FAQs - Instant Auto Reach
General Pre Purchase Car Inspection FAQs
A pre purchase car inspection is a detailed assessment of a vehicle’s mechanical, structural, and safety condition before you buy it. The inspection checks critical components such as the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, tyres, body condition, and signs of accident or flood damage. The goal is to uncover hidden issues that are not visible during a short test drive or visual inspection. In Melbourne’s used car market, a professional inspection can save you thousands of dollars and help you avoid buying an unsafe or unreliable vehicle.
Yes, absolutely. Even vehicles that look clean and well-maintained can have serious mechanical or structural problems. Many sellers, especially private sellers, are unaware of underlying issues themselves. A professional inspection provides an independent and unbiased assessment, helping you understand the true condition of the car before you commit. Compared to potential repair costs, a pre purchase car inspection is a small investment with major long-term benefits.
Yes. A roadworthy certificate only confirms that a vehicle meets minimum safety standards at the time of inspection. It does not assess engine health, gearbox performance, future repair risks, or previous accident damage in detail. A pre purchase car inspection goes far beyond a roadworthy check and is designed to protect the buyer, not just meet legal requirements.
A pre-purchase car inspection helps you understand the true condition of the vehicle before you commit your money. Many used cars in Australia look fine on the surface but hide mechanical, structural, or safety issues that only a professional inspection can uncover. An inspection protects you from unexpected repair costs, unsafe vehicles, and buyer’s remorse. It also gives you confidence to either proceed, negotiate the price, or walk away from a bad deal.
Absolutely. A clean exterior, polished interior, and smooth short test drive do not guarantee a healthy car. Many serious problems—such as engine wear, gearbox issues, cooling system faults, or poor repairs—are not obvious without proper inspection tools and experience.
No. A roadworthy certificate only confirms that a vehicle meets minimum legal safety requirements at the time of inspection. It does not assess long-term reliability, engine health, future repair risks, or previous accident damage. A pre-purchase inspection is much more detailed and buyer-focused.
About Instant Auto Reach
Instant Auto Reach provides mobile pre purchase car inspections across Melbourne. We inspect used and new vehicles at dealerships, private sellers’ locations, auctions, and homes. Our inspections focus on mechanical condition, safety, roadworthiness indicators, and overall vehicle health, followed by a detailed report and expert advice to help you decide whether to proceed with the purchase.
Yes. Instant Auto Reach focuses exclusively on Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. This allows us to provide faster response times, same-day inspections, and local market expertise. We understand Melbourne driving conditions, common vehicle issues, and local seller practices, which gives our clients an advantage when buying a car.
Yes. We are completely independent and work only for the buyer, not the seller or dealership. This ensures that our inspections and recommendations are honest, unbiased, and focused entirely on protecting your interests.
Instant Auto Reach is independent, mobile, and buyer-focused. We do not work for dealerships or sellers, which means our inspections are unbiased and honest. We focus on helping buyers make informed decisions, not just ticking boxes. Our inspections are thorough, explained clearly, and tailored to real-world buying decisions.
We are fully mobile. We inspect vehicles at dealerships, private sellers’ homes, workplaces, auctions, or any agreed location. This saves you time and allows inspections to happen where the car is located.
Booking & Availability
Yes. We offer same-day pre purchase car inspections, subject to availability. Many of our clients contact us urgently when they find a car they like, and we do our best to inspect the vehicle as quickly as possible, often on the same day.
Yes. We understand that many buyers can only inspect vehicles on weekends, so we offer flexible booking options, including weekends, depending on availability.
You should book the inspection before paying a deposit or finalising the purchase. Ideally, the inspection is done once you are seriously interested but before any money changes hands, giving you leverage and peace of mind.
We typically need the vehicle details, location, seller type (dealer or private), and your preferred inspection time. Once confirmed, we handle the rest.
Inspection Process
Our inspection includes checks of:
- Engine condition and performance
- Transmission and drivetrain
- Suspension and steering
- Brakes and tyres
- Exterior and body condition
- Interior condition
- Signs of accident, flood, or poor repair work
- Test drive (where permitted)
Each inspection is thorough and designed to identify current issues as well as potential future problems.
Yes, where possible and permitted by the seller. A test drive helps identify issues such as abnormal noises, poor gear shifts, braking problems, and steering concerns that may not be visible when the car is stationary.
Yes. We inspect vehicles at dealerships, private homes, workplaces, and auctions across Melbourne. Our mobile service means you don’t need to move the car or arrange transport.
Inspection Report & Results
Yes. After the inspection, you receive a clear and detailed report outlining the vehicle’s condition, identified issues, and areas of concern. We also explain the findings in simple terms so you fully understand what they mean.
Absolutely. We take the time to walk you through the inspection findings and answer any questions you may have. Our goal is not just to inspect the car, but to help you make a confident and informed buying decision.
Yes. Many buyers use our inspection report to negotiate a better price or request repairs before purchase. Identifying issues early gives you leverage and can often save you more money than the cost of the inspection itself.
Pricing & Payment
The cost depends on the type of vehicle and inspection required. Instant Auto Reach offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Contact us for an exact quote based on your vehicle and location.
Yes. Repairing major issues such as engine, transmission, or suspension problems can cost thousands of dollars. A pre purchase inspection is a small upfront cost that helps you avoid expensive mistakes and unexpected repairs.
Payment options are discussed at the time of booking. We aim to keep the process simple and convenient for our clients.
Yes. Avoiding a bad purchase or identifying future repair risks early can save you thousands of dollars over the life of the vehicle.
Vehicle Type
Yes. While used cars benefit most from inspections, we also inspect new and near-new vehicles to identify transport damage, manufacturing defects, or poor pre-delivery checks.
Yes. We inspect a wide range of vehicles, including European, luxury, SUVs, 4WDs, and family cars. These vehicles often have higher repair costs, making inspections even more important.
Yes, where access is permitted. Auction vehicles often come with limited history and no warranty, making a professional inspection highly recommended.
After the Inspection
If major issues are identified, we’ll explain how serious they are and whether the vehicle is worth considering. In many cases, buyers choose to walk away—saving themselves from costly repairs and ongoing problems.
No. The inspection is designed to give you information, not pressure you into a purchase. Many buyers decide not to proceed after learning the true condition of the vehicle.
Yes. We provide honest advice based on the inspection findings, vehicle condition, and overall value. Our role is to support you in making the best possible decision.
We assess the car objectively and give honest feedback. While the final decision is yours, our advice is based on safety, value, and long-term reliability.
Major mechanical faults, structural damage, inconsistent wear, poor repairs, or sellers refusing inspections are strong red flags. In many cases, walking away is the smartest financial decision.
Ready to Book Your Inspection?
Don’t risk buying a car without knowing its true condition. Instant Auto Reach provides fast, reliable, and independent pre purchase car inspections across Melbourne.
Call UsBook a Same-Day Inspection