How to Inspect a Used Car: What to Check, What to Ignore, and When to Walk Away
Posted in Buyer Advice
How to Inspect a Used Car: What to Check, What to Ignore, and When to Walk Away
Buying used should feel smart, not stressful. In Brisbane, where humidity, summer storms, and stop-start city traffic all take their toll on vehicles, knowing what to look for is essential.
A second-hand car can stretch your budget further, if you can separate the good ones from the headaches.
At Motorama, our buying team inspects hundreds of vehicles every week. They see it all. From pristine one-owner hatches to 4WDs that have spent too much time beachside at K'gari (Fraser Island).
This guide shares exactly how they tell a gem from a gamble, so you can shop with confidence.
We'll cover the green flags, red flags, a simple 15-minute inspection, and the costs that truly matter when valuing a used car in Queensland.
Green Flags
Signs of a Well-Loved Car
These are the quiet indicators of a car that's been genuinely cared for - the ones that make our buying team smile during an inspection.
- Consistent service history: Stamps at regular kilometre intervals. Bonus points if it's been serviced by the same workshop or dealer.
- Smooth cold start: The engine fires up quickly, idles evenly, and doesn't surge.
- Matching tyres with even wear: Suggests correct alignment and a balanced suspension setup.
- Clean engine bay: Light dust is fine; avoid freshly cleaned engines hiding leaks with silicone.
- Straight panels, even gaps: Doors and bonnet sit flush - no mismatched paint or ripples.
- Stable road manners: Tracks straight, no vibrations or brake shudder at highway speeds.
- Transparent seller: Paperwork, logbooks, and receipts that match their story.
These little details tell you a lot about how the car's been treated - both mechanically and personally.
Red Flags:
When to Slow Down (or Walk Away)
Our buyers are trained to spot problems that most people miss. These are the warning signs they don't ignore:
- Warning lights that stay on: Engine, ABS, or airbag lights spell trouble.
- Water damage clues: Wet carpets, damp smells, or fogged lights - avoid anything that's seen floodwater.
- Noisy cold starts: Persistent rattles or chain chatter point to internal wear.
- Messy wiring: Amateur stereo installs can cause electrical nightmares.
- Rust or corrosion: Especially around seat bolts, boot seams, or brake hardware - common in coastal cars.
- Uneven paintwork or sanding marks: Possible repair jobs after an accident.
In Brisbane, cars exposed to salt air (Redcliffe, Wynnum, or Straddie regulars) deserve extra scrutiny underneath.
The 15-Minute Used-Car Inspection (Anyone Can Do It)
You don't need a hoist or a mechanic's eye. Just follow this checklist in broad daylight.
Outside the Car
- Panels: Sight along each side for ripples or uneven reflections.
- Gaps: Bonnet and doors should close evenly; misalignment hints at crash repairs.
- Glass: Windscreen chips are easy to miss but costly to fix.
- Lights: Clear, moisture-free, and all working.
- Tyres: Feel for uneven wear. Check the date code (week/year) - older than six years means they're due.
- Underneath: Look for oil stains, coolant leaks, or a bent exhaust.
Inside the Cabin
- Floor and boot: Lift mats and check for moisture, rust, or musty smells.
- Electrics: Test every switch - windows, wipers, indicators, central locking.
- Seats: Slide and recline each seat - they should lock firmly.
- Air-con and heater: Brisbane summers demand working A/C; it should blow cold within a minute.
- Dashboard lights: All should illuminate at startup and disappear once the engine's running.
Under the Bonnet
- Oil: Golden or brown is fine; milky oil means water contamination.
- Coolant: Bright and full - not rusty.
- Brake fluid: Light straw colour = healthy. Black = overdue.
- Transmission fluid: Red/pink, not burnt or brown.
- Belts & hoses: No cracks, bulges, or frays.
On the Road
Take a short test drive through mixed conditions - suburban streets, highway speeds, and a small hill if possible.
- Steering: Tracks straight and self-centres smoothly.
- Brakes: Confident, no pulsing or pulling.
- Suspension: Quiet over bumps.
- Gears: Smooth shifts, no jerking or hesitation.
- Noise: Humming that rises with speed = wheel bearings or tyres.
- Uphill drive: Jerking or hunting for gears can signal transmission wear.
What Looks Bad but Isn't
Some issues look scary but are actually harmless:
Remember - focus on patterns, not perfection.
Buy with Confidence at Motorama
The best used cars tell a story of care - regular servicing, clean presentation, and a calm drive.
With this checklist, you'll see what our team sees: whether the car's been loved, neglected, or polished up for sale.
Want a head start? Check out Motorama's range of pre-owned vehicles, all hand-picked and inspected by our buying team using the same process outlined here.
Every car is workshop-checked, backed by our Lifetime Engine Guarantee, and ready to drive home today.
