The condition inspection is part of Saka's car sales process and helps us verify the condition of the vehicle being sold. It is a multi-step process that follows a set formula and is carried out by one of our local partners. The condition inspection is comparable to a vehicle inspection, though there are some minor differences.
The condition inspection is performed on vehicles priced over €10,000 by a third party, including companies such as A-Katsastus, Dekra, and K1-Katsastus.
Exterior Inspection, Chassis, and Brakes
The condition inspection begins with an exterior examination of the vehicle, during which the car is photographed and inspected from various angles to identify any potential body damage or dents. The vehicle then moves to a roller dynamometer, which is used to test components such as the shock absorbers and braking force. The anti-lock braking function and the parking brake are also tested at this stage.
The brake test reveals any side-to-side differences in braking performance, which may be caused by unevenly worn brake pads or deteriorated brake discs. The discs and pads are inspected to ensure they are in proper, safe condition at the time of the inspection.
Diagnostics via OBD Reader and Basic Vehicle Information
The vehicle's onboard computers, error codes, and technology are checked using an OBD measurement. Rather than performing a direct emissions test, a plug-in OBD reader (On Board Diagnostics) reads any fault codes stored in the vehicle and checks the emissions control tests — a modified emissions system or high emissions would result in a failed inspection.
The OBD check also reveals whether the vehicle has any hidden electrical or engine faults before they cause damage. At the same time, the functionality and light output of the vehicle's lights are verified, as well as the VIN code match and the vehicle's structural weight. A vehicle's license plate may change over its lifetime, but the VIN number (chassis number) always remains the same.
Modern Vehicles Have a Lot Going On Under the Hood
In the engine compartment, the hood is opened and fluids are checked, such as the windshield washer fluid and power steering fluid. Please note that checking the oil level is not part of the condition inspection unless the vehicle itself indicates low oil. That is something you should keep an eye on yourself. If there are any visually detectable issues in the engine compartment, such as leaks or splatter, the root causes are investigated.
The engine compartment is also inspected from underneath the vehicle when it is lifted, to check for any leaks. Inside the cabin, the seat belts are carefully reviewed (condition, locking mechanism, and belt retraction), the doors are checked to ensure they open from the outside, and the overall interior condition of the vehicle is assessed.
The Chassis Inspection Is Especially Important Information for EV Owners
In the final stage, the vehicle is raised into the air and undergoes a chassis inspection equivalent to a standard vehicle inspection: first, the underside is photographed, after which the battery housing of electric and hybrid vehicles is checked for dents and cracks. The vehicle is also shaken while in the air so that chassis components — joints, worn springs, and bushings — can be properly tested.
The vehicle is then raised a bit higher so the wheels can be spun and the wheel bearings can be inspected for any faults. The brake discs and their surfaces are also examined at this point. Surface rust that develops after a few rainy days will disappear within a couple of miles of driving, but deeper corrosion requires servicing. The thickness of the discs is also measured — discs that are too thin must be replaced.
Tire Measurements Before Heading to the Lot and Customers' Driveways
Finally, each tire is measured to the nearest millimeter. The legal minimum tread depth for summer tires is 1.6 mm, and the risk of hydroplaning increases significantly below 4 mm. For winter tires, the minimum is 3.0 mm, and their performance begins to deteriorate below 5.0 mm. All measurement results and findings are compiled into a condition report, which shows you how soon the tires should be replaced based on your driving habits and conditions.
A condition-inspected vehicle is a guarantee of quality and reliability. You can view the report for any vehicle you are interested in directly on the vehicle's page alongside the list of features, without needing to request it separately.
Browse our selection of inspected vehicles and find the one for you!
