Inspect a vehicle before you buy
For peace of mind when purchasing used vehicles, you can use RACV's independent vehicle inspection service when buying or selling a car, planning a long driving trip or checking a vehicle where the warranty is about to expire. RACV Vehicle Inspections are available from Monday to Friday in Melbourne and across Victoria. Once the inspection is completed, you will receive a report that informs you of the overall condition of the vehicle based on a visual external examination of components, along with a purchase recommendation (when applicable).
Please note this service does not provide a roadworthy certificate. This service should be used when you are looking to ensure your next vehicle purchase is a good one by getting it inspected by a senior mechanic and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
If you are looking for a roadworthy certificate in Victoria, please refer to the VicRoads roadworthy certificate section.
- Find out more about what you receive with a vehicle inspection.
four types of vehicle inspections
| Type of inspection | Members | Non-members | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Pre-purchase:suitable if you are purchasing a vehicle. Members receive a 30-day mechanical guarantee. |
$180 | $241 | enquire online |
|
Comprehensive: checks more components of the vehicle than a pre-purchase inspection. Members receive a 30-day mechanical guarantee. |
Basic test Extra time |
Basic test Extra time |
enquire online |
| Warranty: if your vehicle warranty is about to expire, use this to identify areas in need of repair before the expiry date. |
Basic test Extra time |
Basic test Extra time |
enquire online |
| Basic 4WD: appropriate if you're buying a 4WD for its size and space rather than off-road capabilities. | $218 | $290 | enquire online |
30-day mechanical guarantee
RACV provides a 30-day mechanical guarantee on pre-purchase and comprehensive vehicle inspections, available exclusively to RACV members. RACV will provide a reimbursement on the cost of repairing a mechanical fault not identified on the inspection report, giving added assurance when purchasing a used vehicle.
Important information about the 30-day mechanical guarantee - Click here for further conditions.
There are some vehicles that we cannot inspect, or can only conduct a comprehensive inspection on. This might be because of limited access, level of complexity or specialised tools and equipment required. We will always advise you where this might occur prior to conducting an inspection and will explain why.
Please Note: to be conducted effectively, some prestige or imported vehicles require comprehensive or "extra time" comprehensive inspections, due to size, complexity or access to components. These vehicles will be identified by the consultant at the time of booking.
Simply remember to advise us of the make and model of your vehicle and any other modifications that have been made, for example if the vehicle has been converted to a camper van:
- when you request a enquire online or
- call us on 13 RACV (13 72 28)



