Vehicle inspections
COVID-19 update: Due to the current coronavirus situation across Australia, RedBook Inspect is unable to provide physical pre-purchase inspections in some areas. As an alternative service Remote Video Assessments for cars will be offered until further notice.
Pre-purchase vehicle inspections from $255 for Members*
Even if you’re pretty good with cars, it can be hard to know what you’re really getting. That’s why we’ve teamed up with RedBook Inspect so you can buy your used car with confidence. With mobile inspectors across most capital cities they can take the guesswork out of buying a used car with a comprehensive pre-purchase vehicle inspection.
If you’re in the market to buy a caravan, camper tent trailer, RV or motorhome, they can inspect those too.
Car located in a remote or regional area? They can offer a Remote Video Assessment for cars where they complete an expert walk through with the seller so you can make an informed buying decision.
NRMA exclusive offer
NRMA Members save $15^ off the RRP for RedBook Inspect pre-purchase vehicle inspections. Not a Member? You can still get $5 off RedBook Inspect's RRP with our NRMA exclusive offer when you book through our website.
NRMA Members also save $5^ off RedBook Inspect's RRP for Remote Video Assessments for cars.
Why RedBook Inspect?
Fast turnaround
Receive your report instantly, right after the inspection has been processed.
Peace of mind
Detailed digital reports that help you make a smarter purchase.
Qualified inspectors
Trusted mobile inspectors available Monday to Friday.
Coverage
Inspectors across most capital cities and Remote Video Assessments for cars available in regional areas.
Caravan inspections
They can conduct pre-purchase inspections for caravans, RVs and motorhomes across most capital cities, too.How it works
- Make a booking online for a pre-purchase inspection for the car or caravan that you're buying. If you're an NRMA Member make sure you quote your Membership number to redeem your discount.
- An inspector will contact the vehicle owner to organise an inspection time.
- A qualified inspector will visit the vehicle owner and conduct the inspection.
- Once complete, you'll receive a detailed visual inspection report including comments, ratings, high quality photos and a CarFacts history report#.
- Know the safety, integrity and condition of the vehicle before you buy.
This process differs for Remote Video Assessments.
#CarFacts history reports are only available for cars with a build date of 1989 and newer, and are not available for grey import vehicles.
What's included in your car pre-purchase inspection?
Engine
Any engine fault codes will be detected using a scan tool that plugs into the engine management system.
Exterior
Visual inspection for rust, previous body repairs, panels and suspension.
Accident damage
A paint depth gauge test to check for previous cosmetic repairs. Plus, a visual inspection for evidence of accident, hail or flood damage.
CarFacts history report
Each report includes information on written off history, stolen records, odometer rollbacks and more.
Interior
Checks are done on heating and air conditioning, horn, seat belts, locks, warning lights, wear and more.
Road test
Checks are done on brake operation, engine noise, exhaust emissions, steering, suspension and more.FAQs
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
That depends on the type of vehicle, for instance a prestige vehicle requires more components to be checked compared to a standard vehicle. Please see pricing below.
| Type | NRMA Members | Non-Member NRMA exclusive offer | RedBook Inspect RRP |
| Car | $255 | $265 | $270 |
| Car - Prestige | $304 | $314 | $319 |
| Car - 10+ years |
$304 | $314 | $319 |
| Camper Tent Trailer | $135 | N/A | $150 |
| Caravans | $255 | N/A | $270 |
| RVs and Motorhomes | $335 | N/A | $350 |
Note: If you're an NRMA Member you must quote your Membership number at the time of booking to redeem your discount.
• Car inspections are for vehicles classified as a Sedan, station wagon, SUV, van or ute
• Prestige car is a Sedan, station wagon, SUV or other vehicle branded with one of the following manufacturer’s brands: Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, BMW, Lotus, McLaren, Aston Martin or Range Rover.
• Car of 10+ years is in relation to a vehicle manufacturer’s year of build.
Where can vehicles be inspected?
RedBook Inspect is able to conduct physical pre-purchase inspections for cars and caravans within a 50km radius from the following capital cities:
Sydney (2000), Melbourne (3000), Brisbane (4000) Gold Coast/Tweed heads (4217), Adelaide (5000) and Perth (6000).
Remote Video Assessments (RVA) for cars are available for all other capital states, territories and regional areas. RVAs are not available for caravans, RVs or motorhomes.
What's not checked in a pre-purchase inspection?
A RedBook Inspect pre-purchase inspection is a visual and non-mechanical vehicle inspection only. Please refer to following RedBook Inspect FAQs for further details of what checks are not included:
• Pre-purchase inspections for cars
• Pre-purchase inspections for caravans, camper tent trailers, RVs and motorhomes
What is a Remote Video Assessment (RVA)?
An RVA is a Remote Video Assessment guided by a RedBook Inspect assessor to help you understand the condition of your next potential vehicle purchase. The RRP is $89 and the price for NRMA Members is $84. RVAs are available for cars only and not currently available for caravans, RVs and motorhomes.
Once your RVA is booked, a RedBook Inspect assessor contacts the sellers via video chat to discuss their vehicle. They will then gather additional data. Sellers are guided around the vehicle so they can collect key photos, servicing information, under the hood, tyre close-ups and other relevant items. A detailed report is collated and delivered to your inbox detailing the condition of vehicle's interior, exterior and verification of its compliance plate, build and registration.
RedBook Inspect assessors will also have the ability to question specific elements to identify common problems with the vehicle. If applicable to the vehicle, prospective buyers will also receive a CarFacts history report.
Once a pre-purchase inspection is booked, how quickly will the inspection be completed?
RedBook Inspect will aim to complete the inspection as soon as possible. A RedBook inspector will attempt to make contact with the owner of the vehicle to organise an inspection within 24 hours.
RedBook Inspect advises that most pre-purchase inspections are usually completed within 24 hours of booking. However appointments can be delayed based on the vehicle owner's availability and access to the vehicle. It can take up to 1 business day for the inspector to make contact with the owner of the vehicle and 2-3 business days for the inspection to be completed.
How can I contact RedBook Inspect for an update?
Your inspector will be in contact with you after your inspection has been completed. However should you wish to speak to RedBook Inspect please call 1300 770 116 or email support@redbookinspect.com.au.
Things you should know
*Price is based on NRMA Member price for a standard car pre-purchase vehicle inspection. Prices vary depending on vehicle type and age.
^NRMA Members receive $15 discount when booking a pre-purchase vehicle inspection with NRMA partner supplier RedBook Inspect Pty Ltd. A discount of $15 will be applied with a valid Membership number at the time of booking a pre-purchase inspections on a standard vehicle, prestige vehicle, camper tent trailers, caravans, and RVs or motorhomes (boat and motorbike inspections are not included). For NRMA Members a discount of $5 will be applied with a valid Membership number at the time of booking a Remote Vehicle Assessment (RVA). RVAs are only available for cars and not caravans. Non-members receive a $5 NRMA exclusive discount when booking a car pre-purchase inspection. Members and non-members must book via www.mynrma.com.au, or by calling 1300 770 116. The discount is off RedBook Inspect’s RRP and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers. Standard RedBook Inspect terms and conditions apply. NRMA may receive a referral fee for Member and non-member bookings.
National Roads and Motorists’ Association Limited, ABN 77 000 010 506 is a separate independent company from Redbook Inspect Pty Ltd ACN 125 096 077.