Mobile Pre-Purchase Inspections
PRE-PURCHASE CAR INSPECTION IN SYDNEY
Starting From Just $299
Buying a used car in Sydney or Greater Sydney? Get it independently inspected by a qualified mechanic before you buy. Our mobile pre-purchase car inspections cover private sellers and dealerships across Sydney and surrounding areas.
- Detailed photo report the same day
- Free PPSR check: see if money is owed
- Independent, with no ties to dealers or sellers
- Personal call with your inspecting mechanic
350+ 5-starGoogle reviews
Qualifiedmechanics
15+ yearsexperience
Mobile servicewe come to the car
Sydney &Greater Sydney
Sydney's mobile inspection service
Mobile Pre-Purchase Car Inspections Across Sydney
A professional pre-purchase vehicle inspection can help you identify potential mechanical, structural and cosmetic issues before you commit to buying a used car.
RideCheck provides independent mobile car inspections across Sydney, inspecting the vehicle at the seller's home, workplace, dealership or another convenient location. With detailed photos and a comprehensive digital report from your used car inspection, you'll have a clear understanding of the vehicle's condition before making your decision.
Whether you're looking at a car on a dealer's lot in Western Sydney, a private sale in the Hills or a car you found on Marketplace across town, our qualified mechanics come to the vehicle. You don't need to arrange a workshop booking or get the seller to drive anywhere. Just tell us where the car is when you book.
How it works
How Our Car Inspections Work
Four simple steps. We handle the seller, so you don't have to be there.
Book online
Choose your package and tell us where the car is, along with the seller's details.
We arrange it
We contact the seller or dealer and lock in a time that suits them.
We inspect the car
A qualified mechanic inspects the vehicle on site, including a diagnostic scan and road test.
Get your report
Your digital report with photos arrives when the inspection is done, and your mechanic calls you to talk it through.
What We Inspect
WHAT WE INSPECT ON EVERY CAR
Our mobile vehicle inspections in Sydney cover the mechanical, body and interior condition of the car, with a diagnostic check, road test and PPSR check included.
Engine & Drivetrain
- Engine and transmission leaks and faults
- Engine and transmission mounts
- Cooling system and fan operation
- CV joints, drive shafts and universal joints
- Fuel system operation
Brakes, Steering & Suspension
- Brake pads, rotors and calipers
- Suspension and bushings
- Ball joints and tie rod ends
- Power steering
- Tyre condition
Electrical & Diagnostics
- Diagnostic check of engine management systems
- Battery and alternator
- Headlights, tail lights and indicators
- Air conditioning and heater operation
Body & Chassis
- Signs of major body repairs (visual check)
- Scratches and dents
- Door operation
- Underbody condition
- Paint depth readings (Premium package)
Interior
- Carpet, dashboard and steering wheel condition
- Seat belts
- Electric windows and mirrors
- Gauges, wipers and horn
- Park brake
Road Test
- Road test to evaluate the car's performance
- Engine and transmission operation
- Braking and steering feel
- Unusual noises or vibrations
Vehicle History & Report
- Free PPSR check covering finance owing, write-off and stolen status
- Photos of key areas of the vehicle
- Instant digital report on completion
- Phone call with the inspecting mechanic
Our Packages
Sydney Inspection Packages
Pick the level of detail you need. Both packages are mobile, so our mechanic comes to the car.
Standard Inspection
$299
45–60 minutes
A thorough mechanical check for buyers who want peace of mind before purchasing.
- Full mechanical inspection: engine, exterior, interior, wheels and underbody
- Diagnostic scan and road test
- 19+ high-quality photos
- Paint depth readings on every panel
- Odometer cross-check
- 35+ photos and Vehicle Insights market guide
Most Comprehensive
Premium Inspection
$379
70–90 minutes
Our most detailed inspection, with extra checks for accident history and overall condition.
- Everything in Standard, plus:
- 360° photo coverage: 35+ photos from every angle, including the exterior, interior, engine bay and underbody
- Paint depth readings across all panels to help spot signs of previous repairs, resprays or panel damage
- Odometer cross-check against available vehicle records to identify potential inconsistencies
- Vehicle Insights including market guide
Both include
Free PPSR checkFinance owing, write-off and stolen status
Instant digital reportDelivered when the inspection is done
Call with your mechanicWe talk you through the findings
Don’t take our word for it
Rating
5.0
350+ reviews
Ride Check helped me with a pre purchase inspection on a car I was interested in that appeared to look good in photos however report exposed it had serious damage and I saved myself buying a lemon! Thanks again
M
Mark N.Sydney
What a great experience, being in Tasmania I need someone thorough, honest, knowledgeable and reliable. Tauren was all of those. Highly recommend for anyone wanting an inspection that is out of state.
C
Chris B.Sydney
Detailed, specific and honest. As an interstate buyer, Dion put my mind at ease with his post inspection report. Even though the vehicle had electronic issues, he offered to come back once fixed and complete the inspection for no extra cost. I highly recommend this business for peace of mind. For a small price to pay, you can rest assured you are making the right financial decision.
J K
We were extremely impressed by the prompt and efficient service provided by Dion. He booked the inspection with the dealer very quickly, and we were provided with an extensive and detailed report surprisingly fast after it was complete. We highly recommend using RideCheck
Eleonora Adam
Dion was AMAZING! I can't recommend him enough. He was responsive, thorough and transparent throughout the whole inspection process. I felt I was in very reliable hands and confidently purchased my car based on his detailed report and our follow up phone conversation. Thanks again for your help Dion!
Alex
Hi highly recommend Dion and his RideCheck service . Comprehensive, clear and honest was my experience with him , and very easy to organise , as he arranged everything with the seller.
Bhakar James
Fantastic and prompt service from Dion, he was able to inspect the car the following day. The Inspection report along with the provided photos and videos are clear and thorough. The follow up phone call from Dion to discuss the findings was greatly appreciated and assisted in the process.
Beccacino
Dion from RideCheck Vehicle Inspection went beyond. Inspection a 2015 Ford falcon xr6. prompt service. would not hesitate to call Dion for a car inspection in the future. And have kept his number in my phone. And great value for money.
King of the track 1990
Sydney buyer's guide
Buying a Used Car in Sydney: What to Know
Sydney has one of the busiest used car markets in the country, from dealer yards along Parramatta Road to private sales on Marketplace and Carsales. A few NSW-specific things are worth understanding before you hand over money.
Pink slip vs pre-purchase inspection
A current pink slip from the seller is useful, but it answers a different question.
| Pink slip (NSW eSafety check) | RideCheck pre-purchase inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirms the car met minimum safety standards for registration | Shows you the car's overall condition before you buy |
| When it's needed | Rego renewal for light vehicles older than 5 years | Any time you're buying a used car |
| What it looks at | Safety items like tyres, brakes, lights, seatbelts and leaks, on the day | Mechanical, body and interior condition, signs of previous repairs, road test and diagnostic scan |
| Finance owing and write-offs | Not covered | Free PPSR check covering finance owing, write-off and stolen status |
| What you get | A pass or fail lodged with Service NSW | A digital report with photos and a call with your mechanic |
Dealer or private sale?
Your rights in NSW depend on who you buy from.
Buying from a licensed dealer
- Cars under 10 years old and under 160,000 km generally come with a statutory warranty of 3 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first
- Dealer sales usually come with a short cooling-off period
- Warranties have limits and exclusions
Our tip: inspect before you sign, so you know what the warranty may or may not cover.
Buying privately
- Often cheaper than buying from a dealer
- No statutory warranty
- No cooling-off period, the car is generally sold as is
Our tip: this is where an independent inspection matters most. We can inspect at the seller's home or workplace anywhere across Sydney.
Rules can change, so check NSW Fair Trading for the current details.
Three more things to watch for in Sydney
Our mechanics keep these in mind on every Sydney inspection.
Finance owing and write-offs
A car can look perfect and still have finance owing or a write-off history. Repairable write-offs can be repaired and re-registered in NSW. Every inspection includes a free PPSR check.
Flood-affected cars
NSW has seen major flooding in recent years, including along the Hawkesbury-Nepean in Western Sydney. Musty smells, moisture under carpets, unusual corrosion and electrical faults can be warning signs, and our mechanics look for them.
Hard-working Sydney cars
Stop-start traffic, steep streets and hot summers put extra load on brakes, transmissions and cooling systems. We pay close attention to these on the road test and diagnostic scan.
Found a car in Sydney?Book your pre-purchase car inspection online or call RideCheck on 0424 287 403. We'll arrange the inspection with the seller.
Where We Inspect Across Sydney
RideCheck provides mobile pre-purchase car inspections across Sydney and Greater Sydney, including Western Sydney, The Hills District and the Northern Beaches. Availability depends on the vehicle's location, so simply enter where the car is when you book.
Sydney suburbs we cover
FAQs
Sydney Car Inspection FAQs
Quick answers to the questions Sydney buyers ask us most.
Still got a question?Call us or book online and we'll take care of the rest.
Pricing and booking
How much does a pre-purchase car inspection cost in Sydney?
RideCheck offers a Standard Inspection for $299 and a Premium Inspection for $379. Both include a road test, a diagnostic check, a free PPSR check and an instant digital report.
What is included in a pre-purchase car inspection?
Our inspections cover the engine, underbody, exterior, interior and wheels, with a diagnostic check of engine management systems, a road test and a free PPSR check. The Premium Inspection adds 35+ photos from every angle, paint depth readings, an odometer cross-check and Vehicle Insights.
How long does a pre-purchase vehicle inspection take?
A Standard Inspection typically takes 45–60 minutes and a Premium Inspection typically takes 70–90 minutes, depending on the vehicle.
When will I receive the inspection report?
Both packages include an instant digital report delivered when the inspection is complete. Your inspecting mechanic will also call you to talk through the findings.
What does the free PPSR check cover?
Every inspection includes a free PPSR check covering finance owing, write-off and stolen status.
Can you inspect a car before I sign with the seller?
Yes. Book online with the vehicle's location and seller details, and we'll arrange the inspection directly with the seller or dealer so you have the report before you commit.
Buying in Sydney
Which parts of Sydney do you cover?
We provide mobile inspections across Sydney and Greater Sydney, including Western Sydney. The suburbs we currently cover are listed on this page, and availability depends on the vehicle's location.
Do you offer mobile car inspections at dealerships and private sellers in Sydney?
Yes. We inspect vehicles at the seller's home, workplace, dealership or another convenient location across Sydney.
Is RideCheck independent from dealers and sellers?
Yes. RideCheck has no ties to dealers or sellers. We work for the buyer, and our report describes the car as we find it on the day.
Is a pink slip the same as a pre-purchase car inspection?
No. A pink slip (NSW eSafety inspection) checks that a vehicle met minimum safety standards for registration on the day it was inspected. A pre-purchase inspection is a broader assessment of the car's mechanical, body and interior condition, with a road test, diagnostic scan and PPSR check, to help you decide whether to buy.
Should I get an inspection if I'm buying from a dealer?
Yes. Dealer-sold cars in NSW may come with a statutory warranty, but warranties have limits and exclusions. An independent inspection before you sign helps you understand the car's condition and negotiate with confidence.
