Top Questions to Ask the Seller When Buying a Used Car in Australia

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October 27, 2025

Top Questions to Ask the Seller When Buying a Used Car in Australia

When you’re buying a used car, what you ask before paying matters as much as the price itself. The right questions can reveal how the car’s been treated, what it might cost to maintain, and whether you can trust the seller.

Vehicle history and ownership

Before talking price, find out who’s owned the car and what its story is. Ask how long the seller has had it, why they’re selling, and whether there’s any finance owing. A quick PPSR check will confirm if the car’s encumbered, stolen, or written off.

It’s also worth asking how many owners it’s had and whether the logbook or registration documents match the story you’re hearing. If the seller avoids details or gives vague answers, take it as a sign to be cautious.

Service, maintenance and condition

A car’s service history says a lot about how it’s been treated. Ask if the seller has a full record of services and if they were done on time by a licensed mechanic. Look for receipts rather than relying only on stamped books.

Find out if any major components have been replaced, including the timing belt, suspension, or transmission. Ask if there are any current faults or warning lights. Compare the odometer reading with the records to see if it makes sense. Gaps or inconsistencies usually mean more costs ahead.

Accident, damage and repair history

Even when a car looks fine, past damage can affect safety and value. Ask if it has ever been in an accident, suffered flood damage, or had any major panels replaced. Look for uneven gaps, mismatched paint, or rust under the bonnet and doors.

If repairs were done, ask who completed them and if there are receipts. A seller who can back up their answers with paperwork is worth taking seriously.

Running costs, warranty and legal details

Owning the car matters as much as buying it. Ask when the registration expires, whether there are any fines attached, and if the car is still under warranty. If so, confirm that the warranty can transfer to you.

Check if there have been any recalls and whether that work has been completed. These questions help you see the full picture, not just the price tag.

Test drive, inspection and seller transparency

A proper test drive tells you more than photos or descriptions. Drive in traffic and on open roads to check how the car steers, brakes, and shifts. Listen for noises, vibrations, or warning lights that appear while driving.

Before you commit, consider an independent inspection. Carinspect offers mobile pre-purchase inspections across Australia. Their qualified mechanics inspect the car on-site, provide a detailed photo report, and include a free comprehensive car history insights report valued at $36.95. Some  reports also include live market valuation data showing whether the asking price is fair based on current listings.It’s a simple, data-driven way to confirm that what you’ve been told matches what you’re buying; and that you’re paying a fair price.

After you’ve asked the questions

Once you’ve gathered the answers, take a moment to verify them. Run a PPSR check, confirm that the VIN and registration details match the paperwork, and look through your inspection report carefully.

If anything doesn’t add up, use that insight to negotiate the price or walk away. Make sure the transfer paperwork is correct, keep copies of everything, and confirm any agreed conditions in writing.

Buying used doesn’t have to feel risky. A clear conversation, good documentation, and an independent inspection go a long way toward finding a car that’s reliable and fairly priced.

Get peace of mind before you buy.

Book a pre-purchase car inspection with Carinspect to get a full report, a free car history check, and a market valuation. It’s the easiest way to be sure your next car is the right one.
What Sets Us Apart

More than a service, we’re a trusted partner

Easy Online Booking

Simply share the vehicle and seller details, and we’ll handle everything from there—quick, secure, and hassle-free.

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As soon as the inspection is complete, your digital report is delivered straight to your inbox—fast, clear, and reliable.

Fully Independent

Our qualified mechanics work independently of sellers or dealerships to give you honest, objective vehicle assessments.

Qualified Mechanics

Every Carinspect mechanic is fully licensed, insured, and vetted—ready to inspect with decades of experience and precision.

 National Partnerships

Trusted by Industry Leaders

We’ve partnered with Australia’s largest automotive brands so that you can have the confidence in who we are and what we stand for. Our partnership with Australia’s most iconic marketplace - GumtreeCars, connects us to over 20,000 private car listings monthly. We’ve also partnered with UltraTune - the largest Australian-owned automotive after-sales servicing provider so that you can get the benefit of a hoisted inspection in qualified workshops around the country. 

Once you have received your inspection report, our team can connect you with verified finance partners, interstate transport providers, extended warranty products and more!

Our Services

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Screenshot of a report from Carinspect
Engine
Leaks, performance, diagnostic scanning, overheating
Interior
Dashboard, electronics, upholstery
Exterior
Panels, lights, paint, signs of damage
Wheels
Tyres, rims, brakes, alignment
Body Condition
Rust, hail damage, previous repairs
4WD/Track Driving
Off-road modes and evidence of circuit usage
Road Test
Braking, acceleration, transmission and engine
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Data driven car history and valuation data
How it Works

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Choose your inspection

Select your inspection type. Book online in under 2 minutes

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Our system matches the inspection with a qualified mechanic in the seller's area with relevant experience.

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Full inspection including engine, body, interior, diagnostic scan and comprehensive road test.

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Receive detailed report instantaneously once the inspection is complete.

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The mechanic will contact you directly to confirm inspection results and answer any follow-up questions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions before booking? We’re here to help.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We understand that the used car market can move extremely quickly. Seller’s can be difficult for our team to organise an inspection with or worse, they may sell the vehicle to another buyer before allowing our Carinspect mechanic to inspect the vehicle. For this reason, we offer an outstanding refund policy for customers using our service. Carinspect offers a full refund (minus a 3% credit card fee) for inspection bookings that for any reason cannot go ahead. The following two exceptions apply:

  1. If the purchaser requires the inspection to be cancelled for any reason and the inspection time and date has already been set with the seller, Carinspect will retain a $60 administration fee whilst refunding you the balance of the booking.
  2. On the occasion that the Carinspect mechanic has already travelled to the seller’s location to complete the inspection and is unable to fulfil the service, Carinspect will retain a $150 cancellation fee whilst refunding you the balance of the booking.
How is Carinspect different?

We’re here to change the game for used car purchasers and bring full transparency to the buying process. Whether you’re looking for the convenience of a mobile inspection or the security of a hoisted workshop inspection, our network of fully qualified mechanics spans Australia-wide so that you can buy with confidence. With our own proprietary inspection software, we’ve partnered with GumtreeGroup so you’ll find our service readily available on over 20,000 new vehicle listings across Australia every week. We’re a service you can trust to ensure you are empowered to make the right used car purchasing decision.

When will my inspection get done?

We make this process as easy as it can be. Forget finding out when the seller may be free, only to find that you can’t find a mechanic that’s available in the right area at the right time. Scheduling can be a nightmare, that’s why we do it for you! Our online booking system will check the live availability of the area at time of booking. Just provide us with the details of your booking, process the payment, and then leave the rest to us. Our team will contact the seller of the vehicle and arrange the inspection with them directly. Depending on the vehicle location, we are almost always able to deliver you the report within 48 hours of your booking.

What is a workshop inspection?

Workshop Inspections are completed at our fixed site partner workshops across the country. Here you’ll receive the benefit of a hoisted inspection in a workshop environment - perfect for a meticulous buyer. For these bookings, the seller of the vehicle must bring the vehicle to our local workshop service partner. The booking process is simple, once you have confirmed with the seller that they can bring the vehicle to our local partner workshop, just process your booking with us and we’ll handle the entire process with the seller. You’ll receive your report immediately after the inspection is completed together with a phone call from the mechanic.

What is a mobile inspection?

Our mobile team will travel to where the vehicle is being sold. Whether it's a home, workplace, dealership or auction house, our mechanics will inspect the vehicle at the location most convenient to the seller. This service is great for busy sellers or vehicles that cannot meet us at one of our workshop locations across Australia. These inspections are subject to environmental constraints. Bad weather, steep driveways or undulating surfaces or poor lighting can affect inspection results. You’ll receive your report immediately after the inspection is completed together with a phone call from the mechanic.

How will a Carinspect report help me?

Carinspect reports are clear and easy to read, to see a sample report, just click here. Car buyers use our reports to identify potential problems with a vehicle which in turn allows them the opportunity to either walk away from the purchase entirely or use our findings to negotiate a more competitive price. Either way, it’s a win for our customers.

Do you operate on the weekends?

We cannot guarantee inspections to take place on the weekend as this time is usually assigned to completing overflow work. Although there are some sellers who only have very specific times that a car can be available for inspection, please be aware that our team deals with this everyday and almost always finds a time that works for all parties - even if it means the seller not being with the vehicle whilst we inspect it.

Testimonials

What customers say about Carinspect.

Just recently looked at buying a car from Facebook marketplace and the process with my mechanic Jerome was flawless. Quick and easy with a reliable inspection I was able to grasp the positives and the negatives of the car in no time!!
Finn
Melbourne, VIC
5
I used Carinspect for a car that looked really nice on GumtreeCars. I was assigned Murry who gave me a very thorough and detailed report on this car which turned out to be a lemon! I am so grateful I had Murry to check this car for me. Without him I would have stupidly purchased that car. I will be using Carinspect again in the future as I continue my car hunt. Thank you again to Murry who also has excellent customer service skills.
Amy
Sydney, NSW
5
Very satisfied with Carinspect, they went above and beyond with their service. I recently had a ute inspected and was very satisfied with how thorough and meticulous the inspection was. I spoke to Jerome on the phone after he’d sent through my report. He kindly walked me through the report and answered any questions I had. I wouldn’t hesitate to use Jerome at Carinspect again, bringing great peace of mind using this expert and professional service.
Liam
Central Coast, NSW
5
I recently had a pre-purchase inspection done by Marshall, and I couldn’t be more impressed with his service. As a first-time car buyer, I was navigating the process with little experience. His inspection was balanced, detailed, and thorough. He not only highlighted the positives but also identified potential issues that needed attention. Marshall explained everything clearly, provided practical recommendations and advice, and ensured I fully understood the vehicle’s condition. This allowed me to have an informed discussion with the seller before finalising the purchase. I highly recommend his services to anyone seeking a reliable mechanic.
Norman
Perth, WA
5
I recently had a pre-purchase inspection done by Jerome, and I couldn't be more impressed with his service. As a new car buyer in Australia, I was navigating this process for the first time, and Jerome went above and beyond.His inspection was incredibly thorough and detailed. He didn't just point out problems, he explained them clearly, offered practical recommendations and advice as well as making sure I fully understood the condition of the vehicle. His honesty saved me from making a potentially costly mistake on a poorly maintained and deceivingly presented car.Jerome was professional, approachable, and genuinely helpful. It's rare to find someone who not only does the job well but also cares about the customer’s best interest. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. Thank you, Jerome, for your integrity and support. You’ve earned a customer for life.
Ian
Darwin, NT
5
Worthwhile service with great industry insight! We booked a pre purchase inspection which came back with the first car failing on a load of issues. From the advice of the mechanic (Ben), we took a look at another garage. We booked another inspection, in depth and covered everything. So far so good with the new car! Cheers again!
Ethan
Brisbane, QLD
5
Rated 4.6/5 on Google Review

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