A Subaru Outback vehicle inspection in Jindalee identified several issues that would have been useful for a potential buyer to know about before purchasing the vehicle.
CMM Automotive carried out a detailed inspection of the Subaru, checking the interior, electrical systems, engine bay, brakes, suspension, tyres, body and general road-test performance.
Although some of the problems were relatively minor, the inspection also identified several areas that required further attention.
Subaru Outback Fault Codes
Electronic diagnostic testing revealed several fault codes stored in the vehicle.
These included:
- P1604 – Startability Malfunction
- C1935 – Ignition Switch Circuit Fault
- U1469 – Invalid Data Received From Auto Start
- B1012 – Battery Backup Fault
A stored fault code provides useful information during a vehicle inspection, but it doesn’t always mean a particular component should immediately be replaced.
Fault codes need to be considered alongside the condition of the vehicle, its symptoms and the results of other tests.
Finding several codes during this Subaru inspection highlighted areas that the buyer could investigate further before deciding whether to purchase the vehicle.
Poor Battery and Low Alternator Charging
Testing in the engine bay identified two important electrical concerns.
The battery tested poorly, while the alternator charging output was also low.
These findings are particularly relevant when considered alongside some of the electrical fault codes stored in the vehicle.
A weak battery can contribute to starting problems and unusual electrical behaviour. However, replacing a battery without checking the charging system can overlook another potential problem.
The alternator needs to maintain sufficient charge in the battery while the engine is operating.
Low charging performance therefore warranted further attention.
Rear Brakes and Disc Rotors Required Attention
The inspection also identified work required in the rear braking system.
The Subaru required rear brake replacement and rear disc rotors.
Brakes are an important consideration when purchasing any used vehicle because repairs shortly after purchase can add considerably to the true cost of the car.
A pre-purchase inspection can help identify this type of maintenance before the buyer commits to the vehicle.
Rear Tyres Getting Low
The Subaru’s rear tyres were also getting low.
Tyres should be assessed for more than simply whether they still contain some tread. Their overall condition, wear pattern and remaining usable life can all be important when evaluating a used vehicle.
Tyres approaching replacement represent another expense that a buyer may need to allow for after purchasing the vehicle.
Physical Keys Would Not Unlock the Doors
An unusual problem found during this inspection involved the Subaru’s physical keys.
Neither physical key would operate correctly in the driver’s or passenger’s door locks.
Modern owners may rarely use the mechanical key because they normally unlock the vehicle electronically. However, a working physical key can become important if the remote system or vehicle battery fails.
Discovering that both keys failed to operate the door locks was therefore worth recording in the inspection report.
Interior and Body Condition
Inside the vehicle, the fuse box cover would not remain securely in position and kept falling down.
The passenger-side wiper arm cover was also missing.
Inspection of the exterior found a minor impact on the rear bumper.
None of these findings alone necessarily determines whether someone should purchase a vehicle. However, recording smaller defects helps give the buyer a more complete picture of its overall condition.
Subaru Outback Road Test
A road test forms an important part of assessing a used vehicle when conditions allow.
During the road test, the Subaru drifted slightly to the left.
A vehicle pulling or drifting to one side can have several possible causes. These may include tyre condition, tyre pressures, wheel alignment or steering and suspension factors.
Further investigation can determine the exact cause if required.
Why a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Matters
A used vehicle can look presentable while still having mechanical, electrical or maintenance issues that aren’t immediately obvious.
This Subaru Outback is a good example.
The inspection identified stored electronic fault codes, a poor battery, low alternator charging, rear brake and rotor requirements, low rear tyres and several smaller concerns.
Individually, some findings may seem minor. Together, however, they provide a potential buyer with much more information about the vehicle they are considering.
CMM Automotive provides mobile pre-purchase vehicle inspections in Perth to help buyers understand a vehicle’s condition before making a purchase.
Our mobile service allows us to inspect vehicles at suitable private residences, dealerships and other locations throughout the Perth metropolitan area.
Used Subaru Outback Inspection in Jindalee
This Subaru Outback inspection demonstrates why checking more than the vehicle’s appearance and a short test drive can be valuable.
Electronic diagnostics, battery and charging tests, brake and tyre inspections and a road test revealed several areas requiring attention.
The buyer could then consider these findings when assessing the vehicle and any potential repair or maintenance costs.
If you’re considering buying a used vehicle, contact CMM Automotive on 1800 888 990 to arrange a mobile pre-purchase vehicle inspection.
