Pre-Purchase Inspections Melbourne

S & S Mobile Mechanic provides pre-purchase inspections for drivers who want professional vehicle care without the inconvenience of organising a workshop visit. We attend suitable homes, workplaces and fleet locations across Melbourne's northern and inner suburbs, including Bundoora, Alphington, Ivanhoe, Kew, Preston, Reservoir and surrounding areas.

Professional pre-purchase inspections at your location

S & S Mobile Mechanic offers three pre-purchase inspection levels so buyers can choose the amount of checking and documentation they need before purchasing a used vehicle.

The Basic inspection is an on-the-spot vehicle condition assessment. Issues, recommendations and suggested repairs are explained verbally at the vehicle. This tier does not include a detailed written report or attached inspection photos.

The Comprehensive inspection adds a detailed mechanical and safety check sheet, diagnostic scan, road test, written findings, repair recommendations and an overall purchase recommendation.

The Diamond inspection includes the Comprehensive mechanical, safety, diagnostic and road-test assessment plus a more detailed written report with supporting inspection photos. Findings, issues, repair priorities, recommendations and purchase guidance are documented for the customer.

All inspections assess the vehicle in the condition presented at the time. Hidden, internal or intermittent faults may not be detected without dismantling, extended testing or specialist workshop procedures.

Before attending, we ask for the registration, make, model, location and a clear description of the service or symptoms. This helps us assess the likely scope of work, bring suitable equipment and parts, and explain what to expect before the booking is confirmed.

What this service can involve

The exact work depends on the vehicle, its age, kilometres, service history and the condition found during inspection. Rather than replacing parts by guesswork, the aim is to inspect the relevant system, identify what is actually required and discuss the recommended repair with you.

• Confirm the vehicle, seller location and inspection package
• Check identification details, visible condition and available service history
• Inspect the engine bay, fluids, leaks and accessible mechanical systems
• Assess brakes, tyres, steering, suspension and underbody components where accessible
• Road test the vehicle when legal, safe and permitted
• Perform diagnostic scanning on Comprehensive and Diamond inspections
• Record findings, repair priorities and purchase guidance according to the selected package
• Explain the results clearly before you commit to the vehicle

When a pre-purchase inspection is useful

A new noise, warning light, fluid leak, vibration, starting problem or change in how the vehicle drives is worth investigating. Some issues are minor when caught early but can become more expensive if the vehicle continues to be driven without diagnosis.

• Buying a used vehicle from a private seller or dealer
• Vehicle has incomplete or uncertain service history
• You want an independent mechanical opinion before paying a deposit or final balance
• Warning lights, leaks, noises or visible defects are present
• Recent repairs or accident history are unclear
• You want estimated repair priorities before deciding whether to buy
• You need written findings or photo evidence to help with the purchase decision

How the inspection or repair works

1. Tell us about the vehicle. Send the registration, make, model, suburb and a description of the problem or service required.
2. We review the likely job. We consider access, parts, tools and whether the work is suitable for a mobile appointment.
3. We attend and inspect. The vehicle is checked and the findings are explained before additional work is approved.
4. Repair and final checks. Approved work is completed where practical, followed by relevant testing and a clear explanation of any further recommendations.

Can this service be completed on site?

Pre-purchase inspections are highly suited to mobile attendance at a seller, dealer, home or workplace location when there is safe access to the vehicle and permission for the inspection and road test.

Mobile work depends on the specific repair and the working environment. The vehicle needs a safe, legal and suitably level area with enough room around it for the required work. We confirm these requirements before attendance so that the booking is practical and safe.

When workshop support is the better option

A mobile inspection cannot replace dismantling, compression testing, internal engine or transmission inspection, laboratory analysis or specialist workshop diagnosis when a hidden fault is suspected. Further workshop testing may be recommended before purchase.

S & S Mobile Mechanic is connected with Luca Motors Bosch Car Service in Alphington. This creates a practical workshop path for repairs that require lifting equipment, workshop-only tooling, extended dismantling or conditions that are not suitable for driveway or roadside work.

See how mobile bookings transfer to workshop support in Alphington →

Vehicles we service

We work on a broad range of petrol and diesel vehicles as well as selected hybrid models. Experience includes Mitsubishi, Holden, Toyota, Hyundai and Isuzu, along with many other Japanese, Korean and European vehicles. Full electric vehicle servicing is not currently offered.

Why customers choose S & S Mobile Mechanic

• Diploma-qualified automotive repair technician
• More than eight years of automotive experience
• Experience with Mitsubishi, Holden, Toyota, Hyundai and Isuzu
• Petrol, diesel and selected hybrid vehicle support
• Fully insured mobile operation
• Eligible work covered up to one year or 20,000 km, subject to invoice terms
• Open 24 hours for calls and booking enquiries
• More than 1,500 completed customer jobs
• Same-day bookings when scheduling and parts availability allow

Mobile service areas

We provide mobile mechanic appointments across Melbourne's northern and inner suburbs. Use the links below to view local service information for some of our main areas.

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Frequently asked questions