July, 2025 • Mechanigo.ph

How to Avoid Buying a Lemon: The Importance of Secondhand Car Inspection in the Philippines

Buying a second hand car in the Philippines is a smart way to save money — but it can easily turn into a costly nightmare if you end up with a lemon car. Many Filipinos fall for good deals without realizing hidden issues that can drain their wallets later.

So how do you make sure you’re not wasting your hard-earned money? The answer is simple: get a proper used car inspection.

Why You Should Never Skip a Secondhand Car Inspection

When you’re eyeing a pre-loved vehicle, the shiny paint and clean interiors can be deceiving. Underneath, there might be problems that even the seller doesn’t tell you about — or worse, hides on purpose.

Here’s why a pre purchase car inspection is a must:

✅ Uncover Hidden Mechanical Issues An experienced mechanic can spot engine problems, suspension wear, or transmission issues that you might miss during a test drive.

✅ Check for Flood or Accident Damage Many cars in the Philippines get flooded during typhoon season. A trained eye knows the signs of flood damage — rust in unusual places, musty smell, or electrical glitches.

✅ Verify if the Car is Roadworthy Safety first! Inspecting the brakes, tires, lights, and overall condition ensures your family’s safety on the road.

✅ Negotiate a Better Deal When you know the true condition, you have the power to ask for a lower price or walk away if the car isn’t worth it.

What’s Included in a Good Used Car Inspection?

A trusted car inspection should cover these key areas:

▪ Car Inspection (179-Point Vehicle Inspection)

▪ Vehicle System Scanning (Fault Code Scan and Vehicle Health Report)

▪ Mechanical Component Check

▪ Overhauled Engine Check

▪ Vehicle Details Check

▪ Tampered Odometer Check (Odometer Calculated By ECU)

▪ Collision History Check

▪ Flood Damage Check

▪ Original Paint Check

▪ Aircon Cooling and Thermometer Check

▪ Endoscopic Camera Inspection

MechaniGo.ph secondhand car inspection service makes it easy — our mechanics come to you, anywhere!

How to Choose a Reliable Mechanic for Used Car Inspection

When looking for a mechanic for used car inspection, don’t just trust anyone. Choose licensed and experienced professionals who specialize in secondhand car inspection Philippines. They know what to look for and provide a detailed report you can trust.

Tips for Buying a Second Hand Car in the Philippines

To help you avoid headaches, follow these secondhand car buying tips Philippines:

▪ Always check the OR/CR and make sure they match the seller.

▪ Bring a trusted mechanic for inspection.

▪ Test drive in different conditions (slow, fast, uphill).

▪ Use a secondhand car checklist Philippines to tick off all essentials.

▪ Don’t rush — if it feels too good to be true, it probably is!