A pre-purchase vehicle inspection in West Swan on this 2005 Subaru Impreza identified several mechanical, tyre, suspension and maintenance issues that a prospective buyer needed to know about.
CMM Automotive provides mobile pre-purchase vehicle inspections throughout Perth. We travel to the vehicle’s location and carry out a detailed inspection before the buyer makes their purchasing decision.
Interior and General Condition
We started our inspection inside the Subaru Impreza and found several items requiring attention.
The vehicle was due for a service, and both the clutch and brake pedal pads were missing. We also found damage to the gear shifter knob.
Although these interior items may appear relatively minor, they still help us build an overall picture of how the previous owner maintained and used the vehicle.
Engine Bay and Battery Condition
Our Subaru Impreza vehicle inspection in West Swan uncovered several issues in the engine bay.
The battery produced a poor test result. We also found incorrect battery terminals and loose battery wiring. Secure battery connections are important for reliable starting and operation of the vehicle’s electrical system.
During the inspection, we heard excessive noise from the air conditioning compressor. A noisy compressor can indicate wear or another problem within the air conditioning system, so we recommended further investigation.
We also found coolant leaking from the radiator cap. The fan belts showed visible splits and cracking and required attention.
Checking the cooling system, belts, battery and other engine bay components forms an important part of a pre-purchase vehicle inspection in Perth, particularly when inspecting an older used vehicle.
Tyres, Suspension and CV Boot
The tyre and suspension inspection revealed several important issues.
The right-hand rear tyre was bald and also had a puncture. Tyres play a major role in vehicle safety, so buyers should always consider their condition when assessing a used vehicle.
We found oil leaking from the left-hand rear shock absorber. A leaking shock absorber can reduce its ability to control suspension movement and may affect the vehicle’s handling.
The left-hand rear inner CV boot also had a split. A damaged CV boot can allow grease to escape while allowing dirt and other contaminants into the CV joint.
We also noticed some surface rust on the rear brake disc rotors.
Bodywork and Exterior Condition
Our inspection of the body and exterior found several additional items.
The bodywork had some chips and scratches. We also found a broken retainer on the fuel flap door and a broken fuel cap retainer.
A wheel trim was missing from the vehicle, and the right-hand rear wheel centre cap was also missing.
These exterior issues may not all affect the mechanical operation of the Subaru, but documenting them gives the prospective buyer a more complete understanding of the vehicle’s overall condition.
Subaru Impreza Road Test
We completed a road test as part of this pre-purchase vehicle inspection in West Swan.
During takeoff, we noticed a minor clutch shudder. Clutch shudder can have several possible causes, and further investigation may be necessary if the problem becomes more noticeable.
The road test gives us an opportunity to assess how a vehicle performs under normal driving conditions and helps confirm issues that may not become apparent during a stationary inspection.
Why a Pre-Purchase Inspection Matters
A used vehicle can look presentable while still having mechanical and maintenance issues that a buyer may not notice during a quick test drive.
On this 2005 Subaru Impreza, we identified a poor battery, incorrect battery terminals, loose battery wiring, a noisy air conditioning compressor, a leaking radiator cap, cracked fan belts, a bald and punctured tyre, a leaking rear shock absorber and a split CV boot.
We also documented several body and trim issues along with a minor clutch shudder during the road test.
Finding these problems before purchasing gives the buyer useful information about the vehicle’s condition and the repairs or maintenance they may need to budget for.
Mobile Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections Across Perth
CMM Automotive provides mobile pre-purchase vehicle inspections in Perth, including West Swan and surrounding suburbs.
We inspect the vehicle at its location and check the engine bay, cooling system, battery, tyres, steering, suspension, brakes, interior, bodywork and other accessible components. We also carry out a road test where conditions allow.
If you’re considering buying a used car, 4WD, ute or commercial vehicle, a professional inspection can give you a much clearer understanding of its condition before you make your final purchasing decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CMM Automotive inspect a used Subaru in West Swan?
Yes. We provide mobile used vehicle inspections throughout West Swan and the wider Perth metropolitan area.
Do you check tyres and suspension during an inspection?
Yes. We inspect accessible tyre, steering, brake and suspension components and document any problems we find.
Do you road test the vehicle?
Where conditions allow, we include a road test to assess how the vehicle performs under normal driving conditions.
