Ford Pre-Purchase Inspection in Sydney
A Ford pre-purchase inspection from Aussie Auto Care is a mobile check of a used Ford before you pay, done wherever the car is parked. Eligible Ranger utes, Everest 4WDs and Transit vans up to 4.5t GVM suit our Ute, Van & Light Truck inspection; Focus, Fiesta, EcoSport, Escape and most other Fords should get Comprehensive as a minimum, with Elite for a Mustang or a higher-value buy. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover.
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Ford inspection: key facts
| Service | Mobile pre-purchase inspection of used Fords at the seller's home, dealer yard or workplace, with permission and safe access |
|---|---|
| Packages | Essential $199 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$49.75 Comprehensive $329Save $33 $296 with code SAVE10 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$74.00 Elite $449 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$112.25 |
| Our recommendation | Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329) for eligible Ranger, Everest and Transit up to 4.5t GVM; Comprehensive ($329) minimum for Focus, Fiesta, EcoSport, Escape, Puma and Kuga; Elite ($449) for Mustang and higher-value buys. Ute, Van & Light Truck $329 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$82.25 Comprehensive $329Save $33 $296 with code SAVE10 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$74.00 Elite Buyers' Protection $449 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$112.25 |
| Ute, Van & Light Truck | Ute, Van & Light Truck for eligible Ranger, Everest and Transit vans up to 4.5t GVM $329 Afterpayor 4 interest-free payments of A$82.25 |
| PPSR check | Included in Comprehensive, Elite and Ute, Van & Light Truck (Ute, Van & Light Truck includes all Comprehensive inclusions); not Essential |
| Checklist | 150+ Point Checklist on Comprehensive and Elite; Ute, Van & Light Truck includes all Comprehensive inclusions. Essential has a narrower safety and condition scope. |
| Report | Instant on-site report with Comprehensive, Elite and Ute, Van & Light Truck, issued before the inspector leaves. Essential: Same-day report, your full written photo report lands in your inbox the same day. |
| EV/Hybrid Battery Test | EV/Hybrid Battery Test: +$199 add-on to any inspection (not included in any package; make/model support confirmed at booking). Relevant to Escape plug-in hybrid and Mustang Mach-E; support for the exact vehicle is confirmed at booking. |
| Areas | Greater Sydney, Newcastle (including Maitland), Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong/Illawarra |
| Availability | 7 days, subject to seller access and inspector availability. Regional inspections are subject to availability. |
| Travel | No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. |
| Book | Book online · 02 8320 1246 · Afterpay available |
Book your Ford inspection before you pay
Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329) gives eligible Ranger, Everest and Transit buyers all Comprehensive inclusions, up to 4.5t GVM. Comprehensive ($329) is the minimum for most Ford cars and SUVs, with full PPSR and an instant on-site report. Elite Buyers' Protection ($449) adds a senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, paint thickness readings on suitable panels and on-site negotiation.
Ute, Van & Light Truck
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
Elite Buyers' Protection
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply)
Elite Buyers' Protection
up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply)
Comprehensive: up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first; Elite: up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first, from inspection (Terms apply). The inspection doesn't stop at handover, so you drive away with repair cover behind you. Details on the Complimentary Cover page. Read the cover terms.
Mobile, 7 days. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. Afterpay available.
Why does a used Ford need an independent inspection?
Ford's used market in Australia is dominated by the Ranger and Everest, with a long tail of Focus, Fiesta and EcoSport small cars. Several of these have well-documented, model-specific faults. Here are the ones worth knowing before you buy.
PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox (Focus, Fiesta, EcoSport, 2011–2016)
Ford sold Focus, Fiesta and EcoSport models in Australia between 2011 and 2016 with a six-speed 'PowerShift' dual-clutch transmission. The ACCC said owners complained of shuddering and jerking when accelerating, loss of gear selection, sudden loss of power and excessive transmission noise, and alleged that about half of the 70,000 vehicles sold had at least one PowerShift-related repair (ACCC, 2017). In April 2018 the Federal Court ordered Ford to pay a $10 million penalty for unconscionable conduct in how it handled those complaints (ACCC, 2018). The faults are intermittent, so a short drive around the block can miss them.
10-speed automatic recalls (Ranger 2017–2019, Everest 2018–2019)
Ford recalled Ranger utes sold from December 2017 to October 2019 and Everest SUVs sold from May 2018 to October 2019 with the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel and 10-speed automatic, because gears in the transmission fluid pump could fail and cause a loss of drive (Drive). A further software-related re-notification for 2017–2019 Ranger and Everest followed (CarExpert). Separately, 2021–2023 Ranger and Everest models were recalled because, if battery voltage dropped too low, the transmission could shift into Park below 6 km/h (CarExpert, 2023). Check any Ford by VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au. An inspection can't confirm recall work was done; ask the seller for the dealer invoice.
3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel (PX Ranger 2011–2022, Everest, BT-50 twin)
The 3.2 is the most common used Ranger engine. CarsGuide reports blown 3.2 diesel engines in PX Rangers, sometimes at low kilometres, and notes recalls on the PX (CarsGuide). It also explains two specific risks: a coolant-cooled EGR valve that can leak and empty the cooling system, and a variable-displacement oil pump that can lose its prime if the sump sits empty for too long during an oil change (CarsGuide, Ranger engines guide). Drive's mechanics add splitting turbo hoses and DPF clogging on mostly-urban Rangers (Drive). Service history matters more on this engine than most.
1.0-litre EcoBoost wet belt (Fiesta Sport from 2013, EcoSport)
The 1.0 EcoBoost three-cylinder was sold here in the WZ Fiesta from August 2013 (CarsGuide) and in EcoSport Trend and Titanium (WhichCar). Its timing belt runs inside the engine in oil; when the belt degrades, debris can block the oil pickup and starve the engine of oil. US regulators have investigated failures on this engine family (The Autopian, citing NHTSA), and in Australia 160 EcoSports were recalled because engine vibration could break the timing belt tensioner spring (vehiclerecalls.gov.au, REC-000311). Ask for proof of the correct oil and any belt replacement.
See our wet-belt engines guide.
DPF and diesel emissions hardware
Modern Ranger and Everest diesels carry a diesel particulate filter. CarsGuide notes DPFs can block and need cleaning or costly replacement, and that the 2.0 bi-turbo can see the same EGR, injector and DPF issues as bigger diesels (CarsGuide). Utes used for short suburban trips are the usual suspects.
Read more in our DPF glossary entry.
What our inspectors check on a used Ford
These are the checks in our packages, applied to a Ford. They're what we inspect, not a list of faults the car will have. Diagnostic scans read available stored/pending codes and live data from supported modules, not every proprietary system. Battery, starter and alternator tests apply to the fitted 12V system; an EV does not have conventional starter/alternator equipment.
Every package (Essential and up)
- Full visual safety check (brakes, tyres, steering, lighting)
- Engine bay visual + fluid leak check
- Full OBD-II scan report, stored, pending and live fault codes, printed into your report
- Digitally verified battery, starter motor and alternator tests, results printed into your report
- Brake pad thickness measured with remaining life estimated in km
- Tyre tread depth measured with remaining life estimated in km
- 3–5 km road test
Comprehensive adds
- Full mechanical inspection (engine, gearbox, cooling, belts, mounts, exhaust, driveline, steering, brakes and suspension and more)
- Full electrical system test
- Interior electronics check
- Exterior paint and body repair indicators
- Engine undertray / belly pan removed where fitted, safely accessible and permitted, leak sources checked for oil, coolant, transmission, power-steering and differential fluid
- Every suspension bush and mount checked for cracking, perishing and play, control arms, sway-bar links and bushes, trailing arms, subframe and differential mounts
- Underbody photos included in the report
- Estimated repair costs
- Odometer rollback check, where supported through the scanner; some vehicles do not support this check
- 6–10 km extended road test
- Full PPSR vehicle history report
Elite adds
- Senior inspector (5+ years experience)
- Market valuation
- Paint thickness gauge on every panel
- Elite includes a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold.
- Advanced history deep-dive (odometer tampering, owner count, stolen/written-off status, recalls)
- Unlimited on-site negotiation, unlimited rounds, no extra fee
- Five-year maintenance forecast with estimated costs
- 10–12 km extended road test
Ute, Van & Light Truck, for eligible Ranger, Everest and Transit vans up to 4.5t GVM
- All Comprehensive inclusions, up to 4.5t GVM
- Chassis: cracks, corrosion, weld repairs and prior accident straightening
- DPF and emissions: diesel particulate filter regen status, soot loading and back-pressure via OBD
- Tow rating: hitch class, tongue weight and GCM cross-check against vehicle plate
- Drivetrain: differential, transfer case and CV joints with 4WD low-range functional test
- Tray and mounts: tray-to-chassis mounts, canopy fitment, prior repair signs around tie-down points
Essential is a quick screen only: it has no PPSR, no odometer rollback check and no accident or repaint assessment. Comprehensive and Ute, Van & Light Truck have a 6–10 km road test; Elite extends this to 10–12 km. See the sample report linked below.
Ute, Van & Light Truck: All Comprehensive inclusions, up to 4.5t GVM, plus Chassis: cracks, corrosion, weld repairs and prior accident straightening; DPF and emissions: diesel particulate filter regen status, soot loading and back-pressure via OBD; Tow rating: hitch class, tongue weight and GCM cross-check against vehicle plate; Drivetrain: differential, transfer case and CV joints with 4WD low-range functional test; Tray and mounts: tray-to-chassis mounts, canopy fitment, prior repair signs around tie-down points. Ute, Van & Light Truck does not include Elite's senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, negotiation or repair cover.
Ford-specific checks within those inclusions
- PowerShift cars: the OBD-II scan reads available stored transmission fault codes from supported modules, and a permitted road test includes low-speed take-offs where clutch shudder usually shows up. The 6–10 km Comprehensive road test gives intermittent faults more chance to appear, but cannot rule them out.
- 10-speed Ranger and Everest: we note harsh or delayed shifts, flare between gears and warning lights during the permitted road test, and record available transmission codes from supported modules.
- 3.2 diesel: the engine-bay and leak checks look for accessible signs of coolant loss around the EGR area and oil leaks. Ute, Van & Light Truck adds DPF regen status, soot loading and back-pressure via OBD where supported. Reading regeneration status is not a forced regeneration procedure or an internal engine inspection.
- 1.0 EcoBoost: we scan supported modules for available timing and oil-pressure-related codes and listen for abnormal engine noise. Elite includes a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, which can reveal start-up rattles; an on-site inspection cannot establish the wet belt's internal condition.
- Towing and work vehicles: ask for towing and off-road history. Ute, Van & Light Truck checks chassis cracks, corrosion, weld repairs and prior accident straightening; cross-checks hitch class, tongue weight and GCM against the vehicle plate; checks differential, transfer case and CV joints with a safe, permitted 4WD low-range functional test; and assesses tray-to-chassis mounts, canopy fitment and prior repair signs around tie-down points. These checks do not certify structural compliance or performance under load.
Checks require safe, permitted access. Elite includes a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold. Paint readings require suitable accessible surfaces. Road-test routes and manoeuvres depend on permission, traffic, safety and legal speeds. History checks use available records and do not certify complete ownership or recall-repair history. Repair costs and the Elite five-year maintenance forecast are estimates, not promises.
Which inspection package should you choose for a Ford?
Ranger, Everest, Transit and Transit Custom (eligible, up to 4.5t GVM): Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329), with all Comprehensive inclusions.
Ute, Van & Light Truck
Mustang and other higher-value Ford cars: Elite Buyers' Protection ($449), for the senior inspector, paint gauge on suitable panels, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold and up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply). For an eligible Ranger such as a Raptor, Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329) has all Comprehensive inclusions but not Elite's senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, negotiation or repair cover.
Elite Buyers' Protection
Ute, Van & Light Truck
Focus, Fiesta, EcoSport, Escape, Kuga, Puma and Mondeo: Comprehensive ($329) minimum. With PowerShift or 1.0 EcoBoost cars, its 6–10 km road test and full PPSR are worth considering.
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
Escape PHEV and Mustang Mach-E: EV/Hybrid Battery Test: +$199 add-on to any inspection (not included in any package; make/model support confirmed at booking).
EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on
Essential ($199): a quick screen only, suited only to cars up to 4 years old, with no PPSR, odometer rollback or accident/repaint assessment.
Essential
Compare all packages on our pricing page.
Popular Ford models we inspect
Ranger (PX 2011–2022, current from 2022): Australia's best-known Ford; 3.2 diesel and 10-speed recall history matter. Everest: seven-seat 4WD sharing Ranger running gear. Focus: a popular small car; check which gearbox it has. Fiesta and Fiesta ST: light hatch, including 1.0 EcoBoost Sport and PowerShift autos. EcoSport: small SUV with 1.0 EcoBoost or 1.5 petrol. Escape and Kuga: mid-size SUV, including the plug-in hybrid Escape. Mustang: a higher-value buy where paint thickness and history checks earn their keep. Transit and Transit Custom: vans eligible for Ute, Van & Light Truck up to 4.5t GVM.
- Ford Ranger buyer's guide
- Ford Everest buyer's guide
- High-kilometre Ford? What fails after 150,000 km
- EV/Hybrid Battery Test
Buying a Ford from a dealer or a private seller?
- From a licensed NSW dealer, eligible used cars under 10 years old and under 160,000 km carry a statutory dealer guarantee of 3 months or 5,000 km, whichever comes first, subject to exclusions. Australian Consumer Law guarantees also apply to eligible dealer sales (NSW Government). A private sale has no statutory dealer guarantee; other legal rights depend on the circumstances. An inspection helps you assess the vehicle before paying.
- Ask for the service book or dealer service printout, invoices for any transmission, injector or EGR work, recall completion records and, for a Ranger or Everest, details of any towing or off-road use.
- Before you pay, run a PPSR check for registered finance/security interests, stolen status or written-off records. PPSR is included in Comprehensive, Elite and Ute, Van & Light Truck. It cannot show unreported damage or certify recall repairs.
Inspection limits
- We do not dismantle the engine, remove the gearbox or pull interior trim, so faults only visible during disassembly can't be ruled out. On Comprehensive and Elite, the engine undertray is removed where fitted, safely accessible and permitted.
- We work at the vehicle's location, not on a hoist. Underbody checks are done on portable ramps where safe and permitted; seized fasteners, unsafe access or seller refusal are recorded as inspection limitations.
- Elite includes a cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold. If the car has been warmed up, we record that in the report.
- The road test runs on public roads at legal speeds, so it can't reproduce every intermittent fault or a fault that only appears under load or after long distances.
- A PPSR check reports what is registered against the VIN on the day. It cannot show unreported damage or work done off the books.
- The report describes the vehicle's condition on the day of inspection. It is not a warranty and not a valuation guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
Essential is $199, Comprehensive $329, Elite Buyers' Protection $449 and Ute, Van & Light Truck $329. Most eligible Ranger and Everest buyers choose Ute, Van & Light Truck; most Focus, Fiesta and Escape buyers choose Comprehensive. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. EV/Hybrid Battery Test: +$199 add-on to any inspection (not included in any package; make/model support confirmed at booking). No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. Comprehensive: up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first; Elite: up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first, from inspection (Terms apply). The inspection doesn't stop at handover, so you drive away with repair cover behind you. Details on the Complimentary Cover page. Current SAVE10 pricing and four interest-free Afterpay instalments are shown alongside package prices.
Essential
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
Elite Buyers' Protection
Ute, Van & Light Truck
EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on
We can find warning signs, not guarantee the gearbox's future. The OBD-II scan reads available stored transmission codes from supported modules, and a permitted road test includes low-speed take-offs where shudder and hesitation usually appear. Because the faults the ACCC described are intermittent, the longer Comprehensive or Elite road test gives a better chance of catching them than a quick drive, but cannot rule them out.
Plenty run well, but CarsGuide and Drive both report engine, EGR and oil-pump-related failures on the 3.2. Look for a full service history and consider Ute, Van & Light Truck for an eligible vehicle up to 4.5t GVM: it has all Comprehensive inclusions, including the full mechanical inspection, supported OBD-II scan, PPSR and 6–10 km road test. Ask who did the oil changes, since the oil pump can lose prime if the sump sits empty. An inspection cannot rule out hidden internal wear.
Check the VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au and ask the seller for the dealer recall invoice. Our inspection can scan supported modules for available transmission fault codes and assess how it shifts on a permitted road test, but it can't confirm that recall work was completed. A Ford dealer can confirm recall status from the VIN.
Yes, with the separate battery test, subject to exact-vehicle support. EV/Hybrid Battery Test: +$199 add-on to any inspection (not included in any package; make/model support confirmed at booking). It gives a calculated State of Health estimate and, where the vehicle provides supported data, cell-voltage and high-voltage fault data. Support for the Escape PHEV or Mustang Mach-E is confirmed at booking; we cannot promise a result before testing.
EV/Hybrid Battery Test add-on
Buy the Ford, not someone else's problems
Ute, Van & Light Truck ($329) for eligible Ranger, Everest and Transit up to 4.5t GVM, with all Comprehensive inclusions. Comprehensive ($329) is the minimum for most Ford cars and SUVs, with full PPSR and an instant on-site report. Elite Buyers' Protection ($449) adds a senior inspector, cold start when the seller leaves the engine cold, paint gauge on suitable panels, negotiation and up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply).
Ute, Van & Light Truck
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
Elite Buyers' Protection
Comprehensive
with code SAVE10
up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply)
Elite Buyers' Protection
up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first from inspection (Terms apply)
Comprehensive: up to $1,000 / 14 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first; Elite: up to $3,000 / 30 days or 1,000 km, whichever comes first, from inspection (Terms apply). The inspection doesn't stop at handover, so you drive away with repair cover behind you. Details on the Complimentary Cover page. Read the cover terms.
Mobile, 7 days. No travel charges, the quoted price is the price, in every region we cover. Afterpay available.
Sources
- ACCC, ACCC takes action against Ford (2017)
- ACCC, Court orders Ford to pay $10 million penalty for unconscionable conduct (2018)
- ACCC undertakings register, Ford Motor Company of Australia
- Drive, Ford Ranger and Everest recalled for transmission defect
- CarExpert, Ford Ranger and Everest recalled (10-speed pump re-notification)
- CarExpert, Ford Ranger and Everest recalled (park shift, 2021–2023)
- CarsGuide, Used Ford Ranger review: 2011–2015
- CarsGuide, Ford Ranger engines: pros and cons
- Drive, What is the best year Ford Ranger to buy used?
- CarsGuide, Used Ford Fiesta review: 2004–2015
- WhichCar, Ford EcoSport review
- Vehicle Recalls, REC-000311 Ford EcoSport timing belt tensioner
- The Autopian, NHTSA investigation of the 1.0 EcoBoost wet belt
- NSW Government, Dealer guarantees and warranties
- Vehicle recall check by VIN
- Aussie Auto Care package pages: