It’s convenient for buyers to get an inspection on-site, but mobile services help sellers, too. A clean report can reassure a private seller that they’re doing the right thing by listing the car and can help them attract serious buyers and move the vehicle more quickly. As more and more Victorians buy and sell their vehicles privately, this reassurance is equally important for them, too.
Mobile Car Inspection
A full mobile car inspection covers everything that makes up a car’s mechanical, structural, safety and legal condition. In simple terms, every part of the car will be checked on-site, whether it’s in a driveway, yard, or parking lot, instead of taking the car to a mechanic.
The mechanical inspection typically covers the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, and exhaust. Special attention is given to leaks, odd noises, and general wear and tear. The structural inspection will include a hunt for signs of previous accidents and repairs, misalignment, or rust.
A thorough safety inspection will check the functionality of airbags, seatbelts, lights, and so on. Legal checks include verifying the VIN and registration, and sometimes include finance checks as well.
Popularity of Mobile Car Inspection
The Victoria used car market is fiercely competitive, and many car buyers also have full-time jobs and family responsibilities. If a vehicle is a 2-hour round-trip away, moving it to a workshop can be a serious inconvenience.
For that reason, many people choose to get a mobile car inspection in Victoria, where the car is inspected at its current location and the report is provided after the fact. Mobile inspections are also in the seller’s interest.
The mechanical inspection typically covers the engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, and exhaust. Special attention is given to leaks, odd noises, and general wear and tear.
Next after inspection Report
The next step is receiving the report on the car from the inspection, usually same day. The inspection report will be provided along with notes/photos/videos to document the working/non-working items and next steps recommendations.
For example, if the brakes or engine have major damage then you’ll know this before taking delivery of the car and you can use this information to renegotiate the price/terminate the sale. If the report is clean then you can drive off the forecourt (or list for sale) with more peace of mind.
Details in a Mobile Car Inspection
Inspections will usually be based around the same four elements:
Mechanical Checks:
The engine, transmission, brakes, steering, suspension, and exhaust systems will be visually and physically checked. An in-depth examination will also be conducted for leaks, abnormal sounds, or overall deterioration.
Structural Integrity:
Inspectors will be checking for any evidence of accident repair or rust that may affect the structural integrity of the vehicle and/or resale value. Skilled technicians will be able to tell if a vehicle has been in an accident and repaired by looking for non-factory paint, frame misalignment or panel replacement.
Safety Compliance:
Mobile inspection services will also test the working order of airbags, seatbelts, lights, and other safety features.
Legal and Documentation Checks:
Finally, most mobile inspections will also verify the VIN and registration details of the vehicle. Finance checks are often done as well.
Same-Day Mobile Car Inspection in Victoria:
Most of the inspection providers offer a same-day service. However, this is easier to achieve in metro Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat, where there’s a greater concentration of inspectors.
This is especially important in competitive markets where the seller may have a number of people interested. As such, the same-day service is especially useful in those situations when the car you want is available for a great price but could sell quickly if you hesitate.
Night Mobile Inspections
Inspectors are often happy to do after-hours inspections, but it’s important that the location is well-lit. Natural light is always the best way to inspect a vehicle, as many checks such as bodywork damage, paint matching, or wheel nut torques are much more difficult in artificial light.
For that reason, our professional mobile car inspections require good daylight. This isn’t a problem most of the time. For buyers and sellers who need an inspection late at night, an inspection of the engine bay and other mechanical components may be possible. We can do the same for cars that are being brought out of storage.
Mobile Inspection without the Seller
It’s not uncommon for our Victoria mobile car inspection providers to coordinate directly with the seller and arrange access to the vehicle for the inspection. This is especially handy if you’re purchasing the car from interstate, or are unable to be present at the time of the inspection.
The full report, which will often include written notes, photos, and videos of the car in question, will be sent to you after the inspection has been completed.
Use of Mobile Inspection for VicRoads Registration
A mobile inspection can be used to prove a vehicle meets VicRoads registration requirements. However, you should be aware that there are some small differences between a full mobile inspection and the kind of check that VicRoads is likely to carry out.
For example, there are a number of inspection providers that are also VicRoads-accredited, so you can have your mobile inspection and roadworthy certificate done at the same time.
Cheapest Mobile Car Inspection Victoria
It’s important to keep in mind that the expression “Cheapest Mobile Car Inspection Victoria” is potentially misleading. While cheaper inspections can be great value, they may also leave out important checks.
For instance, cheaper inspections may omit computer diagnostics, frame checks, or detailed photos of the vehicle. If you have a high-value or complex interstate vehicle, premium inspection services may be a better option.
Tips for Booking a Mobile Car Inspection in Victoria
- Book a day ahead, especially if you need a same-day inspection, and even more so on the weekends.
- Don’t just take the inspection scope at face value. Make sure the inspector tells you exactly what is included.
- Ask for a written report with photos and repair estimates.
- Check out the qualifications of the person coming to your car. Make sure they are fully licensed and insured.
- Avoid a referral from a car yard or private seller. Find an independent provider that can give you the most unbiased results.
It’s worth getting a sample report to see the level of detail each service provider offers. The cheapest mobile inspection Victoria might be a good fit for a last-minute car check, but high-value or interstate purchases benefit from a premium service.
Conclusion
Mobile car inspections are a convenient, thorough, and stress-free way to learn about the vehicle you’re buying in Victoria. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first car in Melbourne, or a second-hand ride in a regional centre, or across state lines from interstate, a mobile inspection takes the guesswork out of a private sale. To know more about the mobile car inspection service, call us now!
FAQs
Can a mobile inspection detect accident damage?
Yes. Professional car inspectors will have detailed procedures for spotting previous accidents and repairs. Frame misalignment, replaced panels, and non-factory paintwork can all be indicators that a vehicle was previously involved in a collision.
Can you get a same-day mobile car inspection in Victoria?
Same-day inspections are available in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Most of our inspection providers will prioritise same-day visits, particularly for weekdays. Weekend or public holiday inspections may be booked with less lead time, but again, it pays to book early when time is of the essence.
Can mobile inspections be done at night?
Yes, in some cases. After-hours mobile inspections can be booked, but our professional inspectors will need the vehicle to be in a well-lit location. It is still possible to carry out some basic inspections at night, but our mobile services prefer to conduct a full inspection in daylight for accuracy.
Can you get a mobile inspection without the seller present?
In many cases, the mobile inspection will be done in the seller’s absence. This is especially useful if you’re purchasing the vehicle from interstate or won’t be at home at the time of the inspection
Can a mobile inspection be used for VicRoads registration?
Provided that the mobile inspection covers all the same things that the VicRoads official check will, a mobile inspection can be used to demonstrate that the vehicle meets VicRoads registration standards.