What’s included in a pre-purchase vehicle inspection?

Buying a pre-loved car can be risky, but it also doesn’t need to be. Green Bean Auto’s pre-purchase car inspections could save you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

The oil looks freshly changed, but would you know if there’s an oil leak deep in the engine or gearbox?

Our pre-purchase vehicle inspections include the following checks:

Engine	Oiling system, cooling system, engine mounts and auxiliary items (such as belts, pulleys, and accessories) are visually checked for leaks and/or excessive wear.
Drivetrain	Gearbox, transfer case, selectable 4WD system, tail-shaft/s, and differential are visually checked for leaks and/or excessive
Brake system	Braking system is visually checked for leaks and/or excessive wear. *This does not include the pad/shoe or disk/drum wear as these are considered serviceable items.
Steering and suspension	Linkages, steering rack/box, bushings, springs, and shock absorbers are visually checked for leaks and/or excessive wear.
Battery and charging system	Battery and alternator health/performance are checked by specialised test equipment.
Exterior	Lights, mirrors, and wiper operation are checked. Mirrors, lights, and windscreen/s are checked for cracks or large stone chips
Accident damage	Rust/corrosion and unsafe repair jobs are visually checked for.
Undercarriage	The vehicle undercarriage is checked for heavy ground contact, corrosion, and water damage.
Air conditioning	Air conditioning system is checked for efficiency (function and temperature).
Interior and cargo area	Interior and cargo areas are checked for their general condition (wear and tear), electrical system function, dials and switches, and seat belt function.
Computerised diagnostic check	The vehicle’s diagnostic systems are checked for fault codes. *(pre 2000 vehicles may not have this function).
Road test	The vehicle is test driven to help locate any issues or faults. *Cars are not driven on freeways.
Tyre condition	Tyres (inc. spare) are visually checked for wear, damage, alignment, and tread.
Images of faults	We provide images of any faults that are immediately visible. *We are not able to capture images of some engine faults due to their nature and location.

The above will be put into an easy-to-read condition report which is emailed to you the same day as the inspection. If you booked a follow-up phone call in addition to your report, our fully qualified mechanic will call you soon after the inspection is completed. The mechanic will provide you with a verbal overview of what is included in the report and be available to answer any questions.

What is not included in a pre-purchase inspection

Brake function and lining material, brake drums (limited to what is immediately visible)
Brake wheel cylinders
Evidence of brake fluid contamination/hydraulic fluid
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) mechanics
Meters indicating oil and fuel consumption or the degree of oil and fuel consumption
Oil pump strainer to assess sludge build-up
Hybrid/Electric car Batteries (start-up battery is checked)
Vehicle electrics and electronics
Transmission mechanics (internal)
Engine cylinder compression
Engine/motor mountings
Water pump/fan
Body water leaks or reason for leaks
Camshaft belt/timing belt condition
Estimated expiry of the exhaust system, clutch, dual mass flywheels
Standard to which repairs or service history have been completed
The functionality of audio-visual or entertainment systems including CD, Cassette, TV, DVD, iPod connectivity, sensors, alarm/security devices, satellite navigation systems/GPS
Degree of gas emissions
Catalytic converters
Additional accessories included as a result of the owner’s modifications
LPG systems
Status of habitation areas of motorhomes or caravans
Vehicle’s computer systems, such as trip meter computers, cruise control and any other computer systems

If you would like a detailed inspection of the vehicle’s interior and exterior condition, please let us know at the time of booking.

What Our Customers Are Saying

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 199 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Peter Fraser 
 
 
 
  Great workmanship, friendly service and good price. Luke went above and beyond and was VERY thorough. I booked Luke to replace a rocker cover gasket that was leaking oil. Not only did he fix it he identified an additional problem that I never noticed which would have been very costly if left undetected. Thank you Luke
  
 
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   Mimi Bloom 
 
 
 
  Not only is Luke a lovely person, but he offers an amazing service at a very reasonable price.  So convenient to have the option of Luke coming to you, either at your place of work or at home, to sort out your car.  We have used Green Bean Auto now three times in the last 6 months to service both our cars, and just today again to sort out an issue with my brakes.  When I contacted him yesterday I was so impressed at how quickly Luke not only responded, but fitted me in the very next day.  And he had looked at his notes from the prior service and therefore knew in advance what the issue was likely to be.  Highly recommended, reliable and trustworthy mechanic.  Thank you so much Luke!
  
 
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   Jye Hutchison 
 
 
 
  Extremely helpful and genuine service, went above and beyond expectations. Will be using for all my mechanical needs moving forward.
  
 
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   Damian 
 
 
 
  My car had broken down 2 hrs from home so I was in a jam. My car was not able to be driven to a mechanic and I didn’t have time to wait for days for someone to fit me in. I rang Green Bean Auto to see if they could help. Luke answered my call straight away, diagnosed the issue over the phone, came out promptly with the required parts and fixed the car within 30 mins. Green Been Auto provides a friendly, professional service without any hidden costs or charges. Everything was quoted upfront and it could not have been an easier and more painless experience to get my car fixed. I would use Green Bean Auto again in a heartbeat and would happy recommend Luke to any friends and family. Thanks Luke!
  
 
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   Aidan Crosbie 
 
 
 
  My experience with Luke from Green Bean Auto was incredible! I contacted him to help me with some suspension issues I was having and he was prompt and did an amazing job. I highly recommend Luke for any of your car servicing needs!
  
 
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   Tim Browne 
 
 
 
  Very personable, friendly, and extremely trustworthy! I really like how detailed and thorough this business is! Thank you so very much for the past few years, and as long as I live in the area, I will always be using you guys😀
  
 
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   Harry Ritz 
 
 
 
  Luke was great to deal with - excellent service, good communication and trustworthy advice at a very fair price. Highly recommended.
  
 
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   anna garnock 
 
 
 
  Like was such a friendly, personable mechanic, and his services were swift, professional, informative and real savoy priced. Green Bean Auto Mobile Mechanic is environmentally minded and seeks to adopt sustainable practice across their work. I’d highly recommend!
  
 
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   Brigid Rose 
 
 
 
  I recently had Luke from Green Bean Auto conduct a pre-purchase vehicle inspection as I was purchasing a second-hand 4WD from interstate. I cannot express enough how satisfied I am with the outstanding service provided by this professional and reliable business. They were accommodating with scheduling, which was crucial for me as an interstate buyer. The mobile mechanic arrived at the location on time, equipped with all the necessary tools and expertise. The inspection itself was thorough and comprehensive. The mechanic took the time to meticulously examine every aspect of the 4WD providing me with over 50 photos and a detailed report afterward. What impressed me the most was the turnaround time and honesty – 48hrs since contacting Green Bean the inspection was complete, and report provided. They also didn't just highlight the positive aspects but also pointed out any potential issues, giving me a well-rounded view of the vehicle's condition. Furthermore, the mechanic was patient and willing to answer all my questions, providing valuable insights into the 4WD's maintenance history and future considerations. This level of customer service made me feel confident and informed about my purchase decision. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Green Bean for anyone in need of a pre-purchase inspection.
  
 
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   Joshua Sheinberg 
 
 
 
  Luke is an outstanding mechanic. He always goes above and beyond at a great price! He is someone with integrity and never ‘over charges’ like others can do. He has been my ‘go to’ mechanic for the past 12 months. Great bloke, Great work, Great service, Great price! Can’t recommend him enough!