Is a roadworthy certificate the same as a pre-purchase inspection?
No. A roadworthy certificate only confirms the vehicle's key safety items passed at the time of the test. It does not assess mechanical reliability or overall condition. A pre-purchase or general condition inspection looks at the engine, transmission, leaks, wear and service history so you understand what you're buying.
When an inspection makes sense
- You're about to buy a used car privately or from a dealer
- A car you're considering already has a roadworthy, but you want to know its overall condition
- You've inherited or been given a car and want to know what it needs
- You're deciding whether a car is worth repairing
What does a vehicle inspection check?
A condition inspection looks further than a roadworthy test. Typical items include:
- Engine condition, including oil leaks, coolant condition, unusual noises and smoke on start-up
- A scan for stored fault codes
- Transmission and clutch operation
- Cooling system, belts and hoses
- Brakes, tyres, steering and suspension wear
- Underbody, exhaust and signs of previous damage or corrosion
- Evidence of servicing, such as the logbook and service stickers
- A road test, where the vehicle is registered and it is safe to do so
Why get an inspection before buying?
Repairs to engines, transmissions and timing systems can cost more than the difference between two similar cars. An inspection gives you facts to negotiate with, or a reason to walk away. Knowing what’s due soon also lets you budget for it.
What won’t an inspection tell you?
No inspection can predict every future fault. Some issues only appear under specific conditions, and we can’t dismantle a car we’re inspecting for sale. We’ll be clear about what we could and couldn’t check.
Questions worth asking your mechanic
Whoever works on your car, these questions help you understand the job and the quote:
- What does the inspection cover, and what won't you be able to see?
- Will you road test the car?
- Will I get the findings in writing?
- Can you estimate the cost of anything you find?
From our workshop
Recent jobs photographed at our Sunshine North workshop.
Frequently asked questions
The seller says the car already has a roadworthy. Do I still need an inspection?
Transport Victoria states that a roadworthy certificate doesn't tell you whether a car is mechanically reliable or what its general condition is. It suggests organising a separate independent inspection if you need that information.
Can you inspect a car that isn't at your workshop?
Call us to discuss. Most inspections are done at the workshop where we can raise the car on a hoist and see underneath properly.
How long does an inspection take?
It depends on the vehicle. We'll give you an estimate when you book.