Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in Portugal

We compare the documents provided with the vehicle identifiers. IMT history, liens or overseas records may require separate enquiries.

• VIN matches the registration card (livrete)
• VIN on the body or behind the windscreen matches the registration card
• Registration card (livrete) seen
• Registration card data matches the vehicle
• IPO valid (per document)
• Import documents (DAV / COC / homologação) in order — Imported vehicles

We record dates, mileage and source: invoice, service book or seller statement. A concealed timing drive cannot be inspected visually.

• Timing drive
• Engine oil
• Gearbox oil
• Last service
• Keys
• Service book and history

The list adapts to the body type. Paint is measured on accessible surfaces compatible with the gauge; plastic and composite panels are assessed visually. Measurements and damage are recorded per panel.

• Front bumper — According to body type
• Hood — According to body type
• Front left fender — According to body type
• A-pillar front, outer — left — According to body type
• Front left door — According to body type
• Left rocker — front half — According to body type
• B-pillar middle, inner — left — According to body type
• Rear left door — According to body type
• Left sliding door — According to body type
• Left rocker — rear half — According to body type
• C-pillar rear, outer — left — According to body type
• Rear left quarter — According to body type
• Rear left side panel — According to body type
• D-pillar (tailgate) left — According to body type
• Pickup bed — According to body type
• Trunk lid — According to body type
• Tailgate — According to body type
• Bed tailgate — According to body type
• Rear bumper — According to body type
• Rear right quarter — According to body type
• Rear right side panel — According to body type
• D-pillar (tailgate) right — According to body type
• C-pillar rear, outer — right — According to body type
• Rear right door — According to body type
• Right sliding door — According to body type
• Right rocker — rear half — According to body type
• B-pillar middle, inner — right — According to body type
• Front right door — According to body type
• Right rocker — front half — According to body type
• A-pillar front, outer — right — According to body type
• Front right fender — According to body type
• Roof — According to body type
• Overcab/front mask — According to body type; motorhome body
• Habitation wall left — According to body type; motorhome body
• Habitation wall right — According to body type; motorhome body
• Habitation rear wall — According to body type; motorhome body
• Habitation roof — According to body type; motorhome body
• Left skirt — According to body type; motorhome body
• Right skirt — According to body type; motorhome body
• Drawbar and front wall — According to body type; motorhome body

We assess visible parts without dismantling the car. Differences in glass markings are recorded and considered alongside other evidence.

• Panel gaps are even
• Windscreen: chips and cracks in view zone
• Glass markings consistent
• Accessible structure (rails, welds, hinges)
• Lights: haze, moisture, cracks, mounts

Recorded per wheel, with comparisons across each axle. Discs, pads and CV boots are assessed where visible, without removing wheels. Restricted access is recorded.

• Tyre brand, model and type — Per wheel, where accessible
• Tyre size compared with registration data — Per wheel, where accessible
• DOT manufacture date — Per wheel, where accessible
• Tread condition and uneven wear — Per wheel, where accessible
• Sidewall damage: cracks, cuts, bulges — Per wheel, where accessible
• Rim damage and repair signs — Per wheel, where accessible
• Brake disc: visible wear, scoring and cracks — Per wheel, where accessible
• Visible brake pad condition — Per wheel, where accessible
• CV boot: cracks, tears and grease leakage — Per wheel, where accessible

Checks depend on the engine and drivetrain. Parts underneath are observed only with safe access; obstructing shields are recorded. A full lift inspection is optional.

• Engine oil level and condition — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Under the oil cap: no emulsion or sludge — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Coolant: level, colour, emulsion — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Brake fluid level
• Oil leaks and sweating: valve cover, sump, seals — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Coolant leaks: radiator, hoses, expansion tank, water pump — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Other fluid leaks: brake, power steering, gearbox, fuel — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Smells and other seepage before start
• 12V battery: terminals, corrosion, age
• Orange HV cables and connectors: no damage or signs of tampering — EV/hybrid
• Accessory belts and hoses (accessible) — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Structure under hood: towers, rails, wing bolts
• Chassis frame: rust and damage — SUV/pickup, if fitted and accessible
• Front differential: leaks and rust — SUV/pickup, if fitted and accessible
• Rear differential: leaks and rust — SUV/pickup, if fitted and accessible
• Gearbox from below: leaks and rust — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Transfer case from below: leaks and rust — SUV/pickup, if fitted and accessible

We record whether the engine is cold or already warm. A cold start cannot be reproduced if the seller has warmed the car.

• Engine was cold before start — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Starts on first attempt — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Warning lights: self-test OK, extinguish after start
• READY mode engages, no HV warnings — EV/hybrid
• Abnormal noises (cold/warm) — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Idle stability and vibration — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Exhaust: smoke colour at start — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain

Left, right and centre lights are checked where applicable. Missing equipment is recorded as not fitted.

• Low beam
• High beam
• Front indicators
• Rear indicators
• Hazard lights
• Fog lights
• Brake lights
• Reverse lights
• Plate lights
• DRL

We test the equipment fitted and photograph the main interior areas. Missing options and checks that cannot be performed are recorded.

• Steering wheel: rim wear, buttons
• Driver's seat: bolster, upholstery, frame, adjustments
• Instrument cluster and dashboard: condition, buttons, display
• Pedals: pad wear
• Selector / gear knob: wear, gaiter
• Driver's door card: armrest, handle, switches, speaker
• Window lifters: all doors, from driver panel
• Locks: central locking, fob, all doors and boot
• Mirrors: adjust, fold, heating
• Front wipers and washer
• Rear wiper and washer
• Infotainment: screen, sound, radio, CarPlay
• Cameras: reversing/surround view
• Parking sensors: front and rear beep
• USB / 12V / wireless charging
• Climate: fan, zones, AC cooling, heater, smell
• Horn works
• Front passenger side: seat, glovebox, floor mat
• Front-right door card
• Headliner and trim: no sagging or stains
• Sunroof/panorama: operation, blind, leak marks
• Airbag covers: gaps, opening traces
• Seat belts: condition, latching, tag date
• Rear row: seats and floor
• Rear door cards
• Damp smell, moisture under mats and in boot
• Boot: floor, spare well, trim — creases, welds, sealant
• Kit: spare/repair kit, jack, triangle, vest

With seller permission and a compatible scanner. We read the data available from the modules; not every model provides an independent mileage value. The diagnostic report is attached to the inspection.

• Fault codes from accessible modules and scanner report
• Available module mileage compared with the dashboard

Subject to permission, insurance and safe conditions. We assess the car at the speeds and in the conditions possible on the route, according to its gearbox and powertrain.

• Insurance valid today (ASF/FGA or document)
• Seller permitted the drive, route is safe
• Shifting: jerks, delays, noises — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Acceleration without hesitation
• Steering: tracking, pull, play
• Vibration and noise at speed
• Braking: efficiency, vibration, pull
• Regenerative braking smooth; hybrid: engine starts/stops without shudder, EV mode holds — EV/hybrid
• Suspension: knocks on bumps
• Parking brake (EPB/handbrake) holds

We inspect the car again after the road test for changes that were not apparent before driving.

• No fresh leaks after the drive
• Burning smell, fan operation, temperature
• Hot restart: starts immediately — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• No new warning lights after the drive

For EVs and hybrids. SOH, cell data, insulation and counters depend on model and scanner support. A charging test requires a compatible cable and socket/charger. No dismantling or certified battery capacity test.

• Displayed range and state of charge, % — EV/PHEV
• Traction battery SOH, %
• No BMS / HV system faults (active and stored)
• Cell voltage spread within limits
• HV insulation: no faults or warnings
• Number of DC fast charges / total cycles — EV/PHEV
• Charge port(s): flap, lock, contacts, cables — EV/PHEV
• Charging test: charging starts, no errors — EV/PHEV
• Charging kit: Mode 3 Type 2 cable, Mode 2 domestic cable, adapters — EV/PHEV
• Traction battery and inverter cooling: coolant level, leaks, pump/fan
• Heating and A/C in READY, according to the model’s intended operation
• Battery casing: impacts, dents and leaks in accessible areas
• Documented battery warranty terms: duration and mileage
• Battery ownership or lease documents, where applicable — EV/PHEV

For motorhomes, campervans and caravans only, according to equipment and access. Functional tests require water, gas and electricity to be available. This is a pre-purchase check, not installation certification.

• Roof and body seams: sealant, cracks
• Windows and rooflights: panes, seals, stays, screens
• Damp: corners, under windows, lockers — smell, soft panels
• Floor: delamination, creaks — walk the full length
• Awning: roll-out, fabric, lock, legs
• Entry door, fly screen, step
• Pop-top roof: mechanism, canvas, zips — Campervan/converted van
• Gas locker: bottle strap, drop-out vent
• Gas regulator and hoses: date, condition, odour
• Hob: all burners, flame-failure device holds
• Heater (Truma/diesel): start-up, warm air
• Boiler: heats water (gas/230 V)
• Leisure battery: type and capacity (AGM/gel/LiFePO4, Ah)
• Battery under load: no voltage sag
• Solar panel: mounts, glass, cable gland
• Charge controller (MPPT/PWM): charging in daylight
• Alternator charging (DC-DC): current with engine on
• Shore power 230 V: lead, charger indicator
• Inverter 230 V: powers the sockets
• All-zone lighting, 12 V/USB sockets
• Control panel: water/charge readings sane
• Fresh tank: filling, cap, smell
• Pump and taps: pressure everywhere, dry under sinks
• Kitchen and washroom sinks: drains, traps
• Shower: tray, doors/curtain, head, drain
• Cassette toilet: blade, flush, cassette and seal
• Grey tank: drain valve, smell
• Fridge is cold (switched on in advance!)
• Beds and slats: intact, lift mechanisms
• Lockers, tables, hinges, catches: secured for driving
• Belts and mounts of travel seats

Optional: +€100, by arrangement and with seller permission. The catalogue includes different checks for combustion, LPG, hybrid, electric and AWD vehicles; only the relevant checks apply.

• Brake hoses, pipes and cables: cracks, corrosion, leaks
• Inner CV boots and driveshaft seals: splits, grease throw-out, leaks
• Tie rods, track-rod ends and steering rack: play, rack boots, PAS leaks
• Ball joints, control arms and rear beam/trailing arms: play, boots, deformation
• Control-arm, rear-beam and subframe bushes: cracks, extrusion
• Dampers and springs: leaks, broken coil, corrosion
• Anti-roll bars: drop links, bushes
• Wheel bearings: play and noise with the wheel off the ground
• Underbody and sills from below: corrosion, deformation, impact marks
• Subframes and chassis rails: fasteners, corrosion, repair welds
• Sump guard/underbody shields and aero panels: integrity, fasteners
• Engine/gearbox mounts (EV: drive-unit mounts): torn rubber, sag, hydraulic mount leaks
• Leaks from below: engine, gearbox, axles, seals — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Exhaust system: integrity, hangers, catalyst/DPF present — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Fuel lines and tank: corrosion, leaks, tank straps — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• LPG tank and lines: mounting, corrosion, multivalve, test date — LPG
• Propshaft, differential, transfer case: leaks, U-joints, centre bearing — Combustion engine; according to drivetrain
• Traction battery from below: casing, shield, fasteners, signs of opening or repair — EV/PHEV
• HV cables and connectors under the floor: orange conduit, insulation, fasteners — EV/hybrid
• Traction battery cooling circuit: pipes, radiator, leaks — EV/PHEV
• E-motor and reducer (AWD: both units): oil leaks, driveshaft seals, mounts — EV