Pre-purchase inspection with RACQ

Buying a car is a major commitment and can often lead to a lot of stress.

Getting a pre-purchase car inspection is just the thing to give you peace of mind in your decision.

Many mechanical service businesses offer pre-purchase vehicle inspections, and to find the best deal it always pays to shop around.

Costs may vary from business to business and there may be different levels of inspections offered, but somewhere near the $400 mark for the most comprehensive car inspection should be the upper limit.

That might sound like a fair bit, but there is no substitute for knowing the car you’re buying is a decent runner.

RACQ Pre-purchase Car Inspection

RACQ has been around for more than 100 years and offers a wide range of services to its 1.7 million Queensland members.

The brand is built on servicing the needs of the consumer and has a network of technicians throughout Queensland with the simple objective of keeping your car safe.

RACQ offers pre-purchase car inspections to members and non-members allowing for a third-party expert to evaluate the condition of the vehicle you are considering purchasing.

Getting a vehicle inspection from RACQ is easy. Simply call or book your inspection online, and drop your vehicle off or have a mobile mechanic come to you. A technician will compile your report as they work, sending you photos of any noteworthy issues found.

Once the pre-purchase inspection is complete, the report will be provided to you, ensuring you have a comprehensive rundown of the condition of the vehicle.

What are the car inspection options available from RACQ?

Mobile Mechanical Inspection

RACQ Members - $260 | Non-members - $285

Includes:

• Mechanical inspection
• Car history check included
• Optional safety certificate ($89 extra)

Mobile Premium Inspection 

RACQ Members - $295 | Non-members - $320

Includes:

• Mechanical inspection
• Car history check included
• General body panel, paint condition, interior trim, seats, restraints, window, door, windscreen, window operation, door lock and central locking checks
• Optional safety certificate ($89 extra)

Fixed Site Master Check

RACQ Members - $350 | Non-members - $400

Includes:

• Mechanical inspection
• Car history check included
• General body panel, paint condition, interior trim, seats, restraints, window, door, windscreen, window operation, door lock and central locking checks

What’s included in a car inspection?

Brakes: Wheel cylinders, calipers, drums/discs, linings/pads and park brake controls

Under body: Panels, frames, steering and suspension, exhaust and driveline components

Road wheels: Tyre tread depth and condition

Engine: Cooling system, drive belts, engine oil level and condition and fault codes

Oil leaks: All visible engine, driveline and brake system oil leaks

Electrical system: Battery, alternator and charging systems, lights, heater, demister and air-conditioning

Road test: Steering, suspension, brake operation, engine and driveline operation test

When comparing the three options, RACQ’s Fixed Site Master Check and Mobile Premium Inspection give you an all-inclusive look into all aspects of your vehicle. Whereas the Mobile Mechanical Check will only let you know if your vehicle is mechanically sound excluding an extensive look into any other issues.

There is also an option to add a safety certificate to the Mobile Mechanical Check and Mobile Premium Inspection at an added fee. 

A Pre-Purchase Inspection sounds like something that could give you some great piece of mind before buying a car, right? We think so too!

If you want to quickly and easily make a booking for a Pre-Purchase Inspection, use AutoGuru.

You can view instant quotes from various local mechanics, and better yet, you can book online! Easy done.

All data gathered in July 2023.