Risks of buying a car without an inspection

Buyers beware of hidden damage or mechanical Issues CASY STUDY POST SALE VEHCILE INSPECTION SUMMARY

• Our client had purchased a 2010 Mazda 6 from a private seller without undertaking a pre purchase inspection.
• We have been instructed by our client to undergo a ‘post vehicle inspection’ and to provide a rough cost on any outstanding repairs (if any found).
• During our walk around inspection, the vehicle seemed to be kept in a reasonable condition with matching up to date logbooks and a well-kept interior.
• During the course of our inspection, the vehicle presented with serious mechanical and body defects.
• This vehicle was not in road worthy condition.
• It is expected that the total cost of repairs outweigh the overall value.

DEFECTS During the course of our paint thickness test, we have uncovered that the entire vehicle had been resprayed. Further investigations reveal that the entire right hand side of the vehicle had body filler and/or repairs. Poor paintwork found within door apertures and rubber seals. It was apparent that chrome door moulds have obviously been removed previously. During our undercarriage assessment, we have found that the right hand chassis had been damaged due to a side impact. The steering rack found to be bent in the right hand side – which supports the fact that the vehicle was involved in a collision. During the test drive, we found that we had further motion of movement whilst turning left only. It appears the steering rack internals have been stripped – again, this supports the fact that the subject vehicle was involved in a collision. RECOMMENDATIONS The cost of repairs would clearly outweigh our valuation of the subject vehicle which was $8,000 at the time of our inspection. Unfortunately, as the vehicle was purchased privately with no warranties, our client is stuck with a lemon and faced a hefty repair bill in order to bring this vehicle back to a roadworthy condition. CONCLUSION If this vehicle was presented to Double Chex as a ‘pre purchase inspection’, we would have not recommended proceeding with the purchase. Unaware of the safety concerns, the buyer had purchased a vehicle that is not in a roadworthy condition and poses a great safety concern not only for themselves, but for other road users. By completing a pre purchase inspection, these issues would have been identified and the entire purchase would have been avoided entirely.