Get a mobile pre-purchase inspection so you can buy with more confidence.

The used vehicle experts

Why get a pre-purchase inspection before you buy a used car?

Seamless experience

How our pre purchase inspections work

1. Make a booking online or over the phone

Simply make a booking right here or from one of our partners, like on a carsales listing.

2. We'll arrange the inspection for you

Our team will contact the seller to arrange a convenient inspection time and keep you posted via email.

3. Your digital report(s) are delivered instantly

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.

woman easily booking inspection service online near me
the RBI promise on refunds for buyers

We'll refund or transfer your booking if the vehicle sells before your scheduled inspection.T&Cs apply.

Car pricing

Car mobile pre-purchase inspections

Car inspection packages designed to help Aussies buy with more confidence.

Lite

Economical

From $195
Price varies by vehicle
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Book Lite
View Lite sample report
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General road performance & safety
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Engine/motor, tyres and wheels general condition
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Verification of vehicle information
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1-3 km test drive

Standard

Top choice

From $295
Price varies by vehicle
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Book Standard
View Standard sample report
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All the features of the Lite Inspection
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Plus visual check of the interior, exterior, damage repairs and more.
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3-5 km test drive
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Post inspection phone call with inspector
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carsales' Vehicle history report^

Ultimate

Fastest

From $595
Price varies by vehicle
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Book Ultimate
View Ultimate sample report
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All the features of the Standard Inspection
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Priority booking (36-hour turnaround)*
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5-7 km test drive
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Video of engine start & idle
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Walkthrough videos of the interior, exterior, engine bay and key findings.
Exclusions apply. See RedBook Inspect's Terms of Service for more information.
Your questions, answered

Pre-purchase inspection FAQs

What is a car pre-purchase inspection?

A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is a thorough check carried out by a qualified professional before you commit to buying a used car. It covers key aspects like performance, safety features, overall condition, and whether the car matches the seller’s claims. The goal is simple—to give you clear, expert insights so you can make a more informed decision.

Many Australian car buyers, from first-timers to seasoned enthusiasts, rely on third-party inspections to avoid costly mistakes. RedBook Inspect has been trusted by thousands across the country, delivering inspections in cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and throughout regional Australia.

Servicing Aussies since 2007, we produce easy-to-read digital reports packed with condition ratings, detailed photos, and optional video walkthroughs. These reports give you the confidence to know what you’re getting before handing over any money.

Whether you're buying from a private seller or a dealership, a professional inspection can save you from unexpected repairs down the line. If you’re unsure what to look for when buying second-hand, book an inspection with RedBook Inspect and take the guesswork out of the process.

The cost of a pre-purchase car inspection?

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.

Why choose RedBook Inspect?

When it comes to vehicle inspections, thousands of Australians - along with some of the country’s biggest names in motoring like NRMA, carsales, caravansales, trucksales, uber, and bikesales - turn to RedBook Inspect.

Starting as a small family business in 2007, RBI has grown to deliver reliable mobile and remote vehicle inspections right across Australia. From major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth to regional towns nationwide, our services are built for convenience and confidence.

Our qualified inspectors use advanced diagnostic tools to assess a vehicle’s condition thoroughly. Every report is digital, detailed, and easy to understand—giving you real insight into the car you’re considering. Whether you’re buying for business or personal use, our inspection packages are designed to suit your needs and budget.

With recognition from key government bodies and trusted by leading finance providers, RedBook Inspect offers an unmatched level of credibility and transparency in the used car market.

Learn more about why we think RedBook Inspect is the best inspection service in Australia.

Where can I get a mobile pre-purchase inspection?

Whether you're eyeing a vehicle down the street or in another state, RedBook Inspect offers mobile pre-purchase inspections to suit your needs. From used cars and motorbikes to caravans and motorhomes, our expert team can inspect a wide range of vehicles, wherever they’re located.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a dealership listing, a private sale, or you’ve just searched “mobile vehicle inspection near me”—we’ve got you covered. We also carry out inspections on electric vehicles and hybrids.

If you’re located in a major city like Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, or Adelaide—or in regional Australia—RedBook Inspect is a name you can trust. Our inspections are designed to uncover hidden issues, give you transparency, and help you make a better, safer buying decision.

Can I book an inspection outside the city?
Yes, you can. RedBook Inspect provides mobile inspection services across most of the country, including regional and remote areas. No matter where the vehicle is, we can help you buy with confidence.

And if distance makes it difficult to inspect the vehicle yourself, we also offer Remote Video Assessments. As long as there’s phone reception, one of our experts can walk you through the inspection in real time via video call—ideal for cars, caravans, or bikes located far away.

I have booked a pre-purchase inspection, what happens next?

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.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection?

Absolutely. A pre-purchase inspection is one of the smartest moves you can make when buying a used car—and the results speak for themselves.

At RedBook Inspect, we’ve helped thousands of buyers across Australia uncover hidden problems that could’ve led to expensive repairs or safety risks. Take Rav from Victoria, for example. After booking an inspection through us, our report revealed that the car’s battery was near the end of its life and the tyres were worn. Thanks to that insight, Rav was able to negotiate with the dealer, who agreed to replace both before finalising the deal.

Stories like Rav’s are a great reminder of why a professional inspection matters. It’s not just about avoiding mechanical issues—it’s about having the facts you need to make a better deal and drive away with confidence.

If you want to steer clear of costly surprises and make sure the vehicle you’re buying is safe, reliable, and exactly what it claims to be, a pre-purchase inspection is a must.

Can I get an independent inspection on a car from a dealership?

Yes, you can—and many buyers do. RedBook Inspect regularly conducts independent pre-purchase inspections on dealership vehicles throughout Australia. We represent you, the buyer, so our reports are always impartial, accurate, and focused on helping you make a well-informed choice—no matter who’s selling the car.

Booking is simple. Just send us the vehicle and dealership details, and we’ll organise the rest. Our team will liaise directly with the dealership to arrange the inspection as soon as possible. One of our qualified inspectors will visit the site, assess the vehicle thoroughly, and deliver a comprehensive digital report, complete with condition ratings, photos, and expert insights.

Whether you’re buying from a local dealer or shopping interstate, RedBook Inspect gives you the confidence to move forward with clarity and peace of mind.

DISCLAIMER: Exclusions apply. See RedBook Inspect's Terms of Service for more information.
**RedBook Inspect will use its best efforts to accommodate priority bookings, however, there may be circumstances in which RedBook Inspect may be unable to complete a priority booking such as where the owner of the vehicle is not available.
^carsales vehicle history report is only available if the vehicle has a valid VIN that can be identified.