350+ 5-starGoogle reviews
Qualifiedmechanics
15+ yearsexperience
Mobile servicewe come to the car
Brisbane &South East QLD
Brisbane's mobile inspection service
Mobile Pre-Purchase Car Inspections Across Brisbane
Buying a used car in Brisbane? The last thing you want is to find out about expensive problems after you've already handed over your money. A professional pre-purchase car inspection gives you a clearer picture of what you're actually buying, helping uncover mechanical, structural and cosmetic issues that may not be obvious during a quick test drive.
RideCheck provides independent mobile car inspections across Brisbane, with our qualified mechanics coming to the vehicle at the seller's home, workplace, dealership or another convenient location. You'll receive detailed photos and a comprehensive digital report from your used car inspection, giving you the information you need to make a more informed decision before buying.
Whether it's a dealer on the northside, a private sale in Logan or Ipswich, or a car you've found on Marketplace across town, our mechanics come to the car. Just tell us where it 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 Brisbane 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
Brisbane 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
Brisbane buyer's guide
Buying a Used Car in Brisbane: What to Know
Brisbane has a big, busy used car market, from dealer yards across the northside and southside to private sales on Marketplace and Carsales. A few Queensland-specific things are worth understanding before you hand over money.
Safety certificate vs pre-purchase inspection
In Queensland the seller must provide a safety certificate, but it answers a different question.
| Safety certificate (QLD) | RideCheck pre-purchase inspection | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirms the car meets minimum safety standards so it can be sold and registered | Shows you the car's overall condition before you buy |
| Who arranges it | The seller, before rego is transferred | You, the buyer, independently |
| What it looks at | Safety items, on the day. It isn't required to find every defect | 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 certificate valid for 2 months or 2,000 km (private sale), or 3 months or 1,000 km (dealer sale) | A digital report with photos and a call with your mechanic |
Dealer or private sale?
Your rights in Queensland depend on who you buy from.
Buying from a licensed dealer
- Class A: under 160,000 km and no more than 10 years old, generally 3 months or 5,000 km warranty, whichever comes first
- Class B: 160,000 km or more, or over 10 years old, generally 1 month or 1,000 km
- 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
- The seller must still provide a safety certificate
- No statutory warranty, 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 Brisbane.
Rules can change, so check Queensland Fair Trading and Transport and Main Roads for the current details.
Three more things to watch for in Brisbane
Our mechanics keep these in mind on every Brisbane inspection.
Flood-affected cars
Brisbane and South East Queensland have seen major floods, including in 2011 and 2022, and flood-affected cars can make their way back onto the market. Musty smells, moisture under carpets, unusual corrosion and electrical faults can be warning signs, and our mechanics look for them.
Heat and humidity
Hot, humid summers are hard on air conditioning, cooling systems, batteries and rubber components. We check these closely on the inspection and road test.
Finance owing and write-offs
A car can look perfect and still have finance owing or a write-off history. Every inspection includes a free PPSR check covering finance owing, write-off and stolen status.
Found a car in Brisbane?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 Brisbane
RideCheck provides mobile pre-purchase car inspections across Brisbane and South East Queensland, including Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast. Availability depends on the vehicle's location, so simply enter where the car is when you book.
Brisbane and South East QLD
FAQs
Brisbane Car Inspection FAQs
Quick answers to the questions Brisbane 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 Brisbane?
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 commit to buying it?
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 Brisbane
Which areas do you cover around Brisbane?
We provide mobile inspections across Brisbane and South East Queensland, including Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redcliffe and the Gold Coast. Availability depends on the vehicle's location.
Do you inspect cars at dealerships and private sellers in Brisbane?
Yes. We inspect vehicles at the seller's home, workplace, dealership or another convenient location across Brisbane.
Is a safety certificate the same as a pre-purchase inspection?
No. In Queensland the seller must provide a safety certificate, which confirms the car meets minimum safety standards on the day. Safety certificate inspections aren't required to find every defect. A pre-purchase inspection is a broader check of the car's mechanical, body and interior condition, with a road test, diagnostic scan and PPSR check, done for you as the buyer.
Should I get an inspection if I'm buying from a Queensland dealer?
Yes. Dealer-sold cars in Queensland 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.
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.


