So, you're considering buying a used car because the COE prices for new cars are insane.

The last thing anyone wants is to part with $70,000 just to watch your used car go up in flames.

Some people might blame the used car dealer, while others chalk it up to bad luck. But did you know you can mitigate the risks of such incidents by sending the used car for a check before forking out an exorbitant amount of money?

While numerous workshops offer pre-purchase inspection for used cars, you can also opt for inspection centres at STA or Vicom.

STA used car evaluation

STA's car evaluation will give used car buyers an accurate analysis of the used car's condition and help make decision-making much more straightforward.

STA's used car evaluation service includes:

• Chassis frame inspection & measurement
• Undercarriage inspection
• Rims, tyres and brake rotor inspection
• Engine bay inspection
• Fluid level inspection
• Boot inspection
• Bodyworks inspection
• Interior inspection
• Road test

Vicom used car evaluation

A Vicom Fit check helps potential buyers ascertain a used car's external and internal condition.

It offers different evaluation standards to address the various needs of its customers.

Vicom Fit check includes:

• Compliance checks – Is the vehicle compliant with the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) requirements?
• Condition checks – Utilising specialised test equipment to assist in a visual examination of the vehicle's physical condition.
• Function checks – Are the devices in the vehicle operating correctly?
• Road test – The vehicle is first tested on its inspection test lane and then driven on the road for 8-10 km to evaluate further the vehicle's steering, braking, power transmission and driveability.

This article was first published in sgCarMart.