​Car Evaluation Report: What Drivers Need to Know

In this article, we’ll go through a standard car evaluation report from VFIT by VICOM and highlight the important things that all drivers need to know.

In our previous article, we explained the differences between a car inspection and car evaluation.

Here is a recap in case you missed it: a car inspection is a mandatory check for all vehicles on the road, while a car evaluation is a special inspection for pre-owned cars.

A car evaluation is not mandatory; however, car buyers are strongly encouraged by the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) to send pre-owned cars for a car evaluation before the purchase is made.

Once the evaluation is complete, customers will receive an evaluation report (see below). This evaluation report will highlight any defects that could affect the condition and roadworthiness of the vehicle.

For VFIT, it follows the Standard and Functional Evaluation Checklist set by CASE. Part A of the checklist should be completed by the dealer, while Part B will be completed by VFIT.

Here is a rundown of what you should expect to see:

(Photos provided by VFIT by VICOM)

As seen in the report above, any defects or abnormalities will be highlighted in red. Depending on how severe the problem is, you could either ask for a price reduction for the pre-owned car, or request the dealer to repair the defects before the purchase is complete.

If you decide to have the car repaired, the Lemon Law requires the car dealer to bear the costs of repairs. You can then send the pre-owned car for a subsequent inspection to ensure that the defects previously uncovered were repaired.

Do note that any subsequent inherent defects arising from your purchase will continue to be covered under the Lemon Law. However, defects caused by wear and tear will not be covered.

Another thing to note is that there are certain defects that just aren't worth repairing. These include defects and damages to major car components, such as the chassis, brake system, transmission box, or steering system.

It might be better to forfeit the car or choose another as these defects might make the car too dangerous to drive. If you are uncertain, it would be best to consult with the experts at the car evaluation centre, or your preferred workshop or mechanic.

If you would like to book a car evaluation appointment, VFIT by VICOM lets you do so via a simple online booking form. Simply select your preferred date, time and location, followed by your vehicle details.

If you have added your vehicle to the Motorist App, you can find your car details on your Vehicle Profile page! Yes, it is that simple!

In our next article, we will be comparing two of the most frequented car evaluation centres, STA Inspection (STAI) and VFIT by VICOM, to see which offers a more complete and detailed evaluation report. Stay tuned!

Read More: Car Inspection VS Car Evaluation: What’s the Difference?

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