What you receive

See a real AAPPI inspection report

Every AAPPI inspection ends with a PDF report like the one below — 200+ checked items, photos of every flagged issue, mechanic's notes, and a clear pass / fail / advisory verdict on every section.

This is a redacted example of an AAPPI pre-purchase inspection report. Personal details have been removed, but the inspection structure, photos, mechanic notes, and verdict format are preserved.

PDF · Australian English · suitable for screen reading or printing.

Download sample report

What's in the report

Every report follows the same structure so you can scan it quickly and compare across cars if you're inspecting more than one.

Cover + vehicle details

Make, model, year, VIN, kilometres, registration. Inspector name and licence reference.

Section-by-section findings

200+ items across 8 sections, each with a verdict and notes. Photos attached on every flagged item.

Summary + recommendation

A plain-English summary of major findings, advisory items, and a clear recommendation: buy, negotiate, or walk away.

The 200+ points we check

Eight sections, every checkpoint photographed when flagged. The list below is a sample — the full inspection runs deeper than a quick read can capture.

Engine

  • Cold + warm start
  • Idle quality, smoke, rattles
  • Oil and coolant condition
  • Visible leaks (top + bottom)
  • Belts, hoses, mounts

Transmission & drivetrain

  • Gear engagement (manual + auto)
  • Clutch wear (manual)
  • Transmission fluid colour + level
  • CV joints, drive shafts
  • Differential noise

Brakes

  • Pad and rotor wear
  • Brake line corrosion
  • Handbrake operation
  • ABS function
  • Pull or pulse under braking

Suspension & steering

  • Shocks, struts, springs
  • Bushes, mounts, links
  • Steering response
  • Wheel bearings
  • Alignment indicators

Electrics

  • Battery health + charge
  • Alternator output
  • All lights + indicators
  • Wipers, horn, locks
  • Diagnostic scan (OBD-II)

Body & paint

  • Panel alignment
  • Repainted panel indicators
  • Rust + corrosion
  • Glass + seals
  • Underbody condition

Interior

  • Air-conditioning + heater
  • Infotainment + speakers
  • Seats, belts, airbags
  • Dashboard warning lights
  • Carpet for water damage

Road test

  • Acceleration under load
  • Braking pull or shudder
  • Drivetrain noise + vibration
  • Steering centre + return
  • Climate control under load

How the verdicts work

Every checked item gets one of three ratings. No fence-sitting, no jargon.

Pass

The item meets the expected condition for the vehicle’s age and kilometres. No action required.

Advisory

The item works now but is wearing or near end of life. You can buy, but plan for the spend.

Fail

The item is faulty, unsafe, or not roadworthy. Walk away, or use it to negotiate the cost of repair.

What you do with the report

Three paths, all of them worth more than the inspection cost.

Buy with confidence

Mostly passes, no major fails — you have evidence the car is what the seller says it is.

Negotiate the price

Use specific advisories or fails to ask for a discount equal to the cost of upcoming repairs.

Walk away

A serious fail (engine, transmission, structural) saves you tens of thousands. The inspection paid for itself.

Sample report FAQ

Is this a real inspection report?+

Yes. The sample is a real AAPPI inspection with the vehicle ID, owner details, and inspector name redacted. Everything else — checkpoints, photos, mechanic notes, verdicts — is exactly what you receive.

How quickly will I receive my report?+

Most reports land in your inbox within 1–3 business days of the inspection. Many workshops deliver same-day for inspections completed before noon.

Can I share the report with the seller?+

Yes. The PDF is yours. Use it to negotiate price, request repairs before purchase, or walk away with evidence in hand.

Do I get the photos as separate files?+

The photos are embedded in the PDF report at full resolution. You can save individual images from the PDF if you need to send them separately.

Get this report on the car you're about to buy

Find a workshop near where the car is. Pay online. Receive your report.

Find a workshop near the car