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Buying a used car

A pre-purchase inspection is an independent advisory report on a used vehicle's actual condition, engine, transmission, accident history indicators, electronic fault codes. A roadworthy is a regulatory pass/fail document that confirms the car meets the legal minimum for transfer of registration. They are different inspections; serious buyers get both. Mobile operators come to the seller's driveway, do the inspection in 60–90 minutes, and email a written report.

Pre-purchase inspection vs roadworthy

Roadworthy

  • Pass/fail document
  • Issued by an authorised inspector
  • Required for transfer of registration in QLD, VIC and on interstate moves
  • Tests safety items against a regulator checklist
  • Does not test engine internals or transmission feel
  • Typical cost $90–$220

Pre-purchase inspection

  • Graded advisory report
  • Issued by a qualified mechanic or inspector
  • Optional, paid for by the buyer
  • Covers engine, transmission, accident-history evidence, fault codes
  • Includes a road test where possible
  • Typical cost $200–$400

State-by-state notes

Roadworthy obligations differ by state. Click to expand the rules where you are buying.

New South WalesPink Slip

In NSW the annual safety check is officially the eSafety Check, commonly called a Pink Slip. Required for most vehicles 5+ years old at registration renewal.

Full NSW guide →

VictoriaRWC

In Victoria the roadworthy is officially the Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC). Required when selling a registered vehicle, re-registering, or transferring from interstate. Valid 30 days only, time it tightly to your sale date.

Full VIC guide →

QueenslandRoadworthy

In Queensland a roadworthy is officially called a Safety Certificate. Required when transferring registration of a light vehicle (under 4.5 tonnes GVM). Issued by Approved Inspection Stations (AIS).

Full QLD guide →

Western AustraliaWA Vehicle Examination

Western Australia does not require an annual roadworthy. Inspections are needed when a vehicle is over 12 years old at change of ownership, re-licensing an unregistered vehicle, or as directed by DoT.

Full WA guide →

South AustraliaVehicle Inspection

South Australia generally does not require an inspection at sale. Required for re-registration of unregistered vehicles, vehicles entering from interstate, or those issued with a defect notice.

Full SA guide →

TasmaniaVehicle Inspection

Tasmania requires inspection on transfer of ownership, re-registration, and after defect notices. Inspection report valid 14 days for transfer purposes.

Full TAS guide →

Northern TerritoryVehicle Inspection

Northern Territory requires inspection for vehicles changing ownership, transferring from interstate, or returning to the road after being unregistered.

Full NT guide →

Australian Capital TerritoryRoadworthy

In the ACT a roadworthy is technically called an Inspection Report. Required for vehicles transferring from interstate and certain re-registrations.

Full ACT guide →

Top mobile pre-purchase inspectors

Mobile Vehicle Inspections

5.0★ · 143 reviews
VIC

ViewMyCar Mobile Mechanic Sunshine Coast

5.0★ · 114 reviews
QLD

The Mechanik Hub

5.0★ · 21 reviews
VIC

Ezy Car Service

5.0★ · 4 reviews
QLD

24/7 Mobile Mechanic Sydney

4.9★ · 753 reviews
NSW

Buy Smart Vehicle Checks

4.9★ · 424 reviews
VIC

My Mobile Mechanic

4.9★ · 326 reviews
QLD

Ride Inspect

4.9★ · 263 reviews
VIC

Loyal Mobile Mechanic Sydney

4.9★ · 170 reviews
NSW

Alpha Pre Purchase Car Inspections

4.9★ · 167 reviews
VIC

Send It Mobile Roadworthys

4.9★ · 99 reviews
QLD

MOBILE AUTOWERKS

4.9★ · 69 reviews
VIC

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need a pre-purchase inspection?
On a $25,000 used car purchase, $300 spent on a thorough pre-purchase inspection is the cheapest insurance available. It catches accident history, drivetrain wear, and fault codes that a roadworthy never tests for.
What is the difference between a pre-purchase inspection and a roadworthy?
A roadworthy is pass/fail against a regulator standard, it proves the car meets the legal minimum. A pre-purchase inspection is a graded report on the actual condition of the vehicle: engine compression, transmission feel, accident history indicators, electronic fault codes.
Can the same inspector do both?
Often yes, especially mobile operators who service used-car buyers. Confirm the operator holds the inspection licence to issue a roadworthy in your state and ask for a written pre-purchase report alongside.
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
Typically $200–$400. The variance is driven by how thorough the report is and whether a road test and electronic scan are included. Combined with a roadworthy, expect $50–$100 saved over booking separately.
How long does it take?
Allow 60–90 minutes for a thorough pre-purchase report including road test and electronic scan. Add 30 minutes if a roadworthy is being done in the same visit.
Should the seller be present?
It is fine if they are, and many private sellers will be. The inspector reports to whoever booked them, that is the buyer. The seller does not see the report unless the buyer chooses to share.
Will a pre-purchase inspection check the title and finance?
No. The inspection covers physical condition. To check for finance owing or write-off history, run a separate PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) search, it costs about $2 and takes minutes online.