You're looking at the photos. The car is gleaming, the seller seems friendly, and the mileage looks good. But here's the thing, my friend. The real story of a used car is often hiding underneath. Get it up on a ramp, and within ten minutes we can spot things you'd never notice from the outside. And those are exactly the things that could cost you a fortune later. Let me show you what we look for at Das Auto Service during a pre-purchase car inspection.
Is the engine or gearbox leaking oil?
- The engine — we check the rocker cover, sump and oil seals. If we find oil, we track down exactly where it's coming from.
- The gearbox and differentials — we check for oil leaks anywhere around them.
- The cooling system — if we spot pink traces of coolant, we find out where it's leaking from.
- The shock absorbers — if they're covered in oil, they may already need replacing.
Has the car been in an accident, and how was it repaired?
- New bolts and spanner marks at the front or rear. These can tell us that someone has removed or replaced parts.
- Welds and body filler on the chassis rails and sills. This is where we get particularly careful, because it could mean the car has had major structural repairs.
- Paint overspray underneath, on the tyres or on hoses. Sometimes that's a giveaway that someone has done a rather careless repair job.
- Different components on the left and right sides. We look into why they don't match and whether that points to an old accident or a replacement part.
Is the rust just on the surface, or is it a serious problem?
We inspect the sills, wheel arch edges, jacking points, brake pipes and exhaust. Don't panic at every bit of rust you see. Surface rust can be cleaned up. But! If corrosion has eaten deep into the structural parts of the car, that's a serious problem. That's why we get underneath and take a proper look instead of guessing from photos.
Are the suspension and steering rack in good condition?
- Play in the suspension arms, ball joints and track rod ends.
- Torn CV joint boots on the driveshafts.
- Bushes and mounts that are already worn out.
- Uneven tyre wear — a possible sign that the wheel alignment isn't right.
You might not notice any of these problems during normal driving. But they give us a good idea of the repairs you could end up paying for after buying the car.
What can the sump and underbody covers tell us?
If the sump is dented or an underbody cover is broken, the car has hit something underneath. Sometimes it's nothing to worry about. Other times, there can be damage that isn't immediately obvious. That's why we inspect everything carefully rather than making assumptions.
Don't buy a car without getting it up on a ramp first. You simply can't see everything from above — oil leaks, rust on structural components or signs of major repairs. I'm telling you this because I want you to avoid an expensive mistake. Remember, you'll be the one paying the repair bill afterwards, not the seller.
What else do we check before you buy the car?
Looking underneath is only part of a complete pre-purchase inspection. We connect our diagnostic equipment, scan every control module, check the live data from the engine and gearbox, and take the car for a test drive. That gives us a much clearer picture of its actual condition.
Afterwards, we explain exactly what we've found and which repairs you might be facing. I want you to know what you're buying before you hand over your money.
Advice from Kris Mladenov: Ask the seller not to start the car before you arrive. I want that engine cold when you bring it in. Leaks and noises during a cold start can tell us an awful lot.
Found a car you really like? Bring it to Das Auto Service for a pre-purchase inspection underneath. We'll give it a thorough check and tell you exactly what we've found, without sugar-coating anything. I want you to make your decision with your eyes wide open, not end up regretting it afterwards.
Read more
- Pre-Purchase Car Inspection
- Importing Cars from Germany
- Buying a Car from Germany: What Should I Check Before Paying?
- Buying a Car with a DSG Gearbox: What Should I Check Before Buying?
- Car Diagnostics: What the Measuring Blocks Tell Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you spot when a car is on a ramp during a pre-purchase inspection?
Oil leaks from the engine and gearbox, rust, and signs of accident damage or previous repairs. We also check the condition of the suspension and steering rack.
How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?
Around one to two hours, including diagnostics and a test drive.
Can you tell if a car has been in an accident?
Often, yes. We check the bolts, welds, paintwork and components underneath. That's usually where you'll find evidence of previous accidents and repairs.