A pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of a used car, done before you commit to buy. The cost depends on the provider, the type of vehicle, how much is checked and where the car is. This guide sets out what several major providers publish, what affects the price, what is and is not included, how an inspection differs from a roadworthy or safety certificate and from a PPSR check, and when a more comprehensive inspection can be worth paying for. Car Buyers Assist is an independent information and buyer-assistance site. We do not carry out vehicle inspections.
Short answer: how much does a pre-purchase car inspection cost?
It varies. The providers below publish prices that differ by vehicle type, scope and membership, and we have not calculated a national average because the products are not like-for-like. Use the table to see how prices are structured, then check the provider’s page for the price that applies to your car and location.
Published prices from major providers (prices checked 14 October 2026)
These figures were taken from each provider’s own page and last checked on 14 October 2026. Providers can change prices and conditions without notice, so confirm on their site before you book. Member and non-member prices differ at some providers.
| Provider and product | Published price | What the provider says about scope |
|---|---|---|
| NRMA (delivered with RedBook Inspect) — Lite, car | From $189 member, from $194 non-member | General road safety, engine and motor condition, tyres and wheels |
| NRMA — Standard, car | From $284 member, from $294 non-member | Lite plus a visual check of interior, exterior and damage repairs |
| NRMA — Ultimate, car | From $569 member, from $584 non-member | Standard plus a video walkthrough and priority booking |
| NRMA — Remote Video Assessment, car | $124 member, $129 non-member | An assessor video-calls the seller and guides them through the car |
| RACQ — Mechanical Inspection | $315 member, $340 non-member | Mechanical checks including brakes, underbody, tyres, engine, steering and suspension, plus a car history check |
| RACQ — Premium Inspection | $360 member, $385 non-member | Mechanical Inspection plus body and interior condition checks |
| RAC (WA) — Standard vehicle, under 10 years | $301 member, $335 non-member | Mechanical and safety checks, road test and a car history report |
| RAC (WA) — Standard vehicle, 10 to 25 years | $342 member, $380 non-member | As above |
| RAC (WA) — Non-standard (for example 4WD), under 10 years | $383 member, $426 non-member | As above, for vehicles that take longer to inspect |
| RAC (WA) — Non-standard, 10 to 25 years | $458 member, $509 non-member | As above |
| RACV (Victoria) | Not published on its inspection page | RACV states inspection costs are set by its auto centre partners |
Sources: NRMA, RACQ, RAC, RACV. Prices accessed 14 October 2026.
What affects the cost
- Scope. Some products are visual and non-mechanical, while others include mechanical checks, a road test or both. NRMA describes its inspection as a visual and non-mechanical inspection only, so the cheapest product on a page is not necessarily comparable with another provider’s.
- Vehicle type and age. RAC prices differ for standard and non-standard vehicles and for cars under and over 10 years old. NRMA says prices vary with vehicle type and age.
- Add-ons. RACQ lists safety certificates as an extra on mobile inspections, and both RACQ and RAC list EV battery health checks separately from the standard price.
- Membership. Several providers charge members less.
- Location and delivery. NRMA says in-person inspections are available within a set radius of major cities, with remote video assessments elsewhere. Mobile availability can depend on the suburb and site.
- Speed. NRMA’s top product includes priority booking, which depends on seller availability.
What an inspection usually includes, and what it usually does not
| Often included | Often not included |
|---|---|
| Checks of brakes, tyres, underbody, steering, suspension and engine (depending on product) | Dismantling components or looking inside sealed assemblies (RAC states its inspectors do not dismantle or disturb any structure, assembly or mechanism) |
| Road test (at some providers) | Body, paint and interior condition on mechanical-only products (RACQ’s Mechanical Inspection excludes these) |
| A written report with findings (and ratings at some providers) | EV battery health, which is sold separately at some providers |
| A car history report (at some providers) | A guarantee that the car will not develop faults after purchase |
Ask any provider for a list of what is and is not checked before you book. The report is a snapshot of the car on the day.
Pre-purchase inspection vs roadworthy or safety certificate
A roadworthy or safety certificate checks a set list of items against basic safety standards. RACQ says a Queensland safety certificate is not a full mechanical check and does not confirm the car’s overall condition, and that a professional pre-purchase inspection can uncover problems a certificate will not. Rules for when a certificate is needed differ by state. See our guides to the roadworthy (safety) certificate in Queensland, the roadworthy certificate in Victoria, vehicle inspections in WA and the pink slip in NSW.
Pre-purchase inspection vs PPSR or history check
A PPSR search shows whether a security interest is registered against the car (which can mean money is owing) and can show write-off and stolen information. It does not assess the car’s mechanical condition. Some inspection products include a vehicle-history report. Check exactly what that report covers and whether it includes an official PPSR search certificate; otherwise run your own PPSR search separately. Our guides explain the PPSR check, the VIN check, how to check if a car is written off and the wider car history check.
When a more comprehensive inspection can be worth it
- Private sales. Consumer Affairs Victoria notes that private sales offer less legal protection, including no statutory warranty, and recommends inspecting before you agree to buy or pay a deposit.
- Older or higher-value cars, where a hidden fault could cost more than the inspection.
- Electric and hybrid vehicles, where battery health may be a separate check.
- 4WDs, some European models, imports and modified vehicles, which can take longer to inspect and may be priced differently.
- Cars you cannot see in person, such as an interstate purchase, where a remote assessment or a local inspector can help. See buying a car interstate.
This is general guidance, not advice on a particular car. Weigh the inspection fee against the price of the car and the risk you are taking.
Tips for booking and using the report
- Get the seller’s agreement to an inspection before you agree to buy. Consumer Affairs Victoria suggests considering not buying if a seller refuses.
- Book before you pay a deposit, or make the sale conditional on a satisfactory report.
- Ask what is excluded, and whether you need a separate check for the battery, gearbox or body.
- Use the findings to decide whether to proceed, negotiate or walk away.
- Do your own basic checks first to avoid paying to inspect an obvious dud. See what to check when buying a used car.
For the wider buying process, see our buy a car guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a pre-purchase car inspection cost?
It depends on the provider, the vehicle and the scope. The providers in the table above publish prices that differ by product, vehicle type and membership. We have not calculated an average because the products are not like-for-like, so check the current price for your car.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it?
It can be, especially for private sales, older cars and higher-value purchases, because it can find problems before you commit. It is not a guarantee. Weigh the fee against the price of the car and the risk of an unseen fault.
How long does an inspection take?
It depends on the provider. NRMA says an inspection takes about 60 to 90 minutes on the day, with the report sent within 24 hours, and that inspections are generally booked 2 to 3 business days ahead. Other providers set their own timing.
Is a pre-purchase inspection the same as a roadworthy certificate?
No. A roadworthy or safety certificate checks a set list of items against basic safety standards, while a pre-purchase inspection looks at the car’s overall condition to the scope of the product. RACQ says a Queensland safety certificate is not a full mechanical check.
Does an inspection replace a PPSR check?
No. A PPSR search shows whether money is owing and can show write-off and stolen information, but it does not assess the car’s mechanical condition. Some inspection products include a vehicle-history report. Check exactly what that report covers and whether it includes an official PPSR search certificate; otherwise run your own PPSR search separately.
Can I do the inspection myself?
You can do your own checks, and they are worth doing first. They do not replace a professional inspection, because a mechanic can see and test things most buyers cannot.
Does Car Buyers Assist do inspections?
No. We provide independent information and buyer assistance, and we do not carry out vehicle inspections. Prices on this page come from the providers’ own published pages and are attributed and dated.
This article is general information only and is not legal, financial or mechanical advice. Prices and conditions change; confirm current details with the provider before you book. Car Buyers Assist is not a government agency and does not provide vehicle inspections.
Written and reviewed by the team at Car Buyers Assist. Sources: NRMA, RACQ, RAC and RACV inspection pages (prices accessed 14 October 2026); RACQ, The facts about car safety certificates; Consumer Affairs Victoria, Service history and mechanical inspection; PPSR, Do a used car or vehicle search. Accessed 14 October 2026.