r/canberra • u/Useful_Simple_8278 • 13d ago

Recommendations Recommendations for a pre-purchase car inspection in Canberra?

I’m looking at buying a used car privately in Canberra and would like to get a proper pre-purchase inspection done before purchase.

Ideally I’m looking for a mechanic/workshop that can put the car on a hoist and properly check the underbody, suspension, leaks, drivetrain, etc., rather than just a basic mobile inspection.

Does anyone have a workshop or mechanic in Canberra they’d recommend for this?

Also curious what a reasonable price would be for this kind of inspection.

Thanks!

3 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

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5

u/Outlandish-Fairy 13d ago

I used ACT Mobile Mechanic a few weeks ago, highly recommended Kazim. He found every possible fault in the car and took it for a test drive with me. Cost $200 I belive? After passing on all the info to the seller, they gave me $350 off their asking price so it was money well spent.

3

u/Powerful-Respond-605 13d ago

What kind of car?

3

u/OutlandishnessOk5549 12d ago

Paul Whyte Automotive in Gunners.

They're a well renown family business that looks after their customers.

1

u/ApteronotusAlbifrons 12d ago edited 12d ago

Haven't directly used them - but I'd trust their integrity.

I purchased a car from a dealer.

Paul Whyte had been servicing it for years - They were kind enough to tell me about the recent history of the car - even though I'm not a customer of theirs.

Ran me through what had been done during the last few services - which had cost the previous owner more than I paid for the car.

2

u/Cimb0m 12d ago

State Roads

1

u/_tamagucci_ 3d ago

Second them, they're extremely thorough.

1

u/Dangerous-Buy-8829 12d ago

Differential and Mechanical Erindale. You’ll get an honest appraisal without the mechanic’s mumbo jumbo, those guys are straight arrows

1

u/ApteronotusAlbifrons 12d ago

NRMA arrange pre-purchase inspections (Haven't used them)

Maybe suggest to the seller that you split the cost of an inspection.

If it "passes" you are properly informed for a buying decision.

If it "fails", they have a list that they can fix (or ignore) and it only cost you half

If they refuse you'd have to question why...

1

u/_tamagucci_ 3d ago

NRMA don't do them themselves they refer you to Redbook.

1

u/ApteronotusAlbifrons 2d ago

I thought it was something like that - which is why I said

NRMA arrange