A mechanic working on a car engine.
A mechanic working on a car engine.

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When you need to hire a mechanic to chec a used car

  • Pre purchase inspection
  • Car inspection
  • Used car inspection
  • Pre purchase van inspection
  • … or anything else
It only takes 2 minutes. And it's free.
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Why book a pre purchase car inspection through Airtasker?

Been thinking about upgrading your car? If you’re buying second-hand, it’s always a good idea to get a pre purchase car inspection to make sure you’re not buying a lemon. There are no guarantees when buying used cars and without mechanical experience, it’s hard to know whether a car is safe and in good working order. Not all issues are a deal breaker, but you should still be aware of them before you buy. A car inspection by an experienced mechanic will make you aware of current or potential problems that could have turned your bargain buy into a regretful purchase.

Give yourself peace of mind and organise a pre purchase car inspection via Airtasker. We’ve got experienced mechanics ready to visit your chosen car and give it a proper look over. You may even be able to negotiate a better price if they notice any minor problems.

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Top Pre Purchase Car Inspection related questions

A pre purchase car inspection usually includes a visual inspection and a short test drive. An experienced mechanic will look at the inside, outside, and underbody of the car to identify any current problems or future concerns. From steering and suspension through to indicators and lights, an inspection can help you get on the road sooner.
Used cars don’t come with a warranty or money back guarantee, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting for your money. A pre purchase car inspection will give you peace of mind that you’re not buying a lemon. It may also help you to negotiate a better price if issues are found.
Issues in used cars aren’t always obvious to car buyers. They could include mechanical or engine problems, issues with past repairs, and maintenance concerns. Problems with the gear box, clutch, and brakes could mean costly repairs down the track.
An inspection can take anywhere from 1-2 hours. Inspections are usually arranged quickly due to the short turnaround times of a car purchase. By arranging a mobile pre purchase car inspection, you can have the car inspected at a car dealership or the seller’s home.
If you’re buying a used vehicle, it’s up to you to pay for the inspection so you can get an impartial opinion on the car’s condition. Choose a trusted mechanic for your pre purchase car inspection so you know you’re getting the right information.
For certain types of tasks, you may need to enquire as to what specialist licenses may be required to undertake your task as this can vary. Please make sure that you confirm that a Tasker has the relevant licence and insurance before accepting an offer.

What does a pre purchase car inspection include?

Cars are usually sold with a roadworthy certificate, but this only means your car is safe to drive on public roads. A pre-purchase car inspection is the only way to make sure there are no surprises when you drive away. A qualified mechanic will do a visual inspection, mechanical check, and test drive to spot any current or potential problems. They will also be aware of concerns that might be typical for the make or model of the car you’re buying and look specifically for those issues. Your mechanic will usually follow a comprehensive pre-purchase car inspection checklist to help you make an informed decision about buying the car. Some of these checks will include:

Exterior inspection

The outside of a car is a good indication of how well the car has been looked after. Panel damage or evidence of repaired damage could indicate the car has been in a serious accident. A pre-purchase car inspection will show whether repairs have been performed to a satisfactory standard. An exterior check also includes checks for rust and structural integrity as these issues may cause problems down the track.

Interior inspection

Your mechanic will conduct a visual inspection of the car’s interior, starting with seats and door trims. Then they’ll check all features inside the car operate normally, including lights, seats, seat belts, air conditioning, central locking, wipers, and windows. Next, they’ll check the dashboard instruments and gauges.

Mechanical inspection

Hidden mechanical problems are one of the pitfalls of buying a used car. And there’s no way of finding out the full extent of any car problems without pulling the engine apart. But an experienced mechanic can identify issues from just a visual check of the underbody and engine. Serious mechanical problems may also show themselves in other areas of the car. Brakes, suspension, wheels, tyres, gearbox, and steering will be checked, and a test drive will help to identify any additional concerns. Your mechanic will pay attention to electrical and cooling systems, as well as the alternator and battery. They will run a diagnostic scan to identify any other issues.

History check

You can make sure your new purchase isn’t hiding any secrets, and that it’s not at risk of repossession by including a history check as part of your pre-purchase car inspection. A history check (or REVS check) show any finance owing on the vehicle, if the car has been stolen, or whether it’s been in a major accident and written off. These records are kept and attached to your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).

Recent Pre Purchase Car Inspection tasks

Pre purchase inspection on a 2003 jaguar Type S Turbo

$150

La Crosse KS 67548, USA

Oct 23rd 2025

Pre purchase inspection of a 2003 Jaguar Type S Turbo. Can bring car to your shop if nearby. Or if possible go to owners home.

Pre purchase car inspection

$50

Long Beach CA 90803, USA

Oct 23rd 2025

pre purchase car inspection

Licensed brake and light inspection

$175

Galt CA 95632 3613, USA

Oct 22nd 2025

brake and light inspection approved for dmv

Car inspection

$120

Los Angeles CA 90048, USA

Oct 22nd 2025

Purchasing a car off fb marketplace. Meeting the guy at 7:30pm. Need to bring a mechanic.

Inspection

$140

Thousand Oaks CA 91362, USA

Oct 20th 2025

I need an inspection done on a car that I am trying to purchase tomorrow and would like to know how much it would be for 30-mins to an hour or two

Pre-purchase inspection

$300

Sun Valley CA 91352 2725, USA

Oct 16th 2025

There's two vehicles, I'm interested in purchasing, that I need inspected at the Sun Vallet Copart lot. They're both Tesla model 3's.

Motorcycle inspection

$100

Miami FL 33137, USA

Oct 15th 2025

Motorcycle mechanic to inspect the damage my motorcycle has takrn from a crash

Car inspection

$40

North Las Vegas NV 89030, USA

Oct 15th 2025

I have a small oil leak in my oil pan gasket also need to replace my valve cover gasket my front rotators I need new tires engine and I’m pretty sure transmission mounts ball joints my passenger driver side strut is starting to leak I also need a rack and pinion and a alignment and I have a power steering leak out of one of the hoses and my fans aren’t spinning for some reason but the cars not overheating

Inspection

$200

Malden MA 02148, USA

Oct 8th 2025

My car will not reverse. I need someone to come look at the transmission

Need help with further inspection with my vehicle

$350

Torrance CA 90504, USA

Oct 8th 2025

Code p00011 showed up in my car diagnostics which was a camshaft sensor. I changed it and car was still making a noise rattling noise in the engine bay. I ended up cleaning the intake and exhaust vvt solenoids and it seemed fine but after driving about 30ish miles and it turned off again. Code p0304 showed in the diagnostic so I tried to rearrange spark plugs and coils but no change. The car won’t start now and saying it’s a misfire code. I have a obd scanner so I don’t need a diagnostic just need help w the misfire code or p0304. I can get a free diagnostic for my vehicle so I’m not paying anyone to tell me what’s wrong when I already know the problem.

Front and rear shocks inspection

$1,200

Los Angeles CA 90017, USA

Oct 6th 2025

I believe I need break pads and rear shocks

Compression test, pre purchase inspection

$250

Los Osos CA 93402, USA

Oct 5th 2025

Need a full pre purchase inspection done on a 1999 Toyota Tacoma, to verify everything is working good including transmission. Also want a compression test done to ensure the engine is good for the next few years.

Pre-purchase car inspection (Honda Civic)

$150

Anaheim CA 92804 5030, USA

Oct 1st 2025

• Full diagnostic (OBD scan if possible) • Check engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires • Look for leaks, accident/salvage signs • Test drive with me if allowed by seller • Provide a written or verbal report with recommendations

Front suspension and brake inspection

$100

Fontana CA 92335 4556, USA

Sep 24th 2025

I changed the wheel bearing, lower ball joints, and brakes on my 2007 Toyota Camry. Hearing grinding noise on front passenger side. I need all my work inspected and check for grinding noise

Car inspection.

$1,500

Austin TX 78748, USA

Sep 23rd 2025

Got into a slight accident about a year ago. I want to get a quote how much it would be to repair it if repairable.

Do an inspection on a car i’m interested in buting

$150

Las Vegas NV 89102, USA

Sep 19th 2025

Need an in person inspection on a used 2012 honda civic

Pre purchase inspection

$150

Las Vegas NV 89130, USA

Sep 16th 2025

Need a ppi on a 2025 Toyota Corolla hybrid le at the dealership I am planning to buy the vehicle

car inspection

$120

Tarzana CA 91356, USA

Sep 15th 2025

I need a pre purchase inspection on a 2016 bmw 328i

Used bike inspection

$150

Wildomar CA 92595 7927, USA

Sep 7th 2025

Bought a used bike. Possible electrical issues with headlights and turn signals. General mechanic inspection for overall bike health

Car inspection

$100

Las Vegas NV 89117, USA

Sep 2nd 2025

Bought a new belt , battery and alternator and my battery light comes on after awhile