Here are the answers to some of the more common questions we are asked about RedBook Inspect vehicle inspections.
Vehicle inspections FAQs
What vehicles can RedBook inspect?
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 member price | Non-member NRMA exclusive offer |
Car | $270 | $280 |
Car - Prestige vehicles and 10+ years | $319 | $329 |
Car - Super vehicles | $370 | $380 |
Car - Hyper vehicles | $520 | $530 |
Camper Tent Trailer | $135 | N/A |
Caravans | $255 | N/A |
RVs and Motorhomes | $335 | N/A |
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
• The Prestige category relates to premium comfort and performance vehicles for example, Toyota Landcruiser or Porsche Macan.
• The Super category relates to high performance sports vehicle for example, Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 or Audi RS6.
• The Hyper category relates to the most superior high-performance vehicles for example, McLaren 720S or Ferrari Spider.
• Car of 10+ years is in relation to a vehicle manufacturer’s year of build.
Where can I have my vehicle 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 (4217), Adelaide (5000) and Perth (6000).
Remote Video Assessments for cars are available for all other capital states, territories and regional areas.
How long will the inspection take?
What is included in a RedBook Inspect pre-purchase inspection?
A qualified inspector will conduct a 150 point visual check of the vehicle. The inspection will cover the vehicle's exterior, interior, engine condition, any accident damage. Wheels, tyres and brakes pads and underbody are also visually checked and road test completed where possible.
After the inspection is completed by RedBook Inspect the information is compiled into a comprehensive digital report within 24 hours. The report includes photos, star ratings with feedback and also highlights any areas of concern. You’ll also receive a CarFacts history report* so you can be assured of the safety, integrity and condition before you buy.
*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 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
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 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?
Will I have to attend the inspection?
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.
Type | NRMA Member price | Non-Member price |
Remote Video Assessment (RVA) - Car | $110 | $115 |
RVA - Camper tent trailers | $94 | $99 |
RVA - Caravans | $114 | $119 |
RVA - RVs and motorhomes | $164 | $169 |
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.