Buying a used vehicle in Victoria can be a smart way to save money, if done correctly. There is always a chance of a car purchase turning out to be a mistake and a financial black hole. That is why vehicle buyers and owners prefer to take advantage of RACV Inspection services.
In a nutshell, RACV will conduct a series of checks on a car’s performance and safety before you complete the purchase. This ensures that no nasty surprises come up when you take the vehicle on the road.
But what happens if the car you are buying fails a RACV Inspection? In this blog, we discuss what happens when this occurs.
We look at how it affects roadworthiness. We also explain what buyers and sellers should do after a failure. Finally, we compare RACV to other pre-purchase inspection services in Victoria.
What Does the RACV Inspection Include?
RACV Inspections are generally different from a formal roadworthy check from VicRoads or an authorised mechanic. So, if a car fails an RACV inspection, it is a sign that the owner and potential buyer should know about. It does not necessarily mean a sale cannot be completed but it should be a warning.
Here is an outline of what an RACV Inspection covers:
- Engine performance and transmission
- Braking systems
- Suspension and steering
- Exhaust emissions
- Electrical components
- Exterior and interior condition
- Structural integrity
- Underbody check
- Accident or flood damage
- Tyres, wheels, and alignment
As you can see, an RACV vehicle inspection is a detailed process that will often go well beyond the minimum safety requirements that are needed for a car to be issued a roadworthy certificate. The RACV offers various types of vehicle inspections, each serving different purposes or catering to specific car types. The most popular is the pre-purchase inspection for secondhand vehicles.
What Does a “Fail” Mean in an RACV Inspection?
Failing an RACV Inspection means that the vehicle has considerable mechanical or safety defects that could make it unfit to be driven. After the inspection is done and the report completed, a RACV Vehicle Inspector will generally list the defects in one of three categories:
- Major issues that need to be repaired
- Minor issues that a new owner should keep an eye on
- Items including about the safety and legal compliance
Ideally, any issues identified under the first category make the car unsuitable to be driven until the problem is fixed. After all, nobody wants to buy a car that is likely to be problematic and dangerous on the road.
After the Inspection
If an RACV inspection fails, it can have a range of consequences for the buyer and seller. If you are the buyer, you have a few choices as to how to proceed. You may ask the seller to lower the price based on the RACV report breakdown (since you will likely have a clearer idea of the repair costs now).
On the other hand, if the seller has enough reputation to gain your confidence, they may choose to have the inspection completed and make the repairs themselves.
In that case, once all the issues are fixed, the seller should apply for a new RACV inspection.
This time, it should pass and the sale can go ahead. After all, you do not want to take a chance on someone else’s assurance. Even after the repairs are done, it is possible to request another inspection from RACV or a different registered mechanic to see if it passes muster.
Does a Failed RACV Inspection Mean That It Fails Roadworthiness?
A failed RACV Inspection does not automatically mean that the car will not be deemed roadworthy. There is an independent inspection that the seller will need to take part in which is separate from the service RACV provides.
However, as the RACV Inspection and the roadworthy test both check the same general areas on a car, such as brakes, tyres, lights, and structural soundness, a fail from RACV is likely a predictor of whether it will pass the roadworthy part of the check. So, while it is only an advisory check, not a legal requirement to pass, it will still give you a pretty clear idea.
Timeframe: The Inspection and Repair Period
The RACV Inspection process does not have a repair period included as part of the service. However, where the official roadworthy inspection and the Defect Notice are concerned, there are deadlines and time limits. You will typically have 30 days from the original roadworthy inspection to get it repaired.
For this reason, while the RACV service does not require you to address issues within a specific timeframe, it still makes sense to do it as soon as possible. This is because you do not want:
- To reduce the value of your vehicle further.
- Lose the interest of a potential buyer.
- Void the 30-day mechanical guarantee.
What Is a 30-Day Mechanical Guarantee?
The 30-day mechanical guarantee is a cover provided with some RACV Inspections. This guarantee only applies to vehicles that have an RACV Inspection. This inspection must be done at a RACV Approved Partner dealership or through a SafeBuy platform. It also requires a Guaranteed Mileage Secondhand vehicle inspection.
This means that for 30 days after the inspection, if a big mechanical problem appears that someone missed, RACV may pay for the repairs.
Can I Drive My Car That Failed RACV Inspection?
This one depends on the issues. If it is an immediate safety or compliance issue like brakes, steering, or tyres, you will not want to get behind the wheel and start driving your failed car on the roads. Doing so may lead to:
- Legal liabilities.
- Null insurance coverage.
- Death or serious injury.
Defect Notices
The Defect Notice is a legal document from VicRoads or a police officer that informs the owner of a vehicle that their car is deemed to be unfit for use on public roads. Failure in the RACV Inspection will increase the risk of it.
However, if you still drive your failed vehicle on public roads, chances are even higher of receiving this notice. Penalties that come with a Defect Notice in Victoria can include:
- Vehicle deregistration
- Issuing of a fine
- Mandatory repairs followed by a VicRoads clearance test.
RACV Inspection vs. Other Pre-Purchase Inspection Services
RACV is a household name in Victoria but certainly not the only provider of car inspection and mechanical services. How does it match up against the competition? Here is a breakdown of the main differences between RACV and other similar providers in Victoria.
Local Mechanics
There are plenty of local garages and repair services that may offer cheaper inspections than RACV. However, there are a few things to be aware of. Local garages are often connected to the seller or dealer in one way or another (financially) which is not the case with an independent RACV inspection. This can lead to a conflict of interest in some instances.
Other providers
RACV is not the only popular provider of mechanical inspection services. Some others include VACC and RedBook Inspect. However, some of the RACV’s major benefits over its rivals include:
- Brand and reputation.
- Benefits for RACV members include discounts and priority booking.
- Better integration with insurance and warranties.
- Easy access to RACV’s official repair partners.
Conclusion
A failed RACV Inspection does not render a car unfit for use. However, this means the current owner and the potential buyer should be careful about moving forward with the sale.
You should never buy a used vehicle without reading the inspection report carefully. Ask a mechanic about the cost of repairs. Also, have a trusted expert confirm the vehicle’s condition.
SafeBuy Australia, in association with RACV-approved inspections, is here to help you do just that. We are here to ensure you, as a buyer, have all the right information. You will get support from accurate inspections by RACV-certified mechanics.
We make sure all cars in our listings have an independent pre-purchase inspection. You can access the inspection report and scan the vehicle before buying. We provide guidance on repair costs with the seller. You will also have access to experts on defect notices and advice on post-sale issues.
FAQs
Can a seller persist on buying a car that has not passed an RACV Inspection?
No. You are not legally required to buy a car you are not comfortable with. However, some sellers do not believe that the issue is serious or will not take responsibility and expect the buyer to pay for repairs.
How long do I have to fix a car after failing an RACV Inspection?
Since an RACV Inspection is not a legal requirement, RACV does not set timeframes for making repairs. The roadworthy test report may allow 30 days from the original inspection. You need to make repairs and return to VicRoads for clearance.
Can a car fail RACV Inspection but pass a roadworthy test?
Yes. A vehicle can fail RACV Inspection and then pass a roadworthy test. This is because a RACV Inspection covers a lot more than just the basics and should be treated as an advisory report.
Are RACV Inspections more expensive than local garages?
Yes and no. Local garages may charge less for similar services. However, they are often less thorough. They may also have interests if they are linked to the seller.
Can I get a refund for a failed inspection if I don’t buy the car?
No. The cost of an RACV Inspection is non-refundable since it is a service that RACV is providing to the buyer.