Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
We understand that the used car market can move extremely quickly. Seller’s can be difficult for our team to organise an inspection with or worse, they may sell the vehicle to another buyer before allowing our Carinspect mechanic to inspect the vehicle. For this reason we offer an unbeaten refund policy for customers using our service.
Carinspect offers a full refund (minus a 3% credit card fee) for inspection bookings that for any reason cannot go ahead. The following two exceptions apply:
- If you require the inspection to be cancelled and the inspection time and date has already been set with the seller of the vehicle, Carinspect will retain a $60 administration fee whilst refunding you the balance of the booking.
- On the occasion that the Carinspect mechanic has already travelled to the seller’s location to complete the inspection and is unable to fulfil the service, Carinspect will retain a $150 cancellation fee whilst refunding you the balance of the booking.
In what locations can you perform a pre-purchase inspection?
Carinspect operates in all Australian states and territories. We can perform pre-purchase inspections in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, and Tasmania. Use our interactive service coverage tool by clicking here.
What type of vehicles do you inspect?
Carinspect will inspect all small, medium and large cars as well as all Vans and 4WD’s. If you are using our service to inspect something extra special or complex, we recommend choosing the Premium Comprehensive Inspection in the booking screen as this allows the qualified mechanic to spend some further time going over the vehicle in order to provide a more detailed report.
How long does an inspection take?
A Carinspect Standard Comprehensive Inspection takes roughly 45-60 minutes to complete, whilst a Premium Comprehensive Inspection takes 70-90 minutes. Both inspection levels include a road test of the vehicle in the local area to allow for a specific report on any driving abnormalities.
What is included in a Carinspect inspection?
On all Carinspect inspections, you will receive a highly detailed summary of the vehicle’s condition. A Standard Comprehensive Inspection report will include checklist items covering the following; VIN Validation, Engine Condition, Exterior Condition, Interior Condition, Wheel/Tyre Condition, Road test, Diagnostic Scan of fault memory, 17+ photos of the vehicle and Checklist notes. You will also receive the mechanics written summary of the vehicle and a phone call directly from the inspecting mechanic. Opting for our Premium Comprehensive Inspection will upgrade your report to include 30 additional checklist items. You will receive a minimum of 27+ photos of the vehicle, a full Body Condition report, checks for 4WD component Condition and Track Driving Evidence. In Addition to the Carinspect physical inspection, all of our Inspection services on post-1988 built vehicles include a CarHistory report that will provide data on finance owing, written-off status, registration status, stolen status and odometer roll-back. Unique to Carinspect CarHistory reports, you will also receive information on the vehicles ANCAP Safety rating, Pollution rating and Green car rating.
Who will inspect the vehicle for me?
Carinspect brings together a nationwide group of fully qualified and insured mobile mechanics who are trained to deliver an unrivalled level of expertise and experience in pre-purchase car inspections. All Carinspect mechanics hold a minimum state legislated light automotive mechanical qualification and insurance.
How is the underbody of the vehicle inspected?
Carinspect mechanics use the latest mobile inspection tools including mechanical locking jacks to raise the vehicle and inspect the underbody.
Should I use the Carinspect results to purchase a vehicle?
The Carinspect inspection report should be used to make an educated consideration to purchase. Some of our customers purchase vehicles sight unseen, while others use the report to make a determination on whether to travel and inspect the vehicle themselves. As with any purchase, Carinspect recommends that the buyer does their own further due diligence as required before proceeding with any vehicle purchase.
Once the booking has been made, how long does it take to receive my report?
Once you have made the booking online, you will instantly receive a booking confirmation email together with a payment receipt. A Carinspect mechanic will then contact the seller of the vehicle to arrange an appointment time within 48 hours of the booking coming through (subject to the seller making the vehicle available). You will receive the report on the same day that the inspection has been completed. If the seller is unable to make the vehicle available to Carinspect immediately, the inspection will be completed with the seller at the next available time.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
No. Our service is often booked by interstate buyers or those who can not easily view the seller’s vehicle. As long as the seller of the vehicle makes the car keys available to the Carinspect accredited mechanic, they will complete the inspection and call you with a summary of the vehicle once the report has been completed.
Where can a Carinspect pre-purchase inspection take place?
Carinspect inspections can take place at home, work or any other safe environment. On some occasions, the mechanic may need to move the vehicle to a safer location in the immediate area if the mechanic believes that the seller’s location is unsuitable for a safe inspection to take place - this may be due to things such as traffic or surfaces that are unstable or undulating.
How much does a Carinspect pre-purchase inspection cost?
Carinspect offers two service levels - ‘Standard’ and ’Premium’. The price of a Standard Comprehensive Inspection is $279 and a Premium Comprehensive Inspection is $339. All pricing is inclusive of GST. Both inspections include a free CarHistory vehicle report valued at $36.95 that will provide data on finance owing, written-off status, registration status, stolen status and odometer roll-back. Unique to Carinspect CarHistory reports, you will also receive information on the vehicles ANCAP Safety rating, Pollution rating and Green car rating.
