People are more confident buying a second-hand car when it is certified by a used car inspection service.
Recently, AucNation Synergy Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) launched the Vehicle Inspection Management System (VIMS), which provides certification on the quality of the used and reconditioned cars through full visual and diagnostic analyses.
VIMS is a web-based inspection, which comprises a Visual Analysis (VA) where a pen-based computer is used and diagnostic analysis (DA), where it uses the on-board diagnostic 2 (OBD 2) device.
VA covers checks on the vehicle’s main frame, exterior, interior and the basic mechanical components, while DA focuses on the vehicle’s subsystems conditions, including the engine and transmission.
It is based on the Japanese Automobile Inspection System (AIS) and supported by MAI. Data from the analyses are sent to AIS for an accurate and fair grading. The results will be stored on a server and it is easy to retrieve when needed.
Customers will receive a VIMS certificate of inspection with a 90-day validity within 48 hours to help them make informed decisions in their transactions.
The inspection process will take about 30 to 40 minutes to complete and an inspection will cost between RM175 and RM350 per vehicle. The service is available in the Klang Valley only, but soon it will expand to the northern and southern regions.
The inspection service will not only provide an in-depth analysis of the condition of the used and reconditioned car, but also able to identify any tampering, modifications or additions that may compromise the car’s overall durability and safety. It is also able to identify if the car is a “half cut”, or had been involved in an accident.
VIMS is not only useful for second-hand car dealers, but it is also useful for people who want to sell their cars. By using the inspection service the car owner will know the condition of his vehicle and make a decision on repairing what is necessary to fetch a better sales value. The certificate will give the next buyer confidence of the car’s condition.
“VIMS is not here to replace Puspakom’s inspection but it is more towards educating consumers, workshops and the used cars industry on the need to have safe and quality used and reconditioned vehicles,” said MAI chief executive officer Datuk Madani Sahari during a press conference after the launching ceremony.
He said MAI actively identified strategic partners, who could harness technologies and expertise, to add value to the used vehicles industry.
“We are pleased that VIMS’ OBD 2 has been introduced to the Malaysian market as an international car diagnostic system with a capacity to run diagnostics on any car brand system, including our national vehicles, minus the risk of malfunction due to system conflict or virus attack.
“Together with the dedicated inspection training programme, VIMS has the potential to uplift the used and reconditioned car trade in Malaysia, and we look forward to see the results of our collaboration. The launch of VIMS is in line with the goal of the End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) initiatives under the National Automotive Policy 2014, where about 300 inspection centres are required in the country, and owners are encouraged to send their vehicles for checks to ensure safety,” he said.
Currently there are 10 trained inspectors who are ready to go to the customer’s doorstep and each inspector is able to check up to eight cars a day.
For more information, call +603-6206-2782 or email service@aismsia.com.