Buying a used car is one of the bigger financial decisions most of us make, and there's a lot that can be hidden behind a fresh polish and a set of new floor mats. A pre-purchase inspection gives you an honest, independent assessment of a vehicle's true condition before you commit your money.
We see it all at our Glen Innes workshop - cars that look great on the outside but have worn-out transmissions, hidden rust, or electrical gremlins waiting to surface. Whether you're looking at a Toyota Hilux from a dealer yard, a private-sale Mazda CX-5, or a European import like a VW Golf or BMW 3 Series, we'll go over it properly and tell you exactly what we find. It's a small investment that can save you thousands in unexpected repair bills down the track.
What We Cover
- Engine condition - compression, oil leaks, timing components, and unusual noises
- Transmission and gearbox - shift quality, fluid condition, and signs of wear
- Suspension and steering - shocks, springs, bushings, ball joints, and tie rods
- Braking system - pad thickness, disc condition, brake lines, and ABS function
- Electrical systems - battery health, charging system, lights, and warning lights
- On-board diagnostics scan - fault codes across all vehicle systems
- Body and structural condition - rust, accident damage, panel alignment, and paint condition
- Fluid checks - engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and power steering
- Tyre condition - tread depth, age, wear patterns, and correct sizing
- Exhaust system - leaks, catalytic converter condition, and emissions
- Interior - controls, air conditioning, seatbelts, and overall wear
- Road test - engine performance, transmission behaviour, braking, and handling
How It Works
Give us a call on (09) 521 1009 or book online and let us know what vehicle you're looking at. You can either bring the vehicle to our Glen Innes workshop yourself, or arrange with the seller to have it dropped off.
We'll carry out a thorough mechanical, electrical, and body inspection, run a full diagnostic scan, and take the vehicle for a road test. The whole process usually takes one to two hours depending on the vehicle. Once we're done, we'll talk you through our findings in plain English and provide a written report you can use to make an informed decision - or negotiate a better price.
Pricing Guide
Pre-purchase inspection pricing varies by vehicle type, with larger vehicles, SUVs, and European models at the higher end due to additional diagnostic time. The inspection includes a full mechanical check, diagnostic scan, road test, and a written report.
Considering that a single hidden fault like a worn clutch or a failing turbo can lead to a significant repair bill, a pre-purchase inspection is some of the best money you'll spend during the car-buying process. Contact us for a quote.
Why Choose Eastern Bays
We've been working on cars in Glen Innes for over 20 years, so we know what to look for and what the common problems are across different makes and models. We're independent - we've got no connection to whoever is selling the vehicle, so our report is completely impartial.
Our technicians work on everything from Japanese imports like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Subaru, and Mazda through to European vehicles like BMW, Audi, VW, and Mercedes. We know the common failure points on each platform and check for them specifically. After the inspection, you'll get a clear, written report covering everything we found, including any upcoming maintenance costs you should factor into your purchase price.
We'll give you our honest opinion on whether the vehicle is worth what they're asking.
While you're here, we can also take care of vehicle diagnostics, full service and WOF inspection - everything under one roof at our Glen Innes workshop.