My AutoPlace

Pre-purchase car inspection

Buying a used car? Have a mechanic check it before you pay. It can save you from a car that costs more to fix than it is worth.

What a good inspection covers

  • Body, paint and signs of crash repair.
  • Tyres, brakes and suspension.
  • Engine, gearbox, fluids and leaks.
  • Dashboard warning lights and electrics.
  • A test drive, and a written report of what they found.

Book a mechanic near you

Call a workshop near you, say it is a pre-purchase inspection, and ask what is covered and for the price in writing before you book.

Mechanics near you

Closest first. Your location stays on your phone.

Car Lab

Auckland CBD

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

M Tech

Henderson

Mechanics

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

AZ Autos

Papatoetoe

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

AB Autos

Panmure

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

See shop

Fredco

Kingsland

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

VIRLTD

Onehunga

Mechanics · WOF stations

Free written quote, or call to book

CallSee shop

See all mechanics in this suburb

Questions buyers ask

What is a pre-purchase inspection?

A mechanic checks a used car before you buy it: body, tyres, brakes, suspension, engine, fluids, and a test drive, then tells you what they found in writing.

When should I get one?

Before you pay a deposit or hand over money. A seller who will not let you have the car checked is a warning sign.

Does a WOF replace it?

No. A WOF only checks safety basics on the day. A pre-purchase check looks at the car's condition and likely repair costs.

What should I ask for?

A written report, what each fault is, whether it is urgent, and what it is likely to cost to fix. Ask for the quote in writing.

Book

What for?

Free to book. The shop texts to confirm, and gives you a written quote before any work.