A used car inspection Perth service can give buyers a much clearer picture of an older vehicle before they commit to the purchase. CMM Automotive recently inspected a 2004 Mazda Tribute in Wembley and found several maintenance, tyre, suspension and engine concerns.
Older vehicles can still represent good value, but their condition can vary considerably. This Mazda Tribute is a good example of why checking more than the exterior appearance is important before buying.
Interior Checks on the Mazda Tribute
We began the inspection inside the vehicle and found some staining on the rear carpet.
The handbrake had excessive travel and was sitting high when applied.We recommend checking the handbrake to determine whether it needs adjustment or further brake repairs.”
The rear windscreen wiper also required replacement.
None of these items alone determines whether someone should purchase a vehicle. However, recording smaller maintenance issues helps provide a more complete assessment of its overall condition.
Battery, Cooling System and Engine Oil Leaks
Moving to the engine bay revealed several additional concerns.
The battery tested poorly, and the battery terminals were dirty. A weak battery can eventually cause starting problems and may require replacement.
We also found the vehicle’s cooling system was low on water. A low coolant level deserves further investigation because the cause should be established rather than simply topping up the system.
Oil leakage was also visible around the front of the engine.
Engine oil leaks are particularly important to identify during a pre purchase vehicle inspection because repair costs can vary considerably depending on the source and severity of the leak.
Suspension and Brake Condition
Our steering, brake and suspension checks found split rubber components around the front sway bars.
At the rear, there was minor leakage from the shock absorbers. The shock bushes were also split.
Worn suspension components can affect handling, stability, ride quality and tyre wear, particularly as a vehicle gets older.
The front brakes had approximately 50% remaining, while the rear brakes were also estimated at around 50%.
Mazda Tribute Required Four Tyres
Tyres were one of the main concerns identified during this used vehicle inspection.
After checking the vehicle, we determined that all four tyres required replacement.
The condition of the tyres was also noticeable during the road test because they produced considerable road noise.
Tyres are an important part of any pre purchase inspection. They are also an expense that a buyer should consider when working out the true cost of purchasing a used vehicle.
Buying a car and immediately discovering that it needs four tyres can add a significant expense to the purchase.
Body and Exterior Problems
Several exterior issues were also recorded during our inspection.
The left-hand front park light globe was blown, while the number plate light on the left-hand side was not operating.
The headlight lenses had become cloudy, and we found scratches on several body panels.
Some clips were missing around the bonnet and left front guard area. We also found damage to the passenger-side bumper bar, which was broken.
These findings were documented so the potential buyer could consider both mechanical and cosmetic repairs before making a purchasing decision.
Noisy Tyres Affected the Road Test
The road test produced another important observation.
Tyre noise was extremely noticeable while driving the Mazda Tribute. In fact, the tyres were noisy enough to make it difficult to hear whether other less obvious noises were present.
This is important when assessing a used vehicle.
Excessive tyre noise can sometimes mask noises from wheel bearings, suspension components or the driveline. Once new tyres are fitted, another road test may be worthwhile if there are concerns about additional noises.
Know the Condition Before You Buy
This 2004 Mazda Tribute inspection in Wembley identified several items that a prospective buyer should take into consideration.
The vehicle required four tyres and had a poorly testing battery, dirty battery terminals, low cooling system level, engine oil leakage, worn suspension components and several exterior defects.
A professional used car inspection Perth service gives buyers independent information about a vehicle’s condition before they make their final decision.
CMM Automotive provides mobile pre purchase inspections across Perth, allowing buyers to have a vehicle inspected at its location before completing the purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth inspecting an older used car?
Yes. An inspection can be particularly valuable on an older vehicle because wear, maintenance requirements and previous repairs can accumulate over time.
Can noisy tyres hide other vehicle noises?
Yes. Excessive tyre noise can make it more difficult to identify quieter noises from other components during a road test.
Does a pre purchase inspection check the tyres and brakes?
Yes. Tyre condition and brake condition are important parts of assessing the overall condition and likely upcoming maintenance costs of a used vehicle.
