Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Melbourne

Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in Melbourne — We Check the Car Where It's Parked

Found a used car you like? Before you pay a deposit, let us check it. Our mobile mechanic goes to the car — at the seller's house, the dealer's yard or your workplace — and inspects it from the engine bay to the underbody.

You get a photo report the same day. Every fault is rated by urgency and comes with a rough repair cost, so you can buy with confidence, negotiate the price down, or walk away.

Inspections start from $199 across Wyndham Vale, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Point Cook, Melton, Geelong and the rest of Melbourne's west. Call 0406 396 397 or book online.

Why Every Used Car in Victoria Needs an Independent Check

Most used cars now change hands privately, and that is where buyers have the least protection. Research by Consumer Affairs Victoria found around 60% of used vehicles sold in Australia in 2024 were private sales.

In July 2026, the Victorian Government reported that nearly a third of sampled used cars advertised online had odometers wound back by at least 25,000 km. Some unlicensed traders buy cars at auction and relist them online within weeks.

A private sale in Victoria has no cooling-off period and no statutory warranty. Once you pay, the car's problems are yours. A one-hour inspection is the cheapest protection you can buy.

Roadworthy Certificate vs Pre-Purchase Inspection

Many buyers assume a roadworthy certificate (RWC) means the car is in good shape. It doesn't. Transport Victoria states that a roadworthy inspection does not tell you whether a car is mechanically reliable or what its general condition is.

What a roadworthy certificate covers

The seller arranges the roadworthy. It confirms the car meets minimum safety standards to drive on the road today, and it's valid for 30 days from issue. It doesn't assess whether the engine or gearbox is reliable, and it only picks up accident repairs, rust or flood damage if they make the car unsafe. There's no computer fault code scan and no repair cost estimate.

What a pre-purchase inspection covers

You, the buyer, arrange the inspection, and it checks the car's full mechanical condition, body and value. We inspect and road test the engine and gearbox, check every panel for accident repairs, rust and flood signs, and run a full OBD fault code scan. You also get rough repair costs for anything we find, so you can make your buying decision with the full picture.

A car can pass a roadworthy and still need a gearbox. That's the gap our inspection fills.

What We Check: 50+ Checks Across 9 Areas

Engine and cooling

• Cold-start behaviour, idle quality and misfires
• Knocks, ticks and abnormal engine noise
• Oil level, condition and leaks (dark, sludgy oil means an oil change is overdue)
• Coolant level, condition and leaks, and whether a coolant replacement is due
• Signs of overheating, a failing water pump or head gasket issues
• Radiator, hoses and drive belts
• Engine mounts
• Exhaust smoke colour, exhaust leaks and catalytic converter condition

Computer and electrical

• OBD scan for stored and pending fault codes, including oxygen sensor faults
• Readiness monitors (shows if codes were recently cleared)
• Dashboard warning lights
• Battery health test
• Alternator charging output and starter motor operation
• Headlights, tail lights and indicator globes
• Power windows, mirrors and central locking
• Air conditioning and heater
• Infotainment, reversing camera and parking sensors

Transmission and driveline

• Automatic gear changes, or clutch wear and engagement (manual)
• Transmission fluid condition and leaks, and when the last transmission service was done
• CV joints and boots
• Differential and transfer case (4WD)
• 4WD engagement

Brakes, steering and suspension

• Brake pad and rotor wear
• Sticking or leaking brake calipers
• Brake fluid condition
• Handbrake or electronic park brake
• ABS warning and operation
• Steering play, noise and power steering leaks
• Shock absorbers, bushes and ball joints
• Wheel bearings and signs of poor wheel alignment

Tyres and wheels

• Tread depth and uneven wear
• Tyre age from the date code
• Punctures and old plug repairs (tyre puncture repair)
• Wheel damage
• Spare tyre or repair kit

Body, paint and structure

• Panel gaps and alignment
• Resprays, overspray and paint mismatch
• Bumper and body trim damage or poor previous repairs
• Body rust and underbody rust
• Chassis rails and signs of structural repair
• Flood damage signs: silt, damp carpet, corrosion under the dash
• Windscreen and glass chips
• Door, bonnet and boot operation, seals and water leaks

Interior and safety

• Seatbelts and airbag warning light
• Seat, pedal and steering wheel wear compared with the odometer
• Horn, wipers and washers
• Cabin filter and air conditioning smell
• Number of keys and remote operation
• Build and compliance plates

Documents and history

• VIN matches the registration papers
• Odometer compared with service records
• Logbook and service history review
• Open safety recall check
• PPSR check for finance owing, write-off and stolen status (Comprehensive and Prestige)

Road test (where the seller allows)

• Acceleration and gear changes from cold
• Straight-line braking and steering pull
• Suspension noises over bumps
• Engine temperature and idle after the drive

Inspection Packages and Prices

Standard Inspection — $199

Best for petrol and diesel cars and small SUVs. Includes all 50+ checks except the PPSR, a full OBD scan, a road test and a same-day photo report with repair cost estimates.

Comprehensive Inspection — $279

Best for cars over $15,000 and family SUVs. Everything in Standard, plus a PPSR check, paint thickness readings on every panel and a phone walkthrough of your report.

Prestige, 4WD and Hybrid Inspection — $349

Best for European and luxury cars, 4WDs, utes and hybrids. Everything in Comprehensive, plus an extended module scan and 4WD or hybrid system checks.

All prices include GST and travel within our service area. No hidden fees.

How It Works

1. Book and send us the ad. Share the listing link, the seller's name and number, and where the car is parked.
2. We contact the seller. We arrange a time and ask them not to start the car beforehand, so we see a true cold start.
3. We inspect the car. Allow 60–90 minutes on site, including a road test where the seller allows. You're welcome to join us, but you don't have to.
4. You get the report and a call. Photos, faults rated fix now, fix soon or monitor, and rough repair costs — the same day.

Your Protections Depend on Where You Buy

Victorian law treats dealer, private and auction sales very differently. Here's what applies, from Consumer Affairs Victoria:

Buying from a licensed dealer: you get a cooling-off period of 3 clear business days, but you lose it once you take delivery. Cars under 10 years old with under 160,000 km come with a statutory warranty of 3 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first, and the dealer guarantees clear title. Inspect before you sign — faults listed on the dealer's defect notice aren't covered by the warranty.

Buying from a private seller: there's no cooling-off period, no statutory warranty and no guarantee of clear title. Run a PPSR check and get the car inspected every time.

Buying at auction: there's no cooling-off period and no statutory warranty, although the auction house must guarantee clear title. Inspect before you bid — once the hammer falls, there's no second chance.

If you cancel during a dealer cooling-off period, the dealer can keep $100 or 1% of the price, whichever is greater. Read more on used car warranties.

Problems We Find Most Often

• Odometer readings that don't match the service records or the wear on the seat and pedals
• Fault codes cleared just before the sale to hide a warning light
• Hidden accident repairs: overspray, uneven panel gaps and replaced panels
• Oil leaks disguised by a freshly degreased engine bay
• Harsh or slipping automatic gear changes and worn clutches
• Worn brakes and old tyres — easy money off the price (see our brake and rotor replacement cost guide)
• Rust in the sills and underbody, and signs of flood damage

What to Do With Your Report

• Car is sound and priced right: buy with confidence.
• Faults found: use our repair estimates to negotiate the price down, or ask the seller to fix them before you settle.
• Serious problems: structural repairs, cleared codes or odometer doubts mean walk away. Losing $199 beats paying for a gearbox rebuild.
• You bought it: start with a general service or logbook service so you know exactly where the car stands. We can fix anything from the report at your door — see all our services.

Buying a Hybrid or Electric Car?

For hybrids, we scan the hybrid system for fault codes and check the hybrid battery cooling system, on top of every standard check. For fully electric cars, call us first — battery health reporting differs by make, and we'll tell you what we can check before you book.

Areas We Cover

We inspect cars at the seller's address across Melbourne's west, including Wyndham Vale, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Point Cook, Eynesbury, Melton, Geelong, Lara and Melbourne.

We also cover Manor Lakes, Truganina, Williams Landing, Altona, Altona North, Laverton, Deer Park, Caroline Springs, Corio and nearby suburbs. Found a car further out? Call us and we'll confirm.

Why Buyers Choose Mechanic Near You

• We come to the car. No need to convince a seller to drive across town.
• Independent. We don't sell cars or take commission from sellers or dealers.
• Mechanics who repair cars every day. We know what faults cost to fix because we fix them — often for less than a dealer (see the comparison).
• Rated 4.8 from 61 Google reviews by drivers across Melbourne's west.
• Plain-English report, same day. No jargon, just what matters for your decision.
• Fixed price upfront. You know the cost before we leave.

Helpful Guides for Used Car Buyers

• How much does a car service cost in Melbourne in 2026?
• Brake and rotor replacement cost Melbourne: 2026 guide
• Mobile mechanic vs dealership servicing: full cost comparison
• Car service Melbourne — minor, major and logbook servicing in your driveway
• Best mobile mechanic in Wyndham Vale: 2026 guide

Book Your Pre-Purchase Car Inspection

Don't buy someone else's problem. Book an inspection before you hand over a deposit, and know exactly what you're paying for.

Book Pre-Purchase Inspection · Call 0406 396 397 (7:00 AM – 9:00 PM)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a pre-purchase car inspection cost in Melbourne?

Our mobile inspections start at $199 including GST and travel. Across Melbourne, prices range from about $149 for a workshop inspection to $450 for premium mobile packages, depending on the car and how detailed the report is.

How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?

Allow 60–90 minutes at the car, including the road test. Prestige cars and 4WDs can take a little longer. Your report arrives the same day.

Do I need to be there during the inspection?

No. Send us the seller's details and we'll arrange everything. You're welcome to come along, and we'll call you to go through the findings either way.

Is a roadworthy certificate the same as a pre-purchase inspection?

No. A roadworthy only confirms the car meets minimum safety standards on the day. It doesn't assess mechanical reliability or overall condition. A pre-purchase inspection checks the engine, gearbox, body, accident history signs and fault codes.

Can you inspect a car at a dealership?

Yes. Most Melbourne dealers are happy for an independent mechanic to inspect a car on their lot. Let the dealer know we're coming, and we'll handle the rest.

What if the seller won't allow an inspection?

Treat it as a warning sign. A genuine seller has nothing to hide. Walking away from a car that can't be inspected is usually the right call.

Do I still need an inspection if I'm buying from a dealer?

Yes. The Victorian statutory warranty only covers cars under 10 years old and under 160,000 km, for 3 months or 5,000 km. Faults listed on the dealer's defect notice aren't covered, and you lose your cooling-off rights once you take delivery.

Can you check if the car has finance owing or was written off?

Yes. Our Comprehensive and Prestige packages include a PPSR check, which shows recorded finance, write-off and stolen status. You can also run it yourself for $2 at ppsr.gov.au.

What happens if the car has problems?

Your report lists each fault, how urgent it is and a rough repair cost. Use it to negotiate the price, ask the seller to fix the faults, or walk away.

Do you inspect hybrids and electric cars?

We inspect hybrids, including a hybrid system scan. For fully electric cars, call us first so we can confirm what we can check on that make and model.

Which areas do you cover?

Melbourne's west, including Wyndham Vale, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit, Point Cook, Truganina, Melton, Geelong and Lara. Call us if the car is further out.

When should I book the inspection?

Before you pay a deposit or sign anything. Ask the seller not to start the car beforehand, so we can check a true cold start — many engine faults only show up then.