Inspecting a used supercar before purchase is a skill that takes time to develop. Unlike inspecting a family car, where visible wear and a basic mechanical check covers most of the risk, a supercar inspection requires specific technical knowledge, access to specialist diagnostic equipment, and an understanding of what failure modes are common to the particular model.
This guide covers what to look for when inspecting a used exotic or supercar in Australia.
Start Before You See the Car
The inspection begins before you physically examine the car. When viewing an advertised supercar, request:
A full service history with dates, mileage, and the workshop details for each service. For most supercars, authorised dealer services are preferred by buyers and command a premium. Gap years in the history warrant explanation.
The PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) certificate. This confirms whether the vehicle has been written off, stolen, or has finance owing. You can run this yourself at ppsr.gov.au for a small fee. Never buy a supercar without a clean PPSR result.
Any documentation for repairs, modifications, or warranty claims during the car’s life.
Exterior Inspection
Panel gaps: Check all panel gaps across the car. They should be consistent in width around each panel. Inconsistent gaps indicate poorly repaired accident damage.
Paint depth gauge: A paint depth gauge measures the thickness of the paint on each panel. New factory paint is typically 100-150 microns thick. Readings significantly above this indicate a panel has been repainted. Take multiple readings across each panel, including areas like the sill, A-pillars, and roof.
Glass: Check all glass for cracks, chips, or delamination. Supercar windscreens can be expensive to replace.
Tyres: Check the tread depth and the condition of the sidewalls. Also check that the tyre brand and model are consistent across axles and that the tyres are appropriate for the car’s performance capability.
Carbon fibre: If the car has exposed carbon fibre body panels, check for delamination, UV damage, or cracks. Carbon fibre repairs are expensive and can be difficult to match visually.
Under the Bonnet
Leaks: Check the engine bay for any signs of oil, coolant, or hydraulic fluid leaks. Any wet marks warrant investigation.
Hoses and pipes: Check rubber hoses and silicone pipes for cracking or perishing, especially on older cars.
Engine mounts: Visible cracking or excessive movement in rubber engine mounts indicates wear.
Coolant condition: The colour and clarity of the coolant in the expansion tank indicates maintenance quality.
Cabin and Electronics
Start the car from cold and listen for any irregular start-up behaviour. Modern supercars have complex cold-start routines, and any hesitation, rough running, or warning lights at start-up require investigation.
Check every electronic system: infotainment, climate control, power seats, electric windows, and any model-specific systems (active suspension modes, launch control, etc.).
Scan for fault codes using an appropriate diagnostic tool. Many specialist shops can do this as part of a pre-purchase inspection. Fault codes that have been cleared but not addressed can indicate a seller has hidden known issues.
Mechanical Checks
Underneath the car: Look for oil leaks, damaged suspension components, and evidence of any recent repairs or welding.
Brake rotors: Check the condition of the brake rotors. Deep scoring indicates they may need replacement. Carbon ceramic brake rotors are expensive and their condition should be assessed carefully.
Exhaust: Check the exhaust system for cracks, rust, or repairs. Listen for any exhaust leaks at idle.
Gearbox and clutch: For manual cars, assess the clutch engagement point and any evidence of slipping. For dual-clutch transmissions, check for any jerky low-speed behaviour that might indicate clutch wear.
During the Test Drive
Drive the car across its full range. Listen for any unusual sounds under acceleration, deceleration, or over bumps. Feel for any vibration through the steering wheel at highway speeds. Check the behaviour of the stability and traction control systems.
If the seller is reluctant to allow a full test drive, including use of the car’s performance capabilities at appropriate locations, treat this reluctance as a warning sign.
The Professional Inspection
Commission a pre-purchase inspection from a workshop familiar with the specific make and model. For Ferrari, find an authorised Ferrari service centre. For McLaren, use an approved McLaren service centre. The manufacturer-trained technicians know the specific failure modes and what to look for.
The inspection report should be written and specific. Vague reassurances are not sufficient at this price level.