Why get a pre-purchase inspection?
Buying a used vehicle without a thorough professional check can lead to unexpected and expensive repair bills. Hidden mechanical wear, electronic faults, previous accident damage or poor servicing history are rarely visible during a quick test drive.
Our comprehensive inspection shows you the car’s true condition, helping you negotiate a fair price or walk away from a potential money pit.
What our pre-purchase inspection covers
Our qualified technicians carry out an exhaustive bumper-to-bumper evaluation of all critical systems and mechanical components.
Complete diagnostic scan & electronics
- Full ECU fault code scan: Reading engine, transmission, ABS, airbag and body control modules with advanced Bosch diagnostic computers to detect cleared or hidden error codes.
- Battery & charging system check: Testing battery state of health, cold cranking amps (CCA) and alternator charging rates.
Mechanical & underbody inspection
- Engine & transmission: Checking for oil or coolant leaks, unusual noises, head gasket leaks and smooth gear engagement.
- Steering & suspension: Inspecting shocks, struts, control arms, ball joints and tie rod ends for excessive play or wear.
- Brakes, wheels & tyres: Measuring brake pad and rotor thickness, checking line condition, and inspecting tyre tread depth and alignment wear patterns.
- Cooling & heating systems: Pressure testing the cooling system for subtle leaks and testing heater and air conditioning performance.
Body, structure & road test
- Underbody & structural check: Inspecting the chassis, frame and floor pans for rust, structural damage or poor collision repairs.
- Comprehensive road test: Evaluating real-world acceleration, braking stability, steering response, wheel bearing noise and driveability.
European & prestige vehicle inspection specialists
Specialised vehicles need specialised knowledge. Modern European cars, particularly BMW, MINI, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen, feature complex electronic networks, specialised cooling systems and intricate multi-link suspensions.
With over two decades of European automotive expertise, our team knows exactly which common fault points, oil leak locations and electronic glitches to look for on specific prestige platforms.
Why choose Real Automotive for your pre-purchase inspection?
As a trusted Bosch Car Service centre, we provide completely independent, objective and transparent advice. After the inspection, we walk you through an itemised report outlining any immediate safety concerns, upcoming maintenance items and estimated repair costs, giving you peace of mind and leverage in purchase negotiations.
Ready to book?
Book online or call the workshop on 03 9939 7141.
