Buying a used car? Get a pre-purchase inspection first
What an inspection covers, what you can check yourself, and the paperwork to ask the seller for.
The short answerA pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of a used car before you pay, usually about an hour at a workshop. It covers the engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, rust and accident repairs, and often a scan for fault codes. It costs far less than most of the problems it finds.
Before you book the inspection
- Run a rego check for money owing, stolen status and odometer history.
- Ask for the service history. Gaps or no records are worth asking about.
- Check the WOF and rego dates.
What the inspection covers
Engine leaks and noises, gearbox, brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, rust, signs of accident repair, and a diagnostic scan. For hybrids, ask for a battery health test too.
On the test drive
Start the car from cold if you can. Listen for knocks, feel for pulling or vibration, and try the air conditioning.
After you buy
Add the car to AutoPlace Garage. Its WOF, rego and service dates are tracked from day one.
Questions drivers ask
Will a seller let me get an inspection?
A seller with nothing to hide usually will. If they refuse, treat it as a warning sign.
Checked by AutoPlace editorial team. Updated 15 August 2026.