Buying a second-hand car can be an exciting move — especially when you spot a great deal. Whether you’re a student looking for a reliable first car, a family upgrading to a bigger vehicle, or someone simply after a budget-friendly ride, used cars often offer the best bang for your buck. But let’s be honest — there’s also that little voice in your head wondering, “What if I’m buying a lemon?”
And fair enough. We’ve seen it all — from buyers who drove away with a solid bargain to others who unknowingly picked up a money pit. As a car removal company, we’ve dealt with countless vehicles at the end of their road, many of which could have been avoided with a proper pre-purchase check.
So, let’s walk through exactly what to inspect before buying a second-hand car in Australia — in plain language and with no fluff.
1. Start with the Car’s History
Before you even think about test-driving the vehicle, dig into its background.
Ask the seller for the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and use it to run a PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) check. This quick online search tells you if the car:
- Has been written off or stolen
- Still has money owing on it (which you don’t want to inherit!)
We had a customer from Dandenong who bought a used ute privately without running a PPSR check. A month later, the finance company came knocking — the previous owner hadn’t cleared the loan. She ended up returning the car and losing money in the process. Don’t let that happen to you.
Also, check the logbook and service history. A well-maintained car should have regular service stamps, especially for major services (timing belt replacements, brake servicing, etc.).
2. Inspect the Exterior (But Don’t Be Fooled by a Polish)
A shiny body might look nice, but it doesn’t always mean the car’s in good shape. Get down and inspect closely:
- Check for mismatched paint – Could indicate a past accident.
- Look at panel gaps – Uneven gaps around doors, bonnet or boot might suggest body repairs.
- Rust? – Surface rust is one thing, but bubbling paint or corrosion near wheel arches and under doors is a red flag.
- Tyres – Uneven tyre wear could mean wheel alignment issues or worn suspension.
A bloke from Geelong once brought us a Commodore that looked mint on the outside — but under the body was a different story. It had rust creeping through the chassis rails and cost more to repair than it was worth.
3. Have a Look Under the Bonnet (Even If You’re Not a Mechanic)
You don’t need to be a grease monkey to spot trouble under the hood. Here’s what to check:
- Oil levels and colour – Pull out the dipstick. Thick, black oil that hasn’t been changed in ages? That’s a bad sign.
- Coolant – Should be clean and bright (usually green or pink). Milky coolant? Could mean a blown head gasket.
- Leaks – Look for oil stains or drips underneath the engine or on the ground.
- Battery age – It’s printed on top. If it’s more than 3 years old, you might be replacing it soon.
We had a Hilux brought in from Preston with creamy goo on the oil cap — classic sign of water mixing with oil. Head gasket was blown. The new owner didn’t notice during inspection and was in for a nasty surprise after just a week.
4. Inside the Cabin: Comfort Meets Clues
Step inside and check not just the comfort, but also the condition.
- Odometer – Check if the kilometres match the wear and tear. A car claiming 100,000km shouldn’t have sagging seats or a worn-out steering wheel.
- Air con and heater – Test both. It’s Australia — working air con isn’t optional.
- Dashboard lights – Make sure all the warning lights come on and go off after starting the car.
- Windows and electronics – Test everything from electric windows to radio and reverse camera (if fitted).
A used car dealer in Sunshine once had a Falcon on sale with a “clean” dash — but the engine warning light bulb was actually removed. Cheeky trick. If something feels off, get it checked.
5. Take It for a Proper Test Drive
Not a quick zip around the block. A proper test drive, ideally for 15–20 minutes on various roads. While driving:
- Listen – Knocking, rattling, squealing — those sounds aren’t normal.
- Watch the temperature gauge – It should stay stable. Overheating can mean radiator or head issues.
- Gear changes – Smooth shifting, whether it’s manual or automatic, is a must.
- Braking – The car should stop straight. If it pulls to one side or vibrates, that’s a red flag.
One of our staff members bought a second-hand Mazda 3 from a private seller in Cranbourne. It ran beautifully at first but developed a nasty vibration at 100 km/h. Turned out to be a worn CV joint that wasn’t obvious until taken on the freeway.
6. Don’t Skip a Professional Inspection
Even if everything looks fine to your eye, always get an independent mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection. Mobile mechanics can come to you or the seller’s address.
A $150 inspection could save you from buying a vehicle with thousands in hidden problems. Many buyers think they’re saving money by skipping this — but we’ve seen time and again how this “saving” turns into a regret.
7. Negotiate Like You Mean It (But Be Fair)
Once you’ve done your checks and have the report in hand, you’ve got ammo to negotiate.
Found some cosmetic scratches? Use that to lower the price.
Tyres worn out? Ask for a discount to offset replacement costs.
No service history? Be cautious — and make your offer reflect that.
Most private sellers in Australia expect a bit of haggling — just keep it respectful.
Not Sure? Walk Away.
Here’s the thing: There’s no shortage of second-hand cars in Australia. If a deal seems fishy, rushed, or the seller dodges questions, just walk away. No car is worth the headache of constant repairs or disputes later on.
What Happens If You Buy a Dud Anyway?
Sometimes, even with the best inspections, things slip through. If you do end up with a lemon, all hope isn’t lost. That’s where companies like ours step in. We buy unwanted, damaged, and used cars — no matter their condition — and still offer fair cash for them. So if you ever get stuck with a car that’s more stress than solution, we’ve got your back.
One Last Thing Before You Hand Over the Cash
Make sure the registration is properly transferred via VicRoads (or your relevant state authority) and that the seller provides a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) if required by law. In Victoria, it’s typically needed for private car sales.
Keep This in Mind Before You Drive Off
Buying a second-hand car doesn’t need to be a gamble. With a little time, patience, and a solid inspection checklist, you can land a great deal and drive away with peace of mind.
Think of it like buying a house — you wouldn’t hand over the money without checking the roof, the plumbing, and the paperwork. Your car deserves the same care.
And remember, if things don’t work out — we’re always here to take that unwanted car off your hands and put some cash back in your pocket.
Safe driving!
If you are in Westmeadows, and looking to sell your car, this is the best way to find us.
1/26 Acacia St, Glenroy VIC 3046
0437 773 905
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