Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Auckland — From $180
Thinking about buying a used car? We come to the seller's location — private or dealer — and give you a practical, independent inspection before you commit. OBD scan where applicable, photos, written summary. Same-day availability where possible.
Auckland-Wide Mobile Inspections
We inspect at the seller's location.
15+ Years Professional Mechanical Experience
Trade-qualified mechanic checking your vehicle.
Mobile OBD2 Diagnostics Included
Scans for hidden engine/transmission codes.
Photos and Repair Cost Guidance
Same-day digital report with practical advice.
What's in Your Inspection Report
Your written report is emailed within 2–4 hours and includes:
- Clear buy / negotiate / avoid recommendation
- Photos of all identified issues
- Estimated repair costs for any faults found
- Body thickness readings where practical to help identify previous accident repairs or panel respray
- OBD2 scan results and fault codes
- Fluid condition ratings including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid where accessible
- Tyre condition and tread depth measurements
- Brake pad and disc condition
- Battery and charging system check
- Road test assessment covering handling, steering, braking, suspension feel, drivetrain behaviour, and warning lights
Mobile Inspection vs Workshop — What's the Difference?
A mobile pre-purchase inspection attends the vehicle at the seller's location, whether that is a dealer forecourt, private driveway, workplace, or roadside location. This removes the need to move the car before you have decided whether it is worth buying.
A workshop inspection requires the seller to take the vehicle to a garage, which adds friction and can slow the deal down. For many Auckland private sales, that extra step is enough for the seller to avoid the inspection completely.
For most used car purchases, a mobile inspection is faster, more convenient, and covers the key mechanical, electrical, safety, and diagnostic checks needed to make a confident decision.
For high-value, modified, heavily lowered, performance, classic, European, or older vehicles where underbody access is critical, we will advise before booking if a workshop hoist inspection would give a better result.
Why a Diagnostic Scan Matters Before You Buy
A road test and visual inspection can reveal a lot, but modern vehicles often store important information inside the ECU, transmission module, ABS module, body control module, and other onboard systems.
A diagnostic scan can identify stored, pending, or historic fault codes that may not trigger a dashboard warning light during the viewing.
This is especially useful when checking vehicles with intermittent faults, recently cleared warning lights, battery issues, misfires, sensor faults, emissions problems, transmission complaints, or electrical gremlins.
Where supported by the vehicle, the inspection includes OBD2 fault scanning and basic live data checks to help identify hidden problems before money changes hands.
Areas We Cover for Pre-Purchase Inspections
We attend seller locations across Auckland, including:
West Auckland
- Henderson, Massey
- Te Atatū, New Lynn
- Glen Eden, Hobsonville
- Kumeu, Ranui
- Swanson, Titirangi
- Westgate, Royal Heights
North Shore
- Albany, Takapuna
- Glenfield, Northcote
- Birkenhead, Devonport
- Browns Bay, Milford
- Rosedale, Wairau Valley
Central Auckland
- Ponsonby, Grey Lynn
- Mt Eden, Eden Terrace
- Newton, Kingsland
- Epsom, Remuera
- Newmarket, Parnell
- Freemans Bay
What we check
Our comprehensive visual and practical inspection covers the critical areas.
Engine Bay
- •Oil condition and level
- •Coolant level and condition
- •Belt condition and tension
- •Hose condition — cracking, swelling, leaks
- •Air filter condition
- •General cleanliness and signs of leaks
Fluids & Leaks
- •Transmission fluid level and colour
- •Brake fluid level
- •Power steering fluid where applicable
- •Visible oil or coolant leaks underneath
Cooling System
- •Radiator condition and cap
- •Thermostat operation (temperature gauge behaviour)
- •Fan operation
- •Coolant hoses
Brakes
- •Brake pad thickness (visual where accessible)
- •Brake disc condition
- •Brake fluid condition
- •Handbrake operation
- •Brake pedal feel
Suspension & Steering
- •Shock absorber condition — leaks, bounce
- •Control arm and bush condition
- •Ball joints and tie rod ends
- •Steering play and responsiveness
- •CV boot condition
Tyres & Wheels
- •Tread depth and wear pattern
- •Sidewall condition
- •Tyre age and brand mix
- •Wheel bearing noise
Electrical & Battery
- •Battery condition and terminal corrosion
- •Charging system check
- •Warning lights on dash
- •OBD diagnostic scan where applicable
- •Window, lock, and mirror operation
Road Test & Other
- •Road test where safe and legal to do so
- •Engine noise and idle quality
- •Transmission shift quality
- •Clutch operation (manual vehicles)
- •Photos and video notes where useful
See a Sample Report
Wondering what you get for your money? View our interactive sample report to see the level of detail we provide. It includes our written summary, photos, fault codes, and a clear buy/avoid recommendation.
Practical Insight. Fair Pricing.
We position our service for budget-conscious buyers who want fast, practical insight from a real mechanic without paying heavy corporate overheads. If you are buying an everyday car, you need facts, photos, and a straight answer on whether to buy it. That's what we deliver.
How It Works
Book Your Slot
Call or book online. Give us the vehicle details and the seller's address in Auckland.
We Inspect
We travel to the vehicle, carry out our comprehensive visual and diagnostic check, and road test it.
You Get the Report
A digital summary with photos and our recommendation is sent straight to you within hours.
What the inspection is NOT
- Not a full workshop strip-down: We do not put the car on a hoist or remove major components. It is a visual and practical roadside inspection.
- Not a guarantee against future faults: Cars break. We assess the condition *at the time of inspection*. It is not a warranty or insurance policy.
- Not a replacement for specialist invasive testing: If you are buying a complex performance car and need cylinder compression tests or transmission fluid sampling, you need a specialist workshop.
- Not a corporate-style inspection: We are a fully independent mobile mechanic business giving you straight answers without the corporate red tape.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PPI cost in Auckland?
Can you inspect a car at the seller's house?
Do you scan for fault codes?
Do you inspect hybrid or EV vehicles?
Is a mobile PPI the same as a workshop inspection?
How soon can I book?
Do I get photos or notes?
Ready to book your inspection?
Don't risk buying a lemon. Get independent, practical advice from a local mobile mechanic today.