Process · SMGLR Buyer Guides
What Does a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Include?
A practical breakdown of the mechanical, diagnostic, road-test and buyer-side checks included in an SMGLR inspection.
Quick answer
A pre-purchase inspection is a buyer-side assessment of the vehicle before you commit to buying it. SMGLR checks the major accessible mechanical and safety areas, carries out a road test where safe and permitted, records important findings, and gives you a digital report with a direct explanation of the result.
Core mechanical checks
The inspection looks at accessible engine-bay condition, visible fluid leaks, cooling-system concerns, tyres, brakes where visible, steering, suspension, warning lights, electrical functions and general vehicle condition. The road test is used to assess things such as steering feel, braking behaviour, transmission operation, noises and vibration where conditions allow.
Diagnostics and evidence
SMGLR Essential includes a core fault-code scan. Premium adds a fuller diagnostic scan of accessible modules plus engine and transmission live-data review where the vehicle supports it. Important findings are supported with photos and notes, and SMGLR Premium includes a full interior and exterior walk-around video.
Body and paint assessment
SMGLR Plus adds a dedicated Full Body & Paint Assessment Report. This is designed to give the buyer more evidence around previous paintwork, body repairs and exterior condition than the standard inspection packages.
What a mobile inspection cannot do
A mobile pre-purchase inspection does not involve dismantling the vehicle and cannot guarantee there are no hidden internal faults. Covers and sealed components are not removed as part of the standard inspection. The purpose is to reduce buying risk by showing what was checked, what was found and what could not be confirmed.
Found a vehicle you want checked?
Send the listing and suburb. SMGLR can confirm availability, access and the right inspection package before you pay.
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