TakenLeeChecking a car before you buy
Three steps, cheapest first. You do the first two yourself, and send only the car that passes them to an inspection centre.
Three steps
The record, from home
Owners, odometer at the test, test expiry, list price and recalls. Free, right here:
The computer, next to the car
Plug an OBD-II adapter into the seller's car. See active and cleared faults, reset self-tests, and the VIN against the record. About the check in the app
The car itself, at a centre
Chassis, bodywork, accidents and mechanical condition only show in a physical inspection. Send only the car that passed the first two.
What the adapter finds
Cleared codes
Clearing resets the self-tests. It shows.
Active and pending faults
Including ones that have not lit the lamp yet.
VIN against the record
Different? A replaced computer, or another car.
A lamp you cannot see
The computer says whether it is on.
Other systems
ABS, airbags and gearbox, where the car allows.
A report and questions
A PDF for WhatsApp, and a question per finding.
Signs to stop and ask
What you need
A Bluetooth OBD-II adapter and the app. On iPhone you need a Bluetooth LE adapter. The check takes a few minutes, with the engine running or at least the ignition on.
Frequently asked
What does a pre-purchase check cost?
An inspection centre charges a few hundred shekels per car. The app is one payment for any number of cars, with the price shown in the store before you confirm. The licence-plate check is free.
Can you tell if the seller cleared faults?
Usually yes. Clearing codes resets the self-tests, which only complete again after a few days of driving. If they have not, the check shows it.
Does the adapter check replace an inspection centre?
No. It reads the car's computers. Chassis, accidents and mechanical condition only show at a centre. It helps decide which car is worth taking there.