Used car inspection packages performed by qualified experts
An inspection can help you make a smarter purchase and potentially reduce the risk of buying a car you regret, whether your looking looking locally or interstate.
Making an offer on a used car can be duanting. Having a car inspection report on the vehicle's general condition can be an powerful tool for negotiating a fair price.
Once mechanics, our used car experts know what to check before you buy. Get an independent inspection and test drive before buying.
Choose from lite safety inspection to a more in-depth pre-purchase analysis with video.
Economical
Top choice
Fastest
We'll refund or transfer your booking if the vehicle sells before your scheduled inspection.T&Cs apply.
Join thousands of Australians who have bought a RedBook Inspect pre-purchase inspection report before buying a used car.
Don't get left in the dark with a one-man shop. RBI's Australian-based customer support team are dedicated to delivering top-notch service.
Once mechanics, now exclusively used vehicle inspectors, our expert staff are trained on RBI's 16+ years of industry experience.
Don't settle for an ordinary tick-box inspection from your local mechanic. Know what your buying with our video optional extras.
Get checks on written off, stolen status, finance check, reported odometer rollbacks, registration and warranty period.
Included in Standard & Ultimate packages, or added as an extra.
Seeing is believing. Get detailed videos of the vehicle's interior, exterior, engine bay, and any areas requiring special attention, within the scope of the inspection.
Included in Ultimate package only.
Starting up the car and watching it run is an important step when inspecting a used vehicle. We’ll share that experience with you.
Included in Ultimate package, or added as an extra.
Take the opportunity to ask questions about the vehicle and discuss the inspector's findings over the phone.
Included in Standard & Ultimate packages only.
Simply make a booking right here or from one of our partners, like on a carsales listing.
Our team will contact the seller to arrange a convenient inspection time and keep you posted via email.
The report(s), including ratings, comments, and images, is sent directly after the inspection. If selected, the inspector will also call you to answer any questions.
Our pre-purchase packages have different inclusions. Begin booking a complete vehicle check to compare what's included in each of our pre-purchase packages.
Our inspectors verify the build and compliance date, as well as vehicle details like the original badge/series, registration, and displayed odometer reading, giving you more confidence in the seller’s claims.
We can assess the condition of components and test operating systems, including scanning for fault codes where possible. Whether you’re considering a vehicle with a combustion engine or electric motor, we can help you evaluate the condition and potential upcoming costs.
We use specialist tools to identify possible cosmetic repairs, providing insight into the vehicle’s past and potential issues, in addition to conducting a visual inspection to detect signs of accidents, hail, or flood damage.
Top-to-bottom checks of the general interior and exterior condition, including air conditioning operation, locks & windows, accessories, panels, trims, rust, and more (excluding the efficiency of these components).
Our experts can assess the vehicle's performance with a test drive, conducting safety checks on key components. This is an essential step before purchasing a used car and taking it out on the road.
RedBook Inspect conducts a safety check on the condition of the tyres, assessing remaining tread and identifying any damage. Additionally, we inspect the cosmetic condition of the wheels/rims and more. Faulty wheels and tyres can be costly to replace and dangerous for the unsuspecting driver.
Our inspection packages are subject to exclusions. See what is NOT included.
A pre-purchase car inspection is a professional evaluation of a vehicle's condition carried out by a qualified professional before you commit to buying a car. It evaluates the vehicle’s condition, safety, performance, and whether it matches the seller’s description - giving you the insights to help make a smarter choice. Getting a car inspected by a third party is a trusted step for many Australian buyers, from first-timers to experienced car enthusiasts.
RedBook Inspect has inspected thousands of vehicles across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and regional areas. With over 15 years in the industry, we provide detailed digital reports that include ratings, photos, and optional video walkthroughs - designed to help you buy with more confidence.
Whether you're purchasing from a dealer or a private seller, a pre-purchase inspection helps you avoid nasty surprises and expensive repairs. Not sure what to look for when buying a used car? Book your inspection today and take the stress out of your next vehicle purchase.
The cost of a vehicle inspection can vary based on what’s included - some cover only the basics, while others offer a detailed review of performance and cosmetic condition. The level of detail, the scope of the inspection, and the quality of the report all play a role in pricing. Since every car and buyer is different, RedBook Inspect provides a range of competitively priced inspection packages to match your needs. Backed by over 15 years of experience, we help Australians buy used cars with greater confidence.
RedBook Inspect pre-purchase inspection options to suit different budgets and levels of detail:
Lite Package: A smart pick for cost-conscious buyers, this package covers key safety checks. It includes a test drive, a review of critical safety systems, an overall engine check, and an inspection of tyres and wheels.
Standard Package: Our most popular choice. It expands on the Lite package with a full inspection inside and out—covering the engine bay, bodywork, interior, underbody, signs of previous damage, and diagnostic scans (where compatible). It also includes a detailed digital report with star ratings, clear photos, and a CarFacts vehicle history check.
Ultimate Package: For buyers who want the most complete picture, this top-tier package includes everything in the Standard option, plus a high-quality video walkthrough so you can see the vehicle in more detail before making a decision.
RedBook Inspect is Australia’s leading vehicle inspection service, trusted by top companies like NRMA, carsales, caravansales, trucksales, and bikesales. With over 15 years of experience, we provide mobile pre-purchase car inspections, as well as remote inspection services nationwide. Using state-of-the-art tools and technology, we deliver high quality inspection reports tailored to the needs of Aussie car buyers.
Our expert mechanic inspectors and tailored inspection packages help inform your decisions when purchasing a used car, whether you’re in metro Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or regional areas across Australia. Accredited by key government agencies and trusted by major financial institutions, RedBook Inspect offers peace of mind and transparency, making us the top choice for used car inspections.
Learn more about why we think RedBook Inspect is the best inspection service in Australia.
Whether you're looking at a car in your own suburb or interstate, RedBook Inspect has a pre-purchase inspection option to suit. It doesn’t matter if it’s a dealership vehicle, a privately listed used car, or if you’re simply searching for a “pre-purchase inspection near me”—we’re here to help. We also offer inspections for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids.
If you’re in metro Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or regional parts of Australia, RedBook Inspect is a trusted name in reliable, professional vehicle inspections. Our goal is to help you avoid hidden problems and make a smarter, safer buying decision.
Can I book a car inspection outside metro areas?
Absolutely. RedBook Inspect provides inspection services across most of Australia, so you can confidently buy a car no matter where it’s located. With coverage spanning metro and regional areas, you can expand your search and we’ll handle the rest.
If you can't view the vehicle in person due to distance, we also offer Remote Video Assessment perfect for cars located in remote areas, provided there's enough reception for a video call.
1. Booking confirmed After you book, one of our inspectors will get in touch with the seller to lock in a time for the inspection. This usually happens within 24 hours (or one business day), though it may take longer during busy periods.
2. Confirmation sent – Once the inspection is scheduled, you’ll receive an email with all the details, plus a reminder the day before the appointment.
3. Inspection day – Our inspector will visit the vehicle’s location and carry out a thorough assessment. This typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the package selected. Learn more about inspection timelines.
4. Report delivered – After the inspection is complete and processed, you’ll receive your digital report via email without delay.
5. Inspector phone call – Shortly after you recieve the inspection report the inspector will give you a call to discuss the findings and answer any questions, if included in your selected package.
You can check the progress of your inspection at anytime here.
We believe it absolutely is—but don’t just take our word for it. Check out what our customers have to say. RedBook Inspect has helped countless buyers avoid costly mistakes by revealing hidden issues in used cars across Australia.
Take Rav from Victoria, for example. After booking an inspection with us, the report revealed a worn-out battery and tyres that were close to needing replacement. Armed with that information, Rav was able to negotiate with the dealer—who agreed to replace both the battery and the tyres before finalising the sale.
Stories like this show how a RedBook Inspect report can not only protect you from unexpected repair bills but also give you extra leverage during the buying process.
Buy smarter, avoid nasty surprises, and drive away knowing your car is safe and road-ready for you and your family.
Absolutely. RedBook Inspect frequently carries out independent inspections on dealer vehicles for buyers across Australia. We work for you the buyer so our reporting will always be fair and unbiased no matter who is selling the car.
The process is simple - just provide us with the vehicle and dealership details, and we’ll take it from there. We’ll coordinate directly with the dealership to book the inspection at the earliest available time. Then, one of our inspectors will visit the site, complete a full assessment, and deliver a detailed digital report outlining the vehicle’s condition.
Whether you're buying local or from afar, we help you make more informed decisions with confidence.
