What's checked in a 200-point pre-purchase inspection

We're often asked what the difference is between a cheap $99 'inspection' from a backyard mechanic and a proper $249-$349 pre-purchase report. This article is the answer. Below is the actual 200-point run sheet our inspectors work through on every Sydney job, grouped into the eight systems we cover.

1. Documentation and identification (12 points)

• VIN matches windscreen, build plate, engine bay sticker, and rego papers
• Compliance plate present and unaltered
• Build date vs first registration date — late-registered stock check
• Service book stamps cross-referenced against logbook intervals
• Owner's manual and spare key presence
• PPSR encumbrance and written-off status check (we run this live onsite)
• Recall check via vehicle-recalls.gov.au
• Roadworthy or pink slip currency (if claimed)
• Insurance write-off check via WOVR (NSW)
• Odometer reading vs service history reading reconciliation

2. Exterior body and paint (28 points)

• Paint depth gauge readings on every panel (factory: 90-140µm)
• Panel gap symmetry front to back
• Door, bonnet, boot operation and alignment
• Glass: windscreen chips, rear demister continuity, sunroof seal
• Headlight clarity, fog and DRL operation
• Tail lights, brake lights, indicators, reverse light
• Mirrors: glass, motors, heating, folding
• Number plates secure and undamaged
• Wipers (front/rear) and washer jet spray pattern
• Underbody panels and splash shields present
• Tyres: brand match, age (DOT code), tread depth (mm) per corner, even wear pattern
• Wheels: kerbing, alloy corrosion, balance weights present

3. Interior and electronics (35 points)

• All seat adjustments (manual or electric, memory positions)
• Seat heaters, ventilation, massage where fitted
• Steering wheel adjustment, heating, controls
• Climate control (driver, passenger, rear zones)
• Infotainment boot, CarPlay/Android Auto pairing, Bluetooth, USB-C ports
• All speakers, reverse camera, 360 view if fitted
• Cruise control (adaptive, lane assist, blind spot)
• Power windows (one-touch up/down per door)
• Central locking, key fob range, alarm
• Sunroof / panoramic roof open/close/tilt
• Boot release (interior + key fob), tailgate motor if fitted
• 12V, USB and wireless charging functionality
• Dashboard warning lamps (none illuminated after start)
• Trim condition: tears, stains, smells (smoke, mould, pet)

4. Engine bay (30 points)

• Oil level, colour, condition (no milky emulsion under cap)
• Coolant level, colour, no rust or oil contamination
• Brake fluid level and clarity
• Power steering fluid (if hydraulic)
• Transmission fluid (where dipstick is provided)
• Belt condition, tension, no glazing or fraying
• Hose condition, no swelling or weeping
• Battery age (date code), terminal corrosion, voltage under load
• Air filter cleanliness
• Engine mounts: visible cracking, fluid weep
• Plastic intake and inlet manifold for cracks (BMW N-series flag)
• Turbo for oil staining and shaft play (where accessible)
• Cold-start behaviour: blue smoke, knocking, tappet noise

5. Undercarriage on hoist (35 points)

• Sump for leaks, gasket weeps, sealer evidence
• Gearbox and transfer case for leaks
• Diff seals, CV boot integrity left and right
• Drive shaft universal joints for play and grease evidence
• Tailshaft centre bearing and rubber
• Exhaust system: corrosion, hangers, joins, cat security
• Front lower control arms, ball joints, bushes
• Rear suspension arms, sway bar links, shock condition
• Steering rack boots and tie rod ends
• Brake lines, hoses, calipers, rotor surface condition
• Fuel tank, lines, filler neck for corrosion
• Chassis rails: structural rust, weld evidence, prior repair
• Subframe bushes, isolators
• Spare wheel well: rust, repaired collision damage

6. Brakes (10 points)

• Front pad thickness measured in mm
• Rear pad / shoe thickness measured in mm
• Front rotor surface, scoring, lip, run-out feel
• Rear rotor / drum condition
• Brake fluid moisture % (where strip-tested)
• Park brake hold on incline
• ABS module function (DTC pulled live)
• EBD warning lamp behaviour

7. Diagnostics scan (15 points)

• Full ECU DTC pull: engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, BCM, climate
• Adaptive values: throttle, idle, transmission shift adapt
• Misfire counters per cylinder
• Fuel trim long-term (LTFT) percentages
• DPF soot load and ash load (diesels)
• Battery state-of-health (12V system)
• Air-bag sensors, seat occupancy, pretensioner integrity
• Service interval and oil-life reset confirmation

8. Road test (25 points)

• Cold start behaviour
• Idle stability before and after warm-up
• Drive-away clutch feel (manual) / take-up smoothness (auto)
• All gears engaged forward and reverse
• Highway acceleration response and turbo behaviour
• Braking pull, pedal feel, ABS pulse on hard stop
• Steering centre, return self-centring, kick-back
• Suspension feel over speed bumps and expansion joints
• Cruise control engagement and disengagement
• Lane assist and adaptive features under live conditions

Common questions

Does the seller need to be present?

No. We're regularly trusted with keys at workplaces or dealerships while the seller is at work. We send live updates to the buyer and a final report within 4 hours.

Can you compare the result against a similar car I saw?

Yes — every Aussie Auto Care report ends with a 'how this compares to the market' note from your inspector, based on the 30+ cars of the same type we've inspected in the last 90 days.