Vehicle Inspections help & FAQs
Frequently asked questions
About inspections
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What is checked during a vehicle inspection?
Vehicle inspections can be very detailed. Many of our inspections include:
- the engine condition
- cooling system
- fuel and exhaust system
- electrical system
- transmission
- wheels and tyres
- suspension and steering.
For more details, download our inspection contents overview form (PDF, 594KB).
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What does a pre-purchase inspection include?
We offer two types of pre-purchase inspections. These are Mechanical and Total Care inspections. Both inspections look at:
- the engine condition
- cooling system
- fuel and exhaust system
- electrical system
- transmission
- wheels and tyres
- suspension and steering
The total care inspection also includes:
- a phone consultation
- confirmation if the car has ever been written off or stolen
- a test of the seat belt conditions.
To see everything that we inspect, visit our pre-purchase vehicle inspections page.
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Will faults found during my vehicle inspection be fixed?
No. Our vehicle inspectors don’t fix issues during the appointment.
If you're the current owner of the car, we recommend that you book an appointment with an RAA Approved Repairer.
Each repairer guarantees quality work and follows an RAA Code of Practice.
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What should I look out for when buying a second-hand car?
Safety and reliability.
RAA membership comes with free advice from our team of motoring experts. If you have a question about buying a car, you can call an expert on 8202 4689.
Find out more about car advice
A pre-purchase vehicle inspection can help you to find any issues before you buy a car. This inspection can help to find issues with a car. This could save you thousands of dollars.
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What qualifications do RAA vehicle inspectors have?
All our inspectors must have a minimum of 5 years post-trade apprenticeship experience, and hold a full trade qualification in Australia.
Cost
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How much do vehicle inspections cost?
If you're an RAA member, a pre-purchase mechanical inspection starts from $295. If you're not a member, the same inspection costs $349. The price may be higher for some older and rarer models.
Used car warranty inspections start from $299 for RAA members. Taxi and rideshare inspections cost $115 for RAA members.
To find out how much your inspection will cost, use our quote and booking tool.
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Are pre-purchase inspections worth the cost?
Buying a car is an expensive decision – especially if you get it wrong.
A vehicle inspection can help you find mechanical issues and understand if repairs are likely to be costly. During a pre-purchase total care inspection, we also check if the car has been written off, stolen, or is under finance.
Locations
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Where can I get my car inspected?
We offer mobile inspections across Adelaide and on-site inspections at our Mile End workshop.
Mobile inspections
Many of our car inspections can take place at a location of your choice in the Adelaide metro region. Inspectors need a location that is flat, not on a public roadway, and has room to use a trolley jack.
If the inspector arrives and determines that the provided location is not safe, you may forfeit your inspection fee.
RAA workshop inspections (Mile End)
Some inspections are more complex and need to be done at our workshop in Mile End. This is often because we need to use a hoist to complete the inspection. This may include:
- some older cars
- some rare models
- certain inspection types (like taxi and rideshare inspections)
You can use our online quote and booking tool to determine whether your car is eligible for a mobile inspection.
Regional SA
If you live in the country, you can book an inspection at an RAA Approved Vehicle Inspection Centre. They can offer the following popular inspections:
- pre-purchase mechanical inspections
- owner mechanical inspections
- used-car warranty mechanical inspections
- NSW & NT roadworthy inspections
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Where can I get my vehicle inspected in regional SA?
You can organise an inspection at an RAA Approved Vehicle Inspection Centre (AVIC). These are trusted local businesses who we've approved to work on our behalf.
An AVIC can offer these inspections:
- pre-purchase mechanical inspections
- owner mechanical inspections
- used-car warranty mechanical inspections
- NSW & NT roadworthy inspections
Locations
Call to discuss your inspection and request a quote.
Berri
Roly's Automotive Services
8582 2667
27 Jellett Rd, BerriMount Gambier
Autocare Mount Gambier
8725 2220
17 Calula Drive, Mount GambierPort Lincoln
Coffey Automotive
8682 4579
34 Edinburgh St, Port LincolnRocket Repairs
8682 6710
24 Proper Bay Road, Port Lincoln
Which vehicles can be inspected?
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Which vehicles can be inspected by RAA?
We offer vehicle inspections for hundreds of car models.
A full list of available vehicles can be seen on our vehicle inspections quote and booking tool.
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Do you inspect electric and hybrid vehicles?
In many cases, yes. We're confident we can find an inspection that's right for you. Please call our team on 8202 4688 to make an eclectic or hybrid car booking.
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Can I book a vehicle inspection for a car that I am planning to buy at auction?
In many cases, yes.
Our inspectors simply require a safe location that is flat, not on a public roadway and has room to use a trolley jack.
Before making your booking, we recommend that you contact the auctioneer first.
Some rare vehicles and older cars may not be eligible for a mobile pre-purchase inspection. Use our online quote and booking tool to see if your vehicle is eligible.
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How do I get an inspection if the car is unregistered?
If your car is unregistered, use our online quote tool to see if your vehicle is eligible for a mobile inspection. If your vehicle isn't eligible for a mobile inspection, you can apply for an SA Government unregistered vehicle permit on the state government's website.
Permits can be granted to get your vehicle to and from a vehicle inspection.
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Does RAA offer inspections for Ubers, taxis and other rideshare vehicles?
Yes. Inspections are available at our Mile End workshop and take one hour. The price for is $115 for RAA members and $129 for non members. A recheck costs $55 for RAA members or $59 for non members.
