What's actually inside a car check report — and what isn't
A pre-purchase report isn't a roadworthy and it isn't a guarantee. Here's exactly what we test, what we photograph, and what the document means in plain English.
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) report is the single most useful document a Sydney used-car buyer can get — but only if they understand what it is, and just as importantly, what it isn't. After 4,000-plus inspections we still see people misread the same lines. This guide walks you through every section of a modern car check report and what each finding actually means for your decision and your wallet.
What a PPI report is
It's a structured, evidence-backed snapshot of a vehicle's condition at a single point in time, produced by a qualified mechanic who has no financial interest in the sale. A good report has four ingredients: a 200-point checklist, severity grading, time-stamped photos for every defect, and a clear summary in everyday language.
- Visual inspection of body, paint, glass, lights and tyres
- Under-bonnet checks: fluids, belts, hoses, leaks, mounts
- Underbody on hoist or with creeper: chassis, suspension, exhaust, drivetrain
- Brake measurements (pad % and rotor condition where visible)
- Engine diagnostics scan (DTC pull, live data for misfire counters, fuel trim)
- Road test: cold start, drivability, gear shifts, braking, alignment feel
- Final sit-down summary with photos and severity grades
What it isn't
A PPI is not a roadworthy (called a Pink Slip in NSW). It is not a warranty. It does not predict future failures and cannot guarantee the car will be problem-free. We're looking at a vehicle for 60-90 minutes — we cannot dismantle the engine, drop the gearbox, or read deleted ECU history. Anyone telling you otherwise is selling something.
Severity grading — the bit that matters
Every defect we find gets one of four grades. This is what you'll be negotiating with.
| Grade | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Critical | Safety or roadworthy fail. Brakes, structural rust, airbag fault. | Walk away or full repair before purchase. |
| Major | Will cost ≥$500 in next 12 months. Worn clutch, leaking head gasket, cracked CV. | Negotiate price down by repair quote. |
| Minor | Cosmetic or low-cost maintenance. Wiper blades, light bulb, small oil seep. | Note for future budget. |
| Advisory | Approaching service interval. Tyres at 4 mm, brake pads at 40%. | Plan for in next 6-12 months. |
Photos: the evidence pack
A modern PPI report should include 40-80 time-stamped photographs covering every defect, plus a complete walk-around. Photos are your leverage in negotiation and your safety net if the seller later disputes that something existed at sale.
How to read the summary
The summary should give you three things in 30 seconds: a fair-condition rating (Excellent / Good / Fair / Poor), a 'Buy / Negotiate / Walk Away' recommendation, and an estimated 12-month repair budget. If your report doesn't have those, push your inspector for them. You paid for an opinion, not just a list of dots.
What we do if we find a deal-breaker mid-inspection
If we find evidence of major prior accident damage, structural rust, or a chassis number mismatch in the first ten minutes, we phone the buyer before continuing. Some buyers want the full report anyway for the paper trail; some say walk and we stop. Either way you're not charged extra and the seller hears nothing until you tell them.
Common questions
How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?
60-90 minutes onsite for most cars; 90-120 for European or high-mileage vehicles where we run extended ECU diagnostics. Add 30 minutes for EVs that include a battery health test.
Is the report emailed or in-person?
We deliver every report within 4 hours of completion as a PDF and a shareable web link. Most buyers have it before the seller has finished their lunch.
Can I show the report to the seller?
Yes — and we encourage it. Sellers respect documented findings. We've seen $4,000 come off asking prices on the back of two photos and a brake measurement.
Lock in your inspection
Book a mobile pre-purchase inspection at the seller's address. Same-day slots across Sydney from $249, with a money-back guarantee.
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