Pre-purchase vehicle inspections
Buying a new or used car?
Whether you’re looking to buy a new or used car, RAA’s experienced inspectors will provide a detailed report on the vehicle’s condition. This will help you drive a better deal and save you from nasty surprises down the track.
RAA members save 15% on vehicle inspections, plus we also offer free headlight aiming checks for our members.
Compare our pre-purchase vehicle inspections
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Engine condition
Mounting and stabiliser bar condition; abnormal noises from internal components; oil level and visual quality condition; oil leaks from engine components; oil fuming (compression bypassing piston rings); visual inspection of oil burning (if the engine is cold); electronic cylinder performance test; road test for up to 5km at the local metro speed limit.fa-checkfa-check -
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Cooling system
Pressure testing and check for external leaks; external examination of hoses and pipes; rise test for compression leak into system; visual condition and level of coolant; examination of drive belts (without removal).fa-checkfa-check -
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Fuel and exhaust systems
Cold start device if the engine is cold; visual inspection fuel lines/hoses/linkages; external examination of exhaust system; operation of fuel delivery and filter components.fa-checkfa-check -
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Statutory electrical systems
Operation of all front and rear lighting and trafficators; operation of windscreen wiper/washers; operation of front and rear window demisters; operation of warning device.fa-checkfa-check -
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Transmission
Check for oil leaks and abnormal wear in components; check for correct operation during road test.fa-checkfa-check -
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Wheels and tyres
Check wheels and tyres for damage/wear and legal compliance.fa-checkfa-check -
Optional electrical systems
Check starter motor and vehicle battery condition; test operation of battery charging system; check operation warning lights and gauges (not accuracy); check instruments and speedometer (not accuracy); engine tune performance/analysis.fa-checkfa-check -
Braking system
Check of cables/pivots, brake lines and hoses for leaks; inspect and measure brake disc/drums and linings/pads; check for leaks at master and wheel cylinders and callipers.fa-checkfa-check -
Suspension/steering
Check for wear in steering and suspension joints and pivots; check for leaks and operation of shock absorbers; check power steering for leaks and abnormal noise; check for abnormal movement and noise in wheel bearings.fa-checkfa-check -
Check chassis for damage/rust or previous poor repairs
Check chassis for damage/rust or previous poor repairs.fa-checkfa-check -
Check operation of locks, latches & accessories
Check operation of locks, latches and accessories (excluding sound systems).fa-checkfa-times -
Check current/previous poor body/paint damage/repairs
Check current/previous poor body/paint damage/repairs; detailed inspection of body/paint and trim.fa-checkfa-times -
Inspection of seat mountings and seat belt condition
Inspection of seat mountings and seat belt condition.fa-checkfa-times -
Check condition of window glass and mirrors
Check condition of window glass and mirrors.fa-checkfa-times -
Check if the car has been written off, stolen or is still under finance
Check of the Personal Properties Securities Register.fa-checkfa-times -
Phone consultation with an RAA technical advisor
Talk through your results and outcomes with an expert.fa-checkfa-times
Compare our pre-purchase vehicle inspections
Use the drop-down menus to compare options
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1
Engine condition
Mounting and stabiliser bar condition; abnormal noises from internal components; oil level and visual quality condition; oil leaks from engine components; oil fuming (compression bypassing piston rings); visual inspection of oil burning (if the engine is cold); electronic cylinder performance test; road test for up to 5km at the local metro speed limit.fa-checkfa-check -
1
Cooling system
Pressure testing and check for external leaks; external examination of hoses and pipes; rise test for compression leak into system; visual condition and level of coolant; examination of drive belts (without removal).fa-checkfa-check -
1
Fuel and exhaust systems
Cold start device if the engine is cold; visual inspection fuel lines/hoses/linkages; external examination of exhaust system; operation of fuel delivery and filter components.fa-checkfa-check -
1
Statutory electrical systems
Operation of all front and rear lighting and trafficators; operation of windscreen wiper/washers; operation of front and rear window demisters; operation of warning device.fa-checkfa-check -
1
Transmission
Check for oil leaks and abnormal wear in components; check for correct operation during road test.fa-checkfa-check -
1
Wheels and tyres
Check wheels and tyres for damage/wear and legal compliance.fa-checkfa-check -
Optional electrical systems
Check starter motor and vehicle battery condition; test operation of battery charging system; check operation warning lights and gauges (not accuracy); check instruments and speedometer (not accuracy); engine tune performance/analysis.fa-checkfa-check -
Braking system
Check of cables/pivots, brake lines and hoses for leaks; inspect and measure brake disc/drums and linings/pads; check for leaks at master and wheel cylinders and callipers.fa-checkfa-check -
Suspension/steering
Check for wear in steering and suspension joints and pivots; check for leaks and operation of shock absorbers; check power steering for leaks and abnormal noise; check for abnormal movement and noise in wheel bearings.fa-checkfa-check -
Check chassis for damage/rust or previous poor repairs
Check chassis for damage/rust or previous poor repairs.fa-checkfa-check -
Check operation of locks, latches & accessories
Check operation of locks, latches and accessories (excluding sound systems).fa-checkfa-times -
Check current/previous poor body/paint damage/repairs
Check current/previous poor body/paint damage/repairs; detailed inspection of body/paint and trim.fa-checkfa-times -
Inspection of seat mountings and seat belt condition
Inspection of seat mountings and seat belt condition.fa-checkfa-times -
Check condition of window glass and mirrors
Check condition of window glass and mirrors.fa-checkfa-times -
Check if the car has been written off, stolen or is still under finance
Check of the Personal Properties Securities Register.fa-checkfa-times -
Phone consultation with an RAA technical advisor
Talk through your results and outcomes with an expert.fa-checkfa-times
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Do you live in the country?
Many of these inspections are available at our RAA Approved Vehicle Inspection Centres – trusted local automotive businesses in regional SA. -
Business and fleet inspections
RAA also offers inspections for businesses, taxis and rideshare vehicles. -
NSW and NT roadworthy checks
We are the only organisation in SA authorised to complete NSW and NT roadworthy checks.
Find out more in sa move – the RAA magazine
Would your car pass an RAA inspection?
RAA’s motoring experts uncover an average of 10 faults each time they inspect a car. Would your potential purchase pass the test?
Sale of stolen, written-off cars still alarming
A surprising number of cars on the market have been stolen, written-off or are under debt.
Advice for buying a used car
A car is likely to be one of the most expensive investments you’ll make. It’s essential to choose a reliable car that suits your needs and budget.
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Things you should know
Terms and conditions
Keep in mind that prices may change due to things like unexpected difficulties with the vehicle, removal of parts and covers, or the need for additional workshop facilities. Take a moment to read the Terms and Conditions (PDF, 590 KB) that may apply to your type of inspection.
What do we inspect? Download our Inspection contents overview form (PDF, 432 KB).