The report
What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Report Include?
Every AAPPI inspection ends with a photo-backed PDF report. Here is exactly what it contains — and what you can do with it after you receive it.
What the report contains
Six sections, delivered as a single PDF — same format across every AAPPI workshop.
Cover page
Vehicle details (make, model, year, registration), inspection date, workshop name, inspecting mechanic, and the overall verdict — visible at a glance before opening the full report.
Section-by-section findings
Eight inspection categories, each with a verdict (pass, advisory, or fail) and an item-level breakdown. Every finding is recorded individually — not summarised into a single category score.
Photo evidence
Every flagged item includes one or more photos taken by the inspector on the day. Photos are embedded in the report next to the relevant finding — not in a separate attachment.
Mechanic notes
The inspecting mechanic adds written notes to any item that warrants explanation. Notes describe what was found, the severity, and in many cases whether the item is urgent or advisory.
Overall verdict
A summary verdict closes the report: Recommended, Conditional, or Not Recommended. This is the mechanic's professional assessment of the car's overall condition at the time of inspection.
Tyre, battery, and logbook summary
Remaining tyre tread depth per corner, battery condition, and a service logbook check — does the claimed history match the car's physical wear markers.
See a real AAPPI report
The sample report page shows a complete, redacted AAPPI inspection report from a real Brisbane inspection. Every section, every photo format, and every verdict type — exactly what you receive after booking.
Understanding the overall verdict
Every AAPPI report closes with one of three overall verdicts — the mechanic's professional assessment of the car's condition at the time of inspection.
Recommended
The car is in good mechanical condition for its age and mileage. No significant faults were found. Minor advisories may still be noted — these are normal wear items, not deal-breakers.
Conditional
The car has faults or wear items that need attention. The overall condition is acceptable provided the buyer negotiates on price, or the seller rectifies the items before purchase.
Not Recommended
Significant mechanical faults were found that make the car a poor purchase at the current asking price, or that present safety concerns. The buyer should walk away or require substantial repair commitments from the seller.
The overall verdict is the mechanic's professional assessment — not an automated score. A Conditional verdict does not necessarily mean walk away. The report gives you the information; you make the decision.
What to do with the report
The report is yours. Three ways buyers use their AAPPI reports.
Buy with confidence
A clean report gives you objective evidence that the car is in good condition. You are making an informed purchase, not a leap of faith.
Negotiate on findings
Use flagged items to negotiate the asking price down by the estimated cost of repairs. The report gives you a documented, credible basis for negotiation.
Walk away informed
If the faults are major, you have a clear reason to walk away before any money changes hands. The report is your evidence, not just a gut feeling.
What does the inspection actually check?
The 200+ point checklist covers eight categories — engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical, body, interior, and road test. See the full item-level checklist.
Inspection report FAQ
What does the AAPPI inspection report look like?+
The AAPPI inspection report is a PDF document structured in eight inspection sections, each with item-level verdicts, embedded photos on flagged items, and mechanic notes. It closes with an overall verdict — Recommended, Conditional, or Not Recommended. You can view a full sample report at aappi.com.au/sample-report.
How is the report delivered?+
The PDF report is emailed to the address you provided at booking. For inspections completed before noon, reports are typically delivered the same day. All reports are delivered within 1–3 business days.
Can I share the report with the seller?+
Yes. The report is yours to use however you choose — share it with the seller to support a price negotiation, show it to a solicitor, or keep it for your own records. AAPPI does not place any restrictions on how you use your inspection report.
Does the report include a repair cost estimate?+
No. AAPPI reports document the condition of the vehicle, not the cost to repair it. The mechanic records what they found — the buyer uses the report to obtain their own repair quotes if needed. This keeps the inspection objective and avoids conflicts of interest.
What if I disagree with the report's verdict?+
The report reflects the mechanic's professional assessment on the day of inspection. If you believe an item has been incorrectly recorded, contact AAPPI and we will raise it with the workshop. The inspecting mechanic's findings are based on the car's condition at the time — condition can change between inspection and purchase.
Is the report the same format across all AAPPI workshops?+
Yes. All AAPPI workshops use the same standardised digital checklist and the same report format. This is part of the AAPPI approval process — consistent reporting is a requirement of being listed on the platform.
Can I use the report as legal evidence?+
The report documents the professional findings of a licensed mechanic and can be used as evidence of the car's condition at the time of purchase. AAPPI cannot provide legal advice on how to use the report in a dispute — consult a solicitor if that is your need.
Get your own report before you buy
Book an approved workshop. Licensed mechanic inspection. Photo-backed PDF report delivered within 1–3 business days.