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Know what to check before you buy.

Plain-English articles, step-by-step guides and answers to common questions about vehicle inspections, buying used and mechanical issues.

FEATURED GUIDE The used car buying checklist
Everything to do before you hand over the money, from the first phone call with the seller to transferring the rego. Read the guide · 2 min

Guides

Step-by-step help for buyers
BUYING USED How to test drive a used car A 20-minute drive tells you a lot, if you know what to listen and feel for. This guide covers what to check before, during and after the drive. 2 min read → INSPECTIONS Using an inspection report to negotiate How to turn the findings in your pre-purchase inspection report into a fair price, or a clear reason to walk away. 2 min read → BUYING USED Buying a used car from interstate or out of town A step-by-step guide to buying a car you can't easily see in person, without getting caught out. 2 min read → PAPERWORK Transferring car registration in NSW after you buy The steps, the deadline and the paperwork to have ready when you buy a used car in NSW. 2 min read → INSPECTIONS Car inspection glossary: terms in your report explained Plain-English definitions of the terms you'll see in a pre-purchase inspection report and when buying used. 2 min read →

Articles

Inspections, paperwork and mechanical issues explained
INSPECTIONS What does a pre-purchase vehicle inspection check? A plain-English look at what a mechanic checks during a pre-purchase inspection, and why each part matters. 2 min read → PAPERWORK What is a PPSR check, and why does it matter? A PPSR check can tell you whether a car has money owing on it, or is recorded as stolen or written off. Skipping it puts your money at risk. 2 min read → INSPECTIONS Pre-purchase inspection vs pink slip: what's the difference? A current pink slip doesn't mean a car is in good mechanical condition. This article compares the two checks. 2 min read → MECHANICAL ISSUES Dashboard warning lights explained The warning lights that matter most when buying a used car, and the trick to spotting one that's been hidden. 2 min read → MECHANICAL ISSUES Signs of a flood-damaged car Flood-damaged cars can look perfectly clean. These are the tell-tale signs to look for before you buy. 2 min read → EV & HYBRID Buying a used EV or hybrid: what to look for Electric and hybrid vehicles have fewer moving parts, but they have their own wear points to check before you buy. 2 min read → INSPECTIONS Is a pre-purchase car inspection worth it? What you get for the cost of an inspection, when it matters most, and when you can skip it. 2 min read → BUYING USED Buying a used car from a dealer in NSW: inspections and your rights You can have a dealer's used car independently inspected before you buy. This guide covers how it works and the protections that apply. 2 min read →

Frequently asked questions

For anything not answered here, call during office hours, 8:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

No. Green Bean Auto now focuses entirely on pre-purchase vehicle inspections, so you get an independent opinion from someone with no repair work to sell.
Green Bean Auto is a Fully Licensed Motor Vehicle Repairer (MVRL60337). Every inspection is carried out by a qualified mechanic.
We come to the vehicle anywhere across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie: a private seller's home, a dealership or a workplace.
Locations 30 minutes or more away each way attract an extended travel fee of $125.
Small to medium cars are $250. Large 4WD, AWD and commercial vehicles are $275. European vehicles are $275. Luxury and performance vehicles, and trucks, buses and campers over 3.5 tonnes, are $325.
Call us with the make and model and we'll confirm the price.
It varies with the size and type of vehicle, which is why pricing is set by vehicle category.
A clear written report with photos. You can add a high-detail interior and exterior condition report with images for $25.
A search of the Personal Property Securities Register (previously known as a REVS check). It can be added to any inspection for $15.
Yes. Book the inspection, give us the seller's details and vehicle location, and we'll send the report to you.
Yes. An end of new-car warranty inspection helps you find faults to raise while they may still be covered. It's priced by vehicle type.
Call 0402 960 188 or email info@greenbeanauto.com.au with the vehicle details and where it's parked. Office hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.