Mechanical
- Engine performance
- Transmission
- Fluid leaks
- Belts & hoses
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12+
Years of experience
-
Licensed
Experienced inspectors
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Detailed
Digital inspection reports
What It Is
What is a Pre Purchase Inspection?
An independent, comprehensive assessment of a used vehicle’s mechanical and structural condition before you buy. We uncover hidden faults that a quick test drive misses, giving you the true picture of the car’s health.
Check the FAQs for more detail, or call us and ask.
What your inspection includes:
- 150+ point mechanical check
- Computer diagnostic scan
- Paint thickness & accident check
- Fluid condition testing
- Road test evaluation, where possible
- High-res photo documentation
- Detailed digital report
Thorough Checks
Six areas,
one comprehensive assessment
Our fully mobile inspectors leave nothing to chance, evaluating every critical system in the vehicle.
Safety
- Brakes
- Steering
- Suspension
- Tyres
Electrical
- Battery
- Alternator
- Lights & signals
- A/C & heating
Underbody
Where accessible.
- Rust & corrosion
- Chassis damage
- Exhaust integrity
Body & Paint
- Previous smash repairs
- Paint thickness
- Panel gaps
Interior
- Upholstery condition
- Electronic controls
- Odours & dampness
Never Buy Blind
A car can look perfect and still cost you thousands
These are some of the faults Astute Automotive uncovers during pre-purchase inspections. For a small inspection cost, you could avoid costly surprises — or use the findings to negotiate a better deal.
- 01 Blown head gaskets
- 02 Transmission failures
- 03 Hidden rust or flood damage
- 04 Previous structural crash repairs
- 05 Odometer rollback evidence
- 06 Worn brake rotors & pads
- 07 Expensive suspension faults
- 08 Air conditioning compressor failure
What It Covers
What a pre-purchase inspection
is for
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Used Cars
Sedans, hatchbacks, and daily commuters bought privately or from dealers.
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4WDs & SUVs
Off-road vehicles requiring specialised driveline and underbody evaluations.
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Prestige Vehicles
Luxury cars featuring complex European electrical and mechanical systems.
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Classic Cars
Vintage and collectible vehicles needing specialised automotive knowledge.
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Commercial Fleet
Utes, vans, and light commercial vehicles used heavily for business.
Why Buyers Trust Us
We work for you,
not the seller
Buying a vehicle is a big decision. We provide independent, honest advice to help you understand its true condition before you buy.
Buying is only the first step — we can look after the mobile roadworthy Brisbane inspection afterwards too.
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Experienced Inspectors
Our skilled automotive inspectors know what to check and where hidden issues can occur.
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Independent, Honest Advice
We work for you, not the seller, providing clear, unbiased findings you can trust.
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Comprehensive Reports
Clear detail on the condition, safety concerns, mechanical faults, repairs and overall suitability.
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Help You Save Money
Identified faults may help you negotiate a better price and potentially recover the cost of your inspection.
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Fast Turnaround
Prompt inspections and quick reports help you make an informed decision without unnecessary delays.
The nine things buyers tell us matter most
- Independent and unbiased vehicle assessments
- Experienced automotive inspectors
- Comprehensive mechanical inspections
- Detailed digital inspection reports
- Honest and professional advice
- Competitive, transparent pricing
- Fast appointment availability
- Brisbane-wide service
- Buy with greater confidence
Simple 5-Step Process
Our simple
5-step process
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1
Book
Schedule online or call our team.
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2
Travel
We coordinate with the seller and go to the car.
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3
Inspect
We execute the rigorous 150+ point evaluation.
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4
Report
Instant digital report sent directly to your inbox.
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5
Discuss
Our mechanic calls you to explain the key findings.
Areas We Service
Inspections across Brisbane
Car located beyond these suburbs?
Send us the location and we will let you know if we can come to you. That holds true for our Mobile Car Roadworthy and COI Inspection for Rideshare as well.
- Brisbane CBD
- North Brisbane
- South Brisbane
- Chermside
- Aspley
- Lawnton
- North Lakes
- Bray Park
- Warner
- Albany Creek
- Windsor
- Eaton Hills
Questions
Frequently asked
questions
What does a pre-purchase inspection include?
Our inspection checks key areas of the vehicle, including its mechanical condition, safety, visible faults and overall condition.
How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?
Most inspections take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the vehicle and the level of inspection required.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection before buying a used car?
Yes. A professional inspection can help identify potential issues before you commit to the purchase.
Can you inspect a car before I make an offer?
Yes. We can inspect the vehicle before you make an offer, helping you understand its condition first.
Can you inspect vehicles from private sellers?
Yes. We inspect vehicles from private sellers, dealerships and used car yards.
What happens if you find faults during the inspection?
We will clearly outline the issues identified so you can decide whether to proceed, negotiate or walk away.
Is the inspection independent?
Yes. We work solely for the buyer, providing an unbiased assessment of the vehicle.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth the cost?
For a relatively small cost, an inspection may uncover faults that could save you from unexpected repair expenses.
Can a pre-purchase inspection help negotiate the price?
Yes. If faults are identified, many buyers use the inspection report to negotiate a lower purchase price or request repairs before completing the sale. Independent inspection reports are widely recognised as valuable negotiation tools.
Read More
Guides from
our inspectors
Can Older Cars Pass a Roadworthy Inspection?
Many people doubt can older cars pass a roadworthy inspection, but age alone is not the deciding factor. A roadworthy inspection assesses whether a vehicle meets the minimum safety standards required for use on public...
Pre Purchase Inspection Vs DIY Car Checks
It is true that anyone will get excited when it comes to searching for a used car to purchase. The first thing people will do is research. They will learn the market value and get prepared to bargain for a low price. At...
What Documents Do You Need for a Mobile Roadworthy Certificate?
It is a smart and convenient option to consider getting a mobile roadworthy certificate. You might need a certificate if you are selling your car or transferring ownership of a vehicle. You might need a roadworthy...
Protect Your Investment
Don’t buy blind — inspect before you invest
From a clean bill of health to hidden problems, you’ll have the information you need to decide with confidence.