Services
Pre-purchase
car inspections.
Before you hand over the money, let us tell you what you are really buying. Independent, thorough, and on your side — we are not selling you the car.
The inspection
What we check — everything
A test drive tells you how the car feels. We tell you what is actually going on underneath.
Engine
- Oil condition and leaks
- Coolant condition and level
- Belts and hoses
- Unusual noises or smoke
- Diagnostic scan for fault codes
Transmission & drivetrain
- Gear changes and clutch feel
- CV joints and driveshaft
- Differential condition
- Fluid leaks
Brakes
- Pad and rotor thickness
- Brake fluid condition
- Lines and hoses
- Handbrake operation
Suspension & steering
- Shocks, struts and springs
- Ball joints and tie-rods
- Bushings and mounts
- Steering rack play
Tyres & wheels
- Tread depth across all tyres
- Uneven wear patterns
- Sidewall condition
- Wheel and rim damage
Body & structure
- Rust and corrosion
- Panel gaps and paint mismatch
- Signs of accident repair
- Underbody condition
Electrics & interior
- All lights and indicators
- Air conditioning operation
- Window and lock function
- Dashboard warning lights
Fluids & leaks
- Oil, coolant, brake, power steering
- Transmission fluid
- Evidence of leaks underneath
- Top-up history clues
Buyer beware
Red flags we look for
These are the things a test drive will not show you — but a proper inspection will.
Mismatched paint or panel gaps
The car has likely been in an accident. Repairs may be cosmetic only — structural damage could be hiding underneath.
Fresh oil in a dirty engine bay
Someone has cleaned up to hide leaks. If the rest of the engine bay is grimy but the block is spotless, ask why.
Low kilometres but heavy wear
The odometer may have been wound back. Worn pedals, a sagging seat and steering wheel shine on a "low-km" car are red flags.
Topping up rather than fixing
Coolant bottles full to the brim, fresh oil on the dipstick but no service history — the seller may be masking ongoing problems.
No service history
You have no way to verify what has been done. Missing history does not always mean neglect, but it removes your safety net.
Reluctance to allow an inspection
A seller with nothing to hide will welcome an independent check. If they resist, that tells you something.
Your rights: Consumer Affairs Victoria — buying a used car
Know what you are buying · Before you pay
The process
Book, inspect,
decide with facts.
The cheapest insurance you can buy on a used car. One inspection can save you thousands.
Book an inspection- 01
Book the inspection
Tell us what you are looking at buying. Arrange with the seller to bring the car to our Oakleigh South workshop — we need it on a hoist with proper equipment.
- 02
We inspect everything
A thorough mechanical, safety and condition check. Engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, body, electrics, fluids — plus a diagnostic scan.
- 03
Clear written report
You get a plain-English report of the real condition — what is good, what needs attention now, and what will cost you down the track. Use it to negotiate or walk away.
Know the difference
Roadworthy vs
pre-purchase inspection
A roadworthy certificate only confirms a car meets the minimum safety standards to be on the road. It does not check for mechanical wear, pending repairs, or how long parts have left.
A pre-purchase inspection goes much deeper — engine health, transmission feel, suspension wear, body condition, accident history clues, and a diagnostic scan. It tells you the real condition, not just whether it scrapes past the safety line.
If you are buying from a dealer, they are required to provide a roadworthy — but that does not replace a pre-purchase inspection. Get both.
Also available
Related services
Everything your car needs, under one roof.
Pre-purchase inspections — questions
Why get a pre-purchase inspection?
A used car can hide expensive faults a test drive will not reveal — engine issues, structural rust, accident damage, worn suspension. An independent inspection gives you the real condition before you hand over the money.
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
Call us on 0424 156 703 or send through the details of the car. The inspection fee is a fraction of what a hidden fault could cost you after purchase.
Can you inspect a car at the seller's location?
Inspections are done at our Oakleigh South workshop where we have the hoist, diagnostic equipment and lighting to check the car properly. Arrange with the seller to bring it in.
How long does the inspection take?
Allow around 60–90 minutes depending on the vehicle. We will call you with the results and email the written report.
What if you find problems?
We tell you exactly what we found, how serious it is, and roughly what it would cost to fix. You decide whether to negotiate, walk away, or buy with full knowledge.
Do you inspect all makes and models?
Yes — we inspect all makes and models of cars and light vehicles.
Can I use the report to negotiate the price?
Absolutely — that is one of the main reasons people get a pre-purchase inspection. A written report from a licensed workshop carries weight in a negotiation.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a dealer car?
Yes. Dealers are required to provide a roadworthy, but a roadworthy only covers minimum safety — it does not check for mechanical wear, pending repairs, or how long components have left. A pre-purchase inspection goes much deeper.
Find us · Book in
Buying a used car?
Get it checked first.
Book an independent inspection — call 0424 156 703 or send the car details online.
Oakleigh South VIC 3167 Call Kasun 0424 156 703
Vajira 0449 710 995
Sat 8am–2pm · Sun closed