Frequently Asked Questions

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We understand that the used car market can move extremely quickly. Seller’s can be difficult for our team to organise an inspection with or worse, they may sell the vehicle to another buyer before allowing our Carinspect mechanic to inspect the vehicle. For this reason, we offer an outstanding refund policy for customers using our service.

Carinspect offers a full refund (minus a 3% credit card fee) for inspection bookings that for any reason cannot go ahead. The following two exceptions apply:

1. If the purchaser requires the inspection to be cancelled for any reason and the inspection time and date has already been set with the seller, Carinspect will retain a $60 administration fee whilst refunding you the balance of the booking.

2. On the occasion that the Carinspect mechanic has already travelled to the seller’s location to complete the inspection and is unable to fulfil the service, Carinspect will retain a $150 cancellation fee whilst refunding you the balance of the booking.

How is Carinspect different?

Think of us as the used car buyers' companion, we’re here to take the unknown out of purchasing a used car. We’re a full service offering from pre-purchase inspections, to discounted interstate transport, to highly competitive finance rates and used car extended warranties, Carinspect has helped thousands of people to purchase their next used car with confidence.

When will my inspection get done?

We make this process as easy as it can be. Forget finding out when the seller may be free, only to find that you can’t find a mechanic that’s available in the right area at the right time. Scheduling can be a nightmare, that’s why we do it for you! Our online booking system will check the live availability of the area at time of booking. Just provide us with the details of your booking, process the payment, and then leave the rest to us. Our team will contact the seller of the vehicle and arrange the inspection with them directly. Depending on the vehicle location, we are almost always able to deliver you the report within 48 hours of your booking.

How will a Carinspect report help me?

Carinspect reports are clear and easy to read, to see a sample report, just click here. Car buyers use our reports to identify potential problems with a vehicle which in turn allows them the opportunity to either walk away from the purchase entirely or use our findings to negotiate a more competitive price. Either way, it’s a win for our customers.

Do you operate on the weekends?

We cannot guarantee inspections to take place on the weekend as this is time usually assigned to completing overflow work. Although there are some sellers who only have very specific times that a car can be available for inspection, please be aware that our team deals with this everyday and almost always finds a time that works for all parties - even if it means the seller not being with the vehicle whilst we inspect it.

In what locations can you perform a pre-purchase inspection?

Carinspect operates in all Australian states and territories. We can perform pre-purchase inspections in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania. Use our interactive service coverage tool by clicking here.

What type of vehicles do you inspect?

Carinspect will inspect all small, medium and large cars as well as all Vans and 4WD’s. If you are using our service to inspect something extra special or complex, we recommend choosing the Premium Comprehensive Inspection in our booking form as this allows the qualified mechanic to spend some further time going over the vehicle in order to provide a more detailed report.

How long does an inspection take?

A Carinspect Standard Comprehensive Inspection takes roughly 45-60 minutes to complete, whilst a Premium Comprehensive Inspection takes 70-90 minutes. Both inspection levels include a road test of the vehicle in the local area to allow for a specific report on any driving abnormalities.

What is included in a Carinspect inspection?

On all Carinspect inspections, you will receive a highly detailed summary of the vehicle’s condition. A Standard Comprehensive Inspection report will include checklist items covering the following; VIN Validation, Engine Condition, Exterior Condition, Interior Condition, Wheel/Tyre Condition, Road test, Diagnostic Scan of fault memory, a minimum 17+ photos of the vehicle and checklist notes. You will also receive the mechanics written summary of the vehicle and a phone call directly from the inspecting mechanic. Opting for our Premium Comprehensive Inspection will upgrade your report to include 30 additional checklist items which cover Body Condition reporting, checks for 4WD component condition and Track Driving evidence (high performance vehicles). In Addition to the Carinspect physical inspection, all of our Inspection services on post-1988 built vehicles (excluding grey import) include an car history Insights Report that will provide data on finance owing, written-off status, registration status and stolen status. Unique to Carinspect ComprehensivePLUS Insights Reports, you will receive key vehicle valuation data so that you know exactly what a fair price is to pay for the vehicle.

Who will inspect the vehicle for me?

Carinspect brings together a nationwide group of fully qualified and insured mobile mechanics who are trained to deliver an unrivalled level of expertise and experience in pre-purchase car inspections. All Carinspect mechanics hold a minimum state legislated light automotive mechanical qualification and insurance. Keep a lookout for our black Carinspect branded vehicles traveling around every major city in Australia!

How is the underbody of the vehicle inspected?

Carinspect mechanics use the latest mobile inspection tools including mechanical locking jacks to raise the vehicle and inspect the underbody.

Should I use the Carinspect results to purchase a vehicle?

The Carinspect inspection report should be used to make an educated consideration to purchase. Some of our customers purchase vehicles sight unseen, while others use the report to make a determination on whether to travel and inspect the vehicle themselves. As with any purchase, Carinspect recommends that the buyer does their own further due diligence as required before proceeding with any vehicle purchase.

Once the booking has been made, how long until I receive my report?

Once you have made the booking online, you will instantly receive a booking confirmation email together with a payment receipt. Our scheduling team will then contact the seller of the vehicle to arrange an appointment time to inspect the car. You will receive the report on the same day that the inspection has been completed. If the seller is unable to make the vehicle available to Carinspect immediately, the inspection will be completed with the seller at the next earliest available time.

Do I need to be present for the inspection?

No. Our service is often booked by interstate buyers or those who can not easily view the seller’s vehicle. As long as the seller of the vehicle makes the car keys available to the Carinspect mechanic, they will complete the inspection and call you with a summary of the vehicle once the report has been completed.

Where can a Carinspect inspection take place?

Carinspect inspections can take place at home, work or any other safe environment. On some occasions, the mechanic may need to move the vehicle to a safer location in the immediate area if the mechanic believes that the seller’s location is unsuitable for a safe inspection to take place - this may be due to things such as traffic or surfaces that are unstable or undulating.

How much does a Carinspect pre-purchase inspection cost?

Carinspect offers two service levels - ‘Standard Comprehensive’ and ’Premium Comprehensive’. The price of a Standard Comprehensive Inspection is $279.00 whilst a Premium Comprehensive Inspection is $339.00. All pricing is inclusive of GST. Both inspections include a free car history Insights Report valued at up to $36.95 that will provide data on finance owing, written-off status, registration status and stolen status. Unique to Carinspect ComprehensivePLUS Insights Reports, you will receive key vehicle valuation data so that you know exactly what a fair price is to pay for the vehicle.

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What's included

Our team is trained to deliver the best pre-purchase inspection available so that you can have peace of mind when purchasing a used car.

Engine

- Engine bay presentation
- Running noise
- Oil level
- Coolant level
- Engine oil leaks
- Coolant leaks
- Odometre Reading
- Washer fluid level
- Brake fluid level
- Fluid leaks
- Mountings
- Hoses & Pipes
- Water pump / Fan
- Ignition System / Distributor
- Fuel System
- Battery Voltage
- Battery terminal condition
- Radiator & Cap
- Drive belt & pulleys
- Brake Booster
- Master Cylinder / ABS
- Faults detected during diagnostic scan

Interior

- Owners manual/keys
- Dashboard condition
- Seats
- Seat belts
- Floor mat condition
- Boot condition
- Trims
- Door trims
- Radio
- Speaker operation
- Rear window demister
- Air Conditioning
- Heater demister
- Washers & Wipers
- Horn working
- Doors, locks, & hinges
- Window operation
- Warning lights
- All interior lights working
- Gear lever condition

Exterior

- Rust
- Windscreen
- Windscreen Wiper Rubbers
- Evidence of Damage
- Glass/ Mirrors
- Sunroof / Convertible operation
- Visible frames & members
- Front Suspension
- Rear Suspension
- Steering Components
- Exhaust
- Differential
- Drive Shafts
- Underbody
- Compliance plate
- Build plate
- Overall condition aside from cleanliness

Wheels

- Spare tyre/rim/tool kit
- Brake hoses / calipers
- Front brakes
- Rear brakes
- Park brake
- RHR tyre condition
- RHF rim condition
- RHF tyre condition
- LHF rim condition
- LHF tyre condition
- LHR rim condition
- LHR tyre condition
- RHR rim condition

Body Condition

- Bonnet
- LHF fender
- RHF fender
- Front bumper bar
- LHF door
- RHF door
- LHR door
- RHR door
- LH Side skirt
- RH Side skirt
- 3/4 RH rear panel
- 3/4 LH rear panel
- Rear bumper bar
- Roof
- Paint depth discrepancies

Track Driving

- Burnt rubber in wheels arches
- Tow hook cover (surround) condition
- Windscreen sand blasting
- Front bar sand blasting
- Bonnet sand blasting
- Worn front tyre shoulders
- Worn rear tyres
- Hot spots on brake discs

Road Test

- Brake shudder
- Cruise Control
- Engine coolant temperature
- 4WD System
- Engine noise
- Turbocharger / wastegate noise
- Wheel bearings
- Engine performance
- Engine revving
- Exhaust smoke / Emissions
- Clutch shudder
- Gearbox operation
- Differential noise
- Transmission clunking
- Steering / Suspension
- Clutch engaging
- Brake operation
- Drivetrain slack
- Instrument cluster operation
- Ease of starting
- Engine oil temperature
- Engine operating temperature

Comprehensive Insights Report

In addition to the Carinspect physical mechanical inspection, all of our inspection services on post-1988 built vehicles include an Insights report that will provide data on finance owing, written-off status, registration status and stolen status. Unique to Carinspect Premium Inspections, our very own industry leading Comprehensive Plus Insights Report will provide you with a live market valuation tool so that you don't get ripped off when settling on a buy price with the seller

What our customers are saying...

"These folks are awesome! Very professional, responsive, caring and accommodating. They helped me avoid a lemon which I am grateful for! These peeps will be my go-to for car inspections. Fabulous."

By Jane on January 17

"If you are looking to get a pre-purchase car inspection you need to use this company! The team have checked two vehicles for my partner and I and have saved us thousands of dollars! They were so kind and understanding of our situation and did everything he could to make our lives easier by catering to a very tight schedule.

By Jessica on February 24

"I needed a quite urgent examination and the team at Carinspect went out of their way to assist. Prompt and professional. Telephone liaison was fantastic. I recommend this company."

By Crai on March 3

"Customer service was exceptional. They made the whole process really quick and simple. Highly recommend!"

By Peter on March 16

"Made the experience of buying a second hand car so comfortable.. awesome prompt service.. so professional.. would recommend to everyone"

By Roger on March 10, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

How it works

Pricing

Locations

Comprehensive report

Vehicle information

Summary and findings

Detailed photos

Attention required

What's included

Buy with peace of mind

Easy Online Booking

Fast Turnaround

Completely Independent

Fully Qualified Mechanics

What our customers are saying...

Get your comprehensive
report fast

Frequently Asked Questions

How it works

Pricing

Locations

Comprehensive report

Vehicle information

Summary and findings

Detailed photos

Attention required

What's included

Buy with peace of mind

Easy Online Booking

Fast Turnaround

Completely Independent

Fully Qualified Mechanics

What our customers are saying...

Get your comprehensivereport fast

Get your comprehensive
report fast