you the condition of the vehicle.

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