The post The Art and Science of Buying a Used Vehicle appeared first on Car Inspection.

The post Pre-Prevention When Buying a Used Car appeared first on Car Inspection.

The post #1 Reason People Buy a Used Car with Hidden Problems appeared first on Car Inspection.

I always give this advice to people whom are searching for a used car and this is exactly the advice I gave Sally (a client) when she started to phone dealerships in her search for a reliable car with a good price. I am Hanru Reyneke, founder and CEO of Car Inspection.

Golden Rule #1: The Golden Service Book

When you inquire about a car, you’re interested in buying, the first question you need to ask, is to get pictures of the service book. 

A vehicle which has been properly maintained (serviced on a regular basis) is always a good indication that the condition of the vehicle is better than 1 that has not been maintained. 

It’s common sense!

Golden Rule #2: Patience is Golden

• Be patient when searching.
• Do your research
• Don’t get pushed into a buy
• Rather be sure you’re buying a reliable car than buying a piece of junk which will give you problems

I know these 2 rules seem simple, but I have seen what happens is they are ignored. 

It’s not pretty!

The great thing is, I am here to help, we’re on your side, the consumer’s side not the dealership.

If you need any advice even, is it sounds simple, please send me an email or leave your details on the Car Inspection website and I’ll call you.

It might just save you a whole lot of trouble – and it’s free!

Safe Driving

Hanru Reyneke – Founder @ Car Inspection

The post 2 Golden Rules appeared first on Car Inspection.

First of all, I want to share with you some of the data and insights I have collected since I started Car Inspect.

There are truly some shocking, insightful, fascinating and proudly South African things I have seen in the past couple of months.

The unique point-of-view which I have with the Car Inspect inspection service is that all the data I analyze, is from a completely independent or neutral perspective. Hence it doesn’t matter from which auto trader the car was bought, how many cars are bought, sold, financed or what the price of the vehicles are, we only inspect and report on the condition of each vehicle!

With the above in mind, here is some cool, crazy, beautiful data I’m to starting to see:

Passing the test

• Almost 30% of the vehicles we inspected thus far were not bought by the clients that requested the inspection. Roughly 95% of the vehicle that passed the car inspection test and were bought by the client had a full-service history.  The service book was stamped at the correct mileage intervals. It certainly seems that a person who keeps their car in a good condition directly correlates to a person who service their car on a regular basis. As a 2^nd hand car buyer, that is exactly the vehicle you want to buy. A vehicle that was well looked after by the previous owner/s.

Top Tip: When you are looking to buy a used car, your first point of refences should be the GOLDEN service book. Make sure the vehicle has a FULL-SERVICE HISTORY!

• There is another interesting thing we are seeing in older vehicles with high mileage. German and Japanese models are standing up to the test of time! This means that if your budget is constraint and you are looking to buy an older vehicle, rather stick to the tried and tested vehicle brands. The older Toyota, Nissan, BMW, etc. seems to pass the vehicle inspections more regularly than some of the French or Chinese brands.

Example: We recently inspected a 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Compressor (135 000km). Apart from a few niggles (back wiper not working, seat adjustment function not working). The vehicle was mechanically and electrically in an excellent condition. (vehicle bought).

Top Tip: If you buying an older vehicle from an auto trader with more than 130 000kms on the clock. Stick to the old-school, well known/popular brands. They are popular for a reason.

The big, bad and the ugly

Here are our top 3 MOST SHOCKING inspections:

• At an auto trader in Pretoria, our mechanic scanned a VIN number for a RED ALFA ROMEO 147 at a popular PARK & SELL venue. The data we got back from this particular VIN scan showed the details of a completely different car that was parked in front of the mechanic. SHOCKING!

This VIN number was probably cloned and who knows where this red Alfa came from.

• The second worst car inspection: While busy with the chassis checks on a VW Polo 1.6. Our mechanic found on the front left side the chassis of the car was welded together. SHOCKING!

This shocking backyard fix was not conveyed by the autotrader to the potential buyer.

• My TOP SHOCKING car inspection moment: We were sent by a lady in Joburg to go and inspect a 2001 MG 1.8 VVC at an auto trader in Pretoria North. This was a very quick inspection! When our mechanic opened the bonnet to do the engine checks (part of a complete vehicle inspection checklist), he found the MG had a Toyota engine inside. What blew my mind, the auto trader and salesman was willing to sell this vehicle to our client. SHOCKING!

Proudly South African

It is not all doom-and-gloom.  In contrast to the above car inspection, one of my favoured inspections was an 1981 Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser was converted into a game viewing vehicle. I got a request from a game-farm owner in KZN to inspect this vehicle in Pretoria. To our surprise this vehicle was in a mint condition. Furthermore, we had to adjust our 80-point vehicle inspection checklist because the vehicle had no doors and not normal headlights (only mounted spotlights). The conversion was professionally done by a South African to serve a South African market.

This was fantastic to see!

Safari Land Cruiser

To conclude, as I mentioned, buying a used car is not always doom-and-gloom. Finally, I urge the used-car buyer to be vigilant. Check, check and check again before you buy. Get a vehicle inspection report from us here.

If you need any more advice leave you details on our home page for a 5-minute-no-obligation phone call from me. https://carinspect.co.za/ or book a car inspection.

Safe driving

Hanru Reyneke

Founder @Car Inspection

For more awesome information read my blog on awesome tools to use when buying a car: https://carinspect.co.za/tools-of-the-trade/

The post Car Inspection Diaries | The Autotrader Analyzed and Explained appeared first on Car Inspection.

To inspect or not to inspect a secondhand car, that is the question?

As I am a very practical person, I am going to present you with two scenarios on how to buy a used car.

Buying a used car can be a daunting or an easy process and it all depends on which route you follow when buying a used vehicle.

1. Scenario 1: Not Informed

If you start trolling through Google, reading up on other used-car buyer experiences you’ll stop immediately with your search and buy a new car. (even if you must downgrade due to the price of new vehicles)

Do yourself a favour, go to HelloPeter  (https://www.hellopeter.com/) and see people’s reactions and frustrations when they bought a used car.

Here are a couple of examples (without showing the brands 😉)

• Chev Utility More problems than anything else
  • Needed a secondary vehicle so we opted for pre-owned. Found this fabulous dealership in Goodwood N1-city called ——— pre-owned. Test drove a 2010 Chev. utility with 111000km on the clock and there were a few odds and ends to fix, and so the dealership did. Had the vehicle for 3 days than had problems with oil leaks. Took the vehicle back and the issues was addressed ( they had the vehicle for almost 2 weeks) Then had the vehicle for 4 days and had issues with the throttle body, gear linkages, brakes etc. They( dealership agreed to have it sorted) They had the vehicle for 3 weeks and guess what, after getting it back with an invoice to prove all the parts that were repaired/replaced, now after 4 days in my possession, the vehicle is over revving by itself and fusion( dealer) is not replying to any of my mails, even sent him pictures of what the vehicle is doing… Wow great customer s****s….

• 76 year old lady left facing another problem.
  • We bought a car a little panel van last weak for cash plus a extra fee from the floor at Midstream. When the car is cold the car starts and drives no problem, but when it is warm driving for 20km the car can’t go in to reverse and struggles to go into 1 and second. I bought a car under the impression that noting is wrong with it because when it was tested it was still cold. Now this vehicle should have been used to help a 76 year old lady start a small business buying and selling goods, to help her stay out of clutches of poverty. Our financial situation is in such a state that we can’t afford this additional cost of fixing a problem that should not have been there. I spoke to ——- at Midstream Branch but from what he said we should not have any hope, he’ll speak to some one else. I don’t understand we bought it a week ago we need a some thing to pick up and deliver goods. Why can’t we just get a refund. If some can do some thing please let me know.

This is just two complaints in among hundreds!

How do you as a used-car buyer avoid buying a pre-owned vehicle without running the risk the that the two above people had? This answer can be found in my second scenario.

• Scenario 2: Informed

An informed decision is ALWAYS better that not knowing all the facts. We live in an age where information is easily available, so use it to your advantage:

A top tip: 
‘’The very best consumer advice I can give is to be cynical and question everything. Expect the worst until you’ve established otherwise. I know that sounds very dark and negative; but it is what it is. When planning that dream holiday or wedding, find out what will happen to your deposit if you cancel; if you get an email or phone call from your bank, assume it’s a fraudster, disengage and do your own checks. If someone emails you an invoice, double-check that the payment details are correct – and not by phoning the number on that emailed invoice. Before you do business with anyone, especially online, check them out – take a look at hellopeter, etc. And always, always read the small print. Especially the very tiny print. They make it look unappealing and too much of a schlep for a reason.’’

Wendy Knowler – Consumer Journalist – @wendyknowlerconsumer

This Facebook post by Wendy sums it up beautifully, and she knows what she’s talking about!

Research, Research, Research!

Know what you want to buy, know your price, know the vehicle condition, know the transaction details.

If you are not an expert is some of the topics above, get someone to help. It is easy and generally not that expensive.

This is where we, Car Inspect comes into play. We inspect any used vehicle before you buy, and this comprehensive car inspection will give you the right knowledge about the vehicle. Armed with the correct knowledge you can make best decision before spending the money.

#book #inspect #get report – this is what we do to equip you with the right knowledge.

In the end of the day, you need to protect yourself against dodgy deals by empowering yourself with the right knowledge. Be diligent. Do research. Ask questions.

Safe car shopping and read more about our vehicle inspection checklist here.

Hanru Reyneke

Founder @Car Inspection

The post To Inspect or not to Inspect? appeared first on Car Inspection.

As you know the Car Inspection service is based on a solution helping the used-car buyer to have certainty when buying a used car. We send a qualified mechanic to inspect a vehicle and report back to you on the condition of the vehicle.

Recently I had a couple of enquires from people who requested a vehicle inspection, and they wanted to know what we check when we inspect a vehicle?

The Car Inspection team did extensive research when we compiled our vehicle inspection checklist. The researched was based on three elements, vehicle facts, mechanical and electrical elements and accidental damage inspections.

• Vehicle Verification

Living is a country like South Africa presents the used car buyer with unique issues. Vehicle theft and cloning is a big threat of anyone looking to buy a second-hand vehicle. Car Inspection partnered with LightStone AUTO to VERIFY a vehicle before we start the inspection process. This is done by scanning the vehicle VIN number which connects instantly to the eNaTIS database. This immediately shows us all the details related with the car which the scanned VIN number is registered under. This means our technician can visually match the VIN registration details to the vehicle they are about to inspect.

• Mechanical and Electrical Checks

This section forms the bulk of the of the inspection process. This process is divided into 16 categories to help the technician to systematically go through all the important technical inspection essentials. These technical assessment ‘’headings’’ include the following;

• ENGINE CHECKS,
• CLUTCH CHECKS,
• GEARBOX CHECKS,
• DRIVE-CHAIN CHECKS, etc.

With this assessment section we also do a DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, to help us find hidden faults on the vehicle.

• Accidental Damage Inspection

This part of the inspection is one of the most important checks we do. Although some of this assessment steps overlap with the Mechanical and Electrical sections, there are certain things, we check for to identify if the inspected vehicle has been in an accident.

• TIRES AND WHEEL CHECKS,
• DOORS AND WINDOW CHECKS,
• INTERIOR CHECKS,
• EXTERIOR CHECKS, etc.

Apart from stripping the whole vehicle we do a detailed inspection of each vehicle we asses. Our technicians always follow a strict protocol to ensure the all the elements on our inspection list is checked and you as the client receive a report with all the inspected components.

For peace-of-mind before you buy a used car, we are the only company that protect you!

Safe driving

Hanru Reyneke

Founder @Car Inspection

The post What to Expect When We Inspect appeared first on Car Inspection.

We are facing tough economic times, for the past 10 years we faced tough economic times and the future doesn’t look any rosier.  It seems we are surrounded by toughness. I am Hanru Reyneke, founder and CEO of Car Inspection.

Small businesses are bearing the brunt of this toughness, but as the old tale goes, from the ashes the phoenix will rise. In this is where opportunity lies!

Any investor or would-be investor knows that you always try to buy low and sell high. This same principle applies to business. When is the best time to start a new business? When will the competition be at its weakest? When is the opportune moment to accelerate away from the competition? The answer is simple, when your competitor’s confidence is at the lowest. Business confidence in South Africa is low, people are scared to invest or spend money, everyone sitting back, wait to see what happens. BOOM! This is when you go, start a business accelerate your existing business and you’ll leave the rest in the dust.

This is the South African’s fighting spirit; this is the South African’s spirit to explore innovate and lead!

 UKULWA!

 We need to stand up as an individual, as a nation, together, to create SMEs to drive ourselves forward.

We need to take responsibility and lead. No more moaning, growing and blaming other, but embracing to create.

”And we will lead our children
Into the path of positive direction
Where we will clothe them with
Respect, love, freedom and strength
Where life can be blessed accordingly
And be trustworthy” –

Vusi Mahlasela

Therefore, I started a small business in the time of doubt. This business is inspired by God and the need to rise from the ashes. This business is not only for me and my family, but is aimed to empower, employ and enrich the entrepreneurial spirit. This business aims to take simple car mechanics and help then to grow as a SME and individual.

TSHEPO MORERIANE is our first mechanic, and we want to include Tshepo and words of Vusi, to build a better South Africa.

 Now is the time to lead in an open and honest way!

Safe driving

Hanru Reyneke

Founder @Car Inspection

The post Disrupting the Used Car Industry appeared first on Car Inspection.

The Tyre

If you look closely at your car’s tyre you’ll notice that the tyre is not entirely round, there is a small flat section on the bottom where the tyre meets the ground. This is called the contact-patch.

Depending on the weigh of your car you need a certain number of square inches of the tyre to make contact with the ground. Therefore, the correct maintenance, pressure and condition of the car’s tyre plays a big role in ensuring your safety.

How do check that your car’s tyres are in the correct condition?

All the tips below are probably things your already know, but it is such vital tips, that it is a good thing to be reminded every now and then. As vehicle owners we need to box cleverly – Mohamed Ali style – and by implementing small checks on your tyres, it can save your life and your money.

1. Tread

Check the tyre tread on a regular basis. By law you are required to change the tyres if the tread reaches a depth of 1.6mm, but it is recommended to change the vehicle’s tyres before it reaches that level. Most tyre have a build-in ‘’Wear Bar’’, this is a good and quick indication if your tyre needs to be changed. If the ‘’Wear Bar’’ is flush with the rest of the tyre you have reached the minimum level. It is always good practice to change the tyre before it reaches that critical level.

Tyre Depth

2. Pressure

The vehicle manufacture will always provide the details for the correct tyre pressure your vehicle needs. This is normally indicated inside your fuel cap or car door. Tyre pressure should be checked and adjusted every week.

3. Cuts, lumps and swellings

This is normally caused by hitting a pot-hole or a curb on the side of the road. Inspect your tyres once a week and if you find a cut, lamp or swelling the chances are good the tyre needs to be replaced. Lumps and swelling normally occur on the side-wall of your tyre for it is a softer part of the tyre.

How to insure your car’s tyre last longer, provides you with the optimal safety and saves you fuel?

Tyres play a big part in braking distance as well as handling of your vehicle. Here are some practical tips on how to ensure the above.

1. Tread

To ensure your tyres last longer make sure you rotate your tyres every 10 000km to 12 000kms. Tyres always wear uneven, and it is caused by numerous factors. (One example is heat and heat is generated in an uneven manner. A front-wheel drive car will pull the car using the front tires, thereby generating more heat at that axle. Rear-wheel drive will do the opposite. This heat differential means there will be uneven wear between the front and rear.)

2. Wheel balance and Alignment

This goes hand in hand with rotating the tyres. If the car’s wheel alignment of balance is out, uneven tyre wear is accentuated. It is a good practise to check the alignment and balance of your wheels whenever you rotate them.

Be tyre-alert, safe driving

Hanru Reyneke

Founder @Car Inspection

The post Car Care – Tread Lightly – The Tyre appeared first on Car Inspection.

The Ultimate Blow-Up!

The Head-Gasket

When combustion takes place inside your car’s engine, air and fuel generates huge amounts of pressure inside the engine’s combustion chamber. The head-gasket is the safe-guard between the combustion chamber and the rest of the vehicle’s engine parts. The head-gasket prevents fluids and gases to escape into adjutant cylinders, oil and coolant compartments. As per the previous post, Car Care – The Cooling, the engine coolant regulates the engine temperature, and it flows into the cylinders and combustion chamber. The Head-gasket prevents the coolant from running into the cylinders between strokes and keeps the oil and coolant from entering these parts while the engine is switched off.

How do you know you have a head-gasket problem?

If you pick-up a head-gasket problem at an early stage it will save your money in repairs. Here are some of the signs that will give you an indication something might be wrong with your head-gasket. If you notice any of these indicators below take your vehicle immediately to a vehicle workshop:

1. Coolant levels

If you see your coolant level dropping quickly, without seeing any visible leeks, it is likely a head-gasket problem. It is easy to see the coolant level as it is normally contained in a see-through container and clearly visible when you open the vehicle bonnet.

2. Engine temperature

This is another clear indicator that there is too much heat inside the car’s engine. Keep an eye on the vehicle’s heat gauge to spot over-heating problems early and quickly. Heat is not your engine’s friend and if there is excess heat, it is normally an indicator something is wrong.

3. Engine Misfire

When you hear a popping, sneezing sound it might be a cylinder misfire. Backfire is another sound that comes from the back of the vehicle that could indicate a problem with head-gasket.

4. Smoke

Excessive smoke from your car can mean something is wrong with the head-gasket. It is not the only fault when smoke is bellowing out of the excuse, but again, it is an indication of some fault in the car’s engine.

How to prevent head-gasket problems?

It is all about looking for anything that is not normal. If your engine behaves different from yesterday, check it out.

1. The Cooling.

One of the biggest causes for a blown or cracked head-gasket is over-heating. Check, your coolant level on a regular basis. I know I did mention this in my previous post, but it is an easy yet important thig to keep your engine in a good condition. Heat is a killer!

2. Running dry

If you suspect a cooling-system problem, act immediately. Don’t wait 2 or 3 days. You’ll pay much less to fix something small, than to expose your car’s engine to heat-stress, which can cause major damage such as engine failure. Be attentive and act on it!

Be watchful in preventive maintenance – safe driving. Book your secondhand car inspection with us today.

Hanru Reyneke

Founder @Car Inspection

The post Car Care – The ultimate blow-up! appeared first on Car Inspection.