A pre-purchase vehicle inspection in Bassendean on this Mitsubishi Starwagon identified several interior, mechanical, suspension and body 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 assessment to help buyers understand the condition of a used vehicle before purchasing it.
Interior Condition
We started our inspection inside the Mitsubishi Starwagon and found several age-related problems.
The centre console lid had a crack, and we found excessive play in the left-hand rear window regulator. The interior light also remained on when it should have switched off.
Electrical and interior faults may appear minor compared with major mechanical problems, but we still document them as part of our comprehensive vehicle inspection.
Engine Bay and Exhaust System
Our Mitsubishi Starwagon vehicle inspection in Bassendean identified several mechanical issues.
The battery produced a poor test result and required attention. We also found oil leaks around the engine sump area.
Our inspection of the exhaust system found that it was not secure. The centre muffler was also noisy, indicating that the exhaust system needed further attention.
An exhaust system should remain securely mounted underneath the vehicle. Loose components can create excessive movement, vibration and unwanted noise.
Steering, Suspension, Brakes and Tyres
We found several issues while inspecting the steering, suspension, brakes and tyres.
The front strut shock area showed deterioration, including splits in the saddle rubber and cracking in the front shock suspension pads.
At the rear of the Mitsubishi, we found cracks in the rear shock bushes. The right-hand rear tyre also showed cracking and splitting.
We also discovered missing locator screws from the rear brake drums.
Suspension bushes, shock absorber components and tyres can deteriorate as a vehicle ages. A mobile vehicle inspection in Bassendean can help identify this type of wear before the buyer commits to purchasing the vehicle.
Body and Exterior Condition
Our inspection of the Mitsubishi Starwagon’s body identified several additional problems.
The rear door would not open because of a broken lock. This problem prevented us from fully inspecting the rear door area, so we clearly documented the inspection limitation in our report.
We also found some small scratches on the driver’s door and a crack in the left-hand rear mud flap.
A pre-purchase inspection should identify areas that the inspector cannot access as well as the faults they can see. This gives the prospective buyer a clearer understanding of what we could and could not inspect on the day.
Mitsubishi Starwagon Road Test
We completed a road test as part of this pre-purchase vehicle inspection in Bassendean.
During the road test, we heard some rattles coming from the vehicle’s interior. We also noticed that the steering wheel tilted down towards the left-hand side rather than sitting level.
The road test forms an important part of our inspection because some problems only become noticeable while driving. Interior rattles, steering concerns, vibrations and unusual noises can easily go unnoticed during a stationary inspection.
Why Inspect an Older Used Vehicle?
Older vehicles can develop multiple problems across different areas rather than one obvious major fault.
On this Mitsubishi Starwagon, we found a poor battery, oil leaks around the sump, an insecure exhaust system, a noisy centre muffler, suspension deterioration and cracking in the right-hand rear tyre.
We also identified several interior and body issues, including the rear door that would not open.
Finding these problems before purchase gives the prospective buyer useful information about the vehicle’s current condition and the maintenance or repairs they may need to consider.
Mobile Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections Across Perth
CMM Automotive provides mobile pre-purchase vehicle inspections in Perth, including Bassendean and surrounding suburbs.
We inspect the vehicle at its location and check accessible components throughout the interior, engine bay, cooling system, steering, suspension, brakes, tyres, exhaust system, body and exterior. Where conditions allow, we also complete a road test.
If you’re considering buying a used car, van, 4WD, ute or commercial vehicle, arranging an independent inspection can help you understand what you’re buying before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CMM Automotive inspect an older Mitsubishi Starwagon?
Yes. We inspect vehicles of different ages and types throughout the Perth metropolitan area.
Do you check the suspension during a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes. We inspect accessible steering and suspension components and document visible wear, deterioration or damage.
What happens if part of the vehicle cannot be inspected?
We document any inspection limitations in the report so the prospective buyer knows which areas we could not properly access.
