Pre-Purchase Standard Vehicle Inspections

Standard Vehicle Inspections

Our vehicle inspections require a slightly different approach depending on the type of car you want.

If you’re looking at a pre-loved, standard vehicle, you’ve come to the right place. Our qualified and friendly mechanics will help you make a smart decision on your next set of wheels.

Looking for a different vehicle type?

Check out our other vehicle inspection services:

Why you need pre-purchase vehicle inspections

How confident are you in knowing what to look out for when buying a second-hand car?

Without the right knowledge and experience behind you, buying a used vehicle can be risky and costly. We don’t want that for you.

Our qualified mechanics are here to help and ready to give you the confidence to make an informed decision when buying a used vehicle.

Swoop Vehicle Inspections provides a comprehensive and detailed report of the vehicle’s condition. Our process has been tailored to promptly notify you of any existing faults or concerns so you can dodge a lemon on the roads and drive a better bargain.

What we inspect

Once you’ve found a car you like, our qualified mechanics swoop in to ensure the vehicle is safe and a worthwhile investment.

Swoop’s expert mechanics follow a meticulous inspection checklist, including:

Engine and Transmission

Engine and engine oil condition
Engine auxiliary systems
Drive belts, hoses and under bonnet fluid levels
Radiator and cooling system function and condition
Transmission (gearbox), differential (diff) and drivetrain function and condition

Vehicle Underbody and Outer Body

Steering systems function and condition
Suspension function and condition
Exhaust system condition and function
Body and underbody components for rust, corrosion, accident damage and repair
Paint finish, imperfections and blemishes
Front and rear windscreen condition
Rear vision mirror function and condition

Electrical and Electronics

Vehicles onboard computer diagnostics fault code check
Battery charge rate and condition
Headlights, taillights and indicators
Horn, wipers and washers
Side mirrors and function
Smart key operation and condition

Interior, Boot, and Stowage

Condition and function of the interior and cargo areas
Air conditioning operation
In-cabin dials, switches and buttons

Brake System, Wheels and Tyres

Brake function and condition
Wheel and tyre condition – including the spare

General

Road test to evaluate engine, gearbox, steering, suspension and braking performance and operations
Service and repair logbook history (if information is with the car)

Standard vehicle inspection pricing

Discover more about our pricing.

$250

Standard vehicle inspection exclusions

The items listed require in-depth mechanical diagnosis and disassembly of vehicle parts to inspect and are not included in a general pre-purchase inspection.

Brake System

Brake lining material and brake drums, focusing on visible components only
Inspection of wheel cylinders
Indication of brake fluid contamination
Mechanics of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Estimation of the remaining lifespan of brake systems

Engine and Transmission

Evaluation of sludge buildup in the oil pump strainer
Test of engine cylinder compression
Inspection of engine and transmission mountings
Verification of the condition of the odometer, camshaft belt and timing belt
Evaluation of the water pump/fan performance
Evaluation of the turbocharger or supercharger condition or performance

Electrical and Electronics

Checking/testing of the batteries in Hybrid/Electric cars (excluding startup battery in Hybrids)
Examination of vehicle electrics and electronics such as modules, wiring and connectors
Verification of the functionality of audio-visual or entertainment systems, including CD, Cassette, TV, DVD, iPod connectivity, sensors, alarm/security devices and satellite navigation systems/GPS
Check of the vehicle’s computer systems, such as trip meter computers, cruise control, and other onboard computer systems

Exhaust and Emission

Assessment of gas emissions
Inspection of catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters
Evaluation of LPG systems

What else is not included

Assessment of internal transmission and drivetrain mechanics
Identification and investigation of body water leaks
Estimation of the remaining lifespan of exhaust systems, clutches and dual mass flywheels
Assessing the efficiency of air conditioning systems (exact temperature range)

With all of our vehicle inspections, you’ll receive an easy-to read, detailed report including high resolution images of the vehicle, and any photographable faults that the mechanic finds.