Mechanical vehicle inspections: what they are and why they’re a must when buying a used car

When you're in the market for a used car, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

First, make sure you do your research on prices before you've even arranged to see the first vehicle in person. Searching for the car you're after on Carsales.com.au and sorting by kilometres can be a great way to determine a rough average price in the right condition for you. You can then make a list of a few you'd like to investigate further.

Also, when checking out the cars make sure you have a look through the service books to confirm it's been well-maintained.

Of course, driving the car is an integral part of the process. Check the steering, suspension feel, transmission, engine while idle, acceleration and deceleration (knocking, rattling, etc.) and gauges such as water temperature.

But unless you're a mechanic, it's really a must to get a professional to take a look at the car before handing over anything but a holding deposit. That's where a mechanical vehicle inspection comes in.

Booking the car for a mechanical vehicle inspection with companies like RedBook means you'll get an expert mechanic to have an in-depth look at it from top to bottom. Good news is we can help you with this as a part of the financing process! The inspection process includes checking:

• Engine, transmission and drivetrain
• Suspension, steering and brakes
• Wheels and tyres
• Interior and exterior (e.g. for rust and previous collision fixes)
• Electrics

These checks shouldn't just be limited to private sale vehicles, either; get one done even if you're going through a dealership.

Peace of mind is the first and foremost reason for getting a mechanical vehicle inspection. When you're spending thousands on an asset, you should feel confident you're not getting a lemon that may end up costing you down the track in repairs. And you can rest assured that any safety issues with the vehicle will be brought to your attention, meaning you won't inadvertently end up driving around in a death trap!

At Stratton Finance, we take care of our customers. If you're in the market for a used vehicle and are interested in arranging finance (even if it's a private sale), we'll not only source the right car finance option for you; we also offer $100 off RedBook vehicle inspections when you choose to go with us. Don't pay $250, but just $150 for total peace of mind when buying your next used car. That's the Stratton Finance difference.

Get a free used car finance quote from us today to get the ball rolling.

Should you have any questions about our used car financing or would like some further information about our discounts for RedBook mechanical vehicle inspections, please give us a call today on 1300 787 288. Alternatively, use our online form to send us a message and we'll get back to you soon.