Pre-purchase condition check for a used car: what else should you look for apart from a test drive? (Kirkkonummi–Espoo)

A pre-purchase condition check on a used car provides a more comprehensive picture of the car’s condition than a test drive alone. During a test drive, you can detect, for example, unusual noises, vibrations or how the gears operate, but you cannot access the underside of the car, its service history or its electrical systems from behind the steering wheel. If you’re considering buying a car in the Kirkkonummi or Espoo area, an inspection will help you compare the details in the sales advert with the car’s actual condition.

A condition check on a used car starts with its history and bodywork

Start with the documents. The service history, repair receipts and MOT history will tell you how the car has been looked after and what work has been carried out on it. Long gaps between services or unclear entries won’t in themselves decide the sale, but they do give you a reason to look into the matter more closely. Traficom’s from the vehicle information service You can check, amongst other things, technical details, MOT and tax information using the registration number or chassis number.

When inspecting the bodywork, look for rust, dents, variations in paint colour and uneven bodywork seams. At the same time, check that the doors, bonnet and tailgate are working properly, as well as the windows and lights. The tread pattern on the tyres often indicates the condition of the chassis or the wheel alignment. If a tyre is clearly worn on only one side, the car’s uneven tyre wear It is worth finding out before making a purchase decision.

A test drive gives you an idea of how the car handles, but an inspection also reveals the car’s history and the condition of its bodywork.

The engine, chassis and brakes require inspection using a crane

In the engine compartment, check the fluid levels and look for any visible leaks. The engine should run smoothly whether it is cold or warm. During a test drive, listen to see if the sound changes when accelerating, engine braking or turning. It is just as important to look under the car: you can spot worn parts, leaks and damage on the undercarriage that you cannot see whilst the car is parked.

The condition and wear of the brake components are checked, and the car’s behaviour under braking is assessed during a test drive. If the steering wheel vibrates or the car pulls to one side, the cause may lie with the brakes, tyres or chassis. We investigate such issues at the workshop by carrying out a systematic inspection of the car. Read also about how the cause of the car’s vibration can be limited in different situations.

A condition check on a used car complements the test drive with diagnostic checks

Reading the fault memory provides information about the car’s electronic systems for the inspection. However, a fault code alone does not indicate which part needs replacing or how serious the fault is. The code may relate to a temporary fault, a previous repair or an ongoing problem. That is why we combine the diagnostic results with observations from a test drive and a technical inspection of the car. This gives you a clearer understanding of what the finding means specifically for that particular car.

Here at STS Evitskog, we inspect cars and vans of all makes, drawing on over 20 years’ experience. A used car condition check helps you assess the car’s condition before you commit to the purchase. We agree on the scope of the inspection based on the car, the information available and your own observations. Please let us know in advance about any issues you’ve noticed, such as unusual noises during a test drive, warning lights or an unclear service history, so that we can focus the inspection on the right areas.