I was quite lucky with my Mitsubishi Magna 1989 when I first bought it end 2004. Thanks to Adi who took me to Dandenong and helped me with the arrangements. For a 16 year old car, my expectation is not that high. I'm happy with the car. Little problem so far and comfortable to drive especially in the hot summer as the aircond is still in working condition.

As I said, I was lucky... others may not be that lucky. The National Roads and Motorists' Association of Australia has this website that has a thorough checklist for buyers to consider. I've pasted it in this blog for the readers to have a read.

The link is http://www.mynrma.com.au/used_car_check.asp to get further details.

It gives me a thought, do we have this in Malaysia and I do remember the Automobile Association of Malaysia too has similar checklist.... I'll try and get it on this blog as well after I finish my Intel strategic analysis...

~Re-flectionz of my mind~

Used car buyers' checklist

Shopping for a used car can be time-consuming and, at times, unnerving. Print out our kit and take it with you to make sure you leave no stone unturned. It includes a DIY inspection checklist, handy phone numbers and a receipt form.

Inspection checklist

Inspect in bright light and when dry

Accident damage or rust
Check inside the boot, the floor wells, doors and lower sills for red or other dark stains, dimpled or bubbled paint. Use a soft fridge magnet to check panels for plastic body filler.

A vinyl roof may conceal rust or other damage.

Hail damage
Found mainly on horizontal panel surfaces (eg, bonnet, roof, boot lid). If hail damage is evident, check with your insurance company - they may not insure the car until it's fixed.

Panel fitment
Loose panels may indicate accident damage or that the car has been regularly driven over rough roads.

Doors and boot lid/tailgate
Catches should close firmly. Rubber seals can perish over time.

Paint
Look for colour variation, overspraying, dents or ripples.

Upholstery, trim and carpets
Check for wear and tear.

Engine number and VIN (vehicle identification number)/body number
These numbers must match the numbers on the Certificate of Registration. Check for signs of interference - scratches, grind marks, drill holes etc, as they could indicate illegal interference with the numbers.

Year and month of manufacture
Check these are as advertised by inspecting the compliance and/or build plate (compliance plates are fitted to most cars made for Australia since 1970; usually attached to a panel in the engine bay).

Engine appearance
Build-up of dirt or oil may indicate mechanical problems or poor maintenance.

Engine oil
Dirty/thick oil and a build-up of sludge in the engine may indicate a lack of maintenance. Grey or milky coloured oil may signify the presence of water, which can indicate serious engine problems.

Engine at idle
Listen for irregular running, or any knocking/rattling noises.

Oil fumes
Remove the oil filler cap while the engine is idling. Fumes may signify worn piston rings or cylinder

Radiator coolant
Should be clean and brightly coloured. Oil in the coolant may indicate a cracked cylinder-head or a leaking gasket.

Radiator cooler fins and core tubes
Check for corrosion or damage.

Battery and mounting platform/bracket
Check for acid corrosion.

Tyres (including the spare)
Uneven wear may indicate worn or misaligned steering or suspension.

Oil leaks
Check the engine, transmission, axles, brakes, power steering and shock absorbers.

Exhaust system
Fumes or excessive noise indicate holes or rust in the pipes or mufflers.

Seat-belts
Check that the belts are not frayed or damaged, and that the belts, buckles, adjusters and child restraint anchorage points are in good condition.

Lights
Check the operation of all lights, both inside and outside the car.

If the vehicle is fitted with ABS and/or SRS (air bag), check that the dashboard warning light/s illuminates for a short time when the ignition is turned on.

Equipment and accessories
Check airconditioning, ventilation fan, electric windows, sound system, etc. Inoperative items can be expensive to repair or replace.

Jack and tool-kit
These items should be in place and in serviceable condition.

Handy phone numbers

Receipt

Date:
Seller's name:
Address:
Phone:
Mobile:
Seller's drivers licence no & name:
Car registration:
VIN/chassis/engine no:
Agreed condition:
Amount received:
From (buyer's name):
For (cross one out):	Deposit / Full payment
This agreement is subject to the purchaser obtaining an inspection report from NRMA Vehicle Inspections. If the reported condition of the vehicle is not satisfactory to the purchaser, he/she may rescind the contract, and any deposit paid shall be refunded in full to the purchaser.
Seller's signature:
Buyer's signature:
Download the receipt only as a PDF

Before you drive off...

• Make sure you get all the keys for the car (ignition keys with transformers are expensive to duplicate).
• Get the service book, owner's manual and log book.
• If there's an alarm, find out how to de-activate it.
• Is there a hidden ignition switch?