Used car buying checklist — what the mechanic checks

Short answer: Check the papers (service history, inspection history and liens), go over the car outside and in, take a proper test drive — and get an independent pre-purchase inspection at a workshop before signing. That last point matters most: an hour with a mechanic reveals what the seller does not mention, and gives you facts to negotiate with.

The papers first

• Service history: Complete and documented? Gaps are both a price argument and a warning.
• EU inspection history: Check the vehicle details and previous inspections at vegvesen.no — repeated faults on the same point tell their own story.
• Liens: Verify that no debt or security interest rests on the car before you pay.
• Number of owners and mileage: Does the mileage match the age, wear and history?

Your own check — outside, inside and behind the wheel

• Look for paint differences between body panels and uneven panel gaps — signs of accident repair
• Check the tyres: uneven wear can mean poor wheel alignment or worn suspension
• Cold-start the car yourself — listen for odd noises and look for smoke at the back
• Test drive at both low and high speed: does it pull to one side? Vibrations? Odd sounds when turning or braking?
• Test all electronics: windows, air conditioning, heated seats, assistance systems — all warning lights should go out after start

What the mechanic checks in a pre-purchase inspection

• Underbody and rust — on a lift you see what listing photos never show
• Leaks from the engine, gearbox and shock absorbers
• Brakes — remaining pad material and disc condition, not just whether they "work"
• Suspension and steering — play in joints, bushings and bearings
• Fault-code reading — stored codes reveal problems even when the warning lights are off
• Upcoming maintenance — what needs doing in the next year, so you know the total cost

Buying a used EV?

Then the battery is the single most important item. Ask for a battery health report (SoH) and read our guide on interpreting battery health on a used EV. We carry out EV servicing and battery checks on all brands.

Found a car you are considering? Book a pre-purchase inspection with diagnostics before you sign — call 41 17 32 24. It is a small cost compared to buying the wrong car.