Buying a Used Car? Get 90 Minutes of Peace of Mind.
A pre-purchase inspection is the cheapest insurance you can buy. For under $250, we put the car you’re about to buy on a hoist, run a full diagnostic scan, and give you a written report in plain English — what’s fine, what will need work in the next 12 months, and what would make us walk away.
We do them in 90 minutes, usually same-day. Servicing buyers across Ringwood, Mitcham, Bayswater, and Croydon South.
What’s Included in Our Pre-Purchase Inspection
- Full hoist inspection — undercarriage, chassis, suspension, exhaust, steering components
- Engine bay check — leaks, hoses, belts, fluid condition, head gasket indicators
- Computer diagnostics — OBD scan for stored fault codes and pending issues
- Brake assessment — pad thickness, rotor condition, brake line integrity
- Tyre report — tread depth, wear pattern, age and brand
- Electrical systems — battery health, alternator output, lights, wipers, windows
- Transmission check — fluid condition, shift quality, noise under load
- Body & paint assessment — accident indicators, panel alignment, rust
- Road test — drive quality, noise, vibration, steering alignment
- Written report — plain-English summary with photos, emailed same day
Why Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Private car sales in Victoria come with no warranty. Once you sign, the car — and every hidden problem — is yours. A 90-minute inspection by a qualified mechanic can save you thousands in surprise repairs and give you leverage to negotiate a fair price.
At Heatherdale Automotive, we’ve been inspecting used cars for eastern suburbs buyers for over 20 years. We’ve seen everything from clocked odometers to patched-up flood damage. Our job is to tell you exactly what you’re buying — no sugar-coating, no sales pressure.
How It Works
- Book your inspection — call us on 03 9874 1331 or book online
- Bring the car to us — or have the seller drop it off at our Ringwood workshop
- We inspect for 90 minutes — on the hoist, on the scanner, and on the road
- Get your written report — emailed same day with photos and our honest verdict
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
Our pre-purchase vehicle inspections start from $249 for standard passenger cars. The exact price depends on the vehicle type — call us for a quote.
Can I bring any car for inspection?
Yes. We inspect all makes and models — Japanese, European, Australian, Korean. If it has four wheels and an engine, we can inspect it.
What if the car fails the inspection?
There’s no pass or fail — we give you a detailed report of the car’s condition. We’ll flag anything that’s a safety concern, anything that will need attention in the next 12 months, and anything that’s a deal-breaker. The decision to buy is always yours.
Can the seller bring the car to you?
Absolutely. Many sellers are happy to drop the car at our workshop. We’re at 3/87–91 Heatherdale Road, Ringwood — 2 minutes from Eastlink.
How long does it take?
About 90 minutes. We’ll call you as soon as we’re done with our findings, and email the written report the same day.
Book Your Pre-Purchase Inspection
Don’t buy blind. Get the facts before you sign.