Brisbane launch market
Mobile pre-purchase car inspection
When the seller won't take the car to a workshop, AAPPI's licensed mechanic comes to the car — anywhere across greater Brisbane. Same 200+ point check, same photo-backed PDF report, with one honest caveat: a few hoist-dependent items are limited compared to an in-workshop inspection.
When mobile makes sense
For most car purchases, in-workshop is the right call. These are the situations where mobile is the better fit.
Private seller won’t release the car
Some private sellers won’t hand the keys over for a workshop visit. A mobile inspection meets them where the car is — driveway, kerb, parking lot.
Dealership won’t let the car leave the lot
Most dealerships allow third-party inspections on-site but won’t release the car. A mobile mechanic comes to them, runs the inspection in their bay or yard.
You’re short on time before the deal closes
The seller has another buyer lined up tomorrow. A mobile inspection can usually happen sooner than booking a workshop slot — you decide before you lose the car.
The car is far from a workshop
A car parked in an outer suburb might be 40+ km from your nearest verified workshop. Mobile is the practical choice when distance makes in-shop impossible.
Mobile is not identical to in-workshop
We'd rather call out the limits than oversell the convenience. Read the four constraints below before you book mobile over in-workshop.
What's limited with mobile
Underbody hoist checks
Without a hoist, undercarriage inspection is limited to what a mechanic can see lying on the ground or with a torch. Subframe corrosion, mount wear, and exhaust mid-pipe condition all benefit from a hoist.
Dyno or load testing
Mobile inspections include a normal road test but no dyno time. For high-performance vehicles where engine output verification matters, an in-shop inspection is the better choice.
Tyre off / brake disc removal
Some checks (e.g. inner brake-pad measurement, full hub condition) require pulling a wheel. Mobile inspections cover what’s visible without disassembly.
Weather dependence
A mobile inspection in heavy rain is harder than the same check in a covered workshop bay. The mechanic will reschedule rather than rush a check they can’t do properly.
In-workshop vs mobile, side by side
Same scope on the items that matter to most buyers. Hoist-dependent items are the real difference.
| Feature | In-workshop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Same 200+ point scope | ||
| Photo-backed PDF report | ||
| Pass / fail / advisory verdicts | ||
| Hoist-based underbody check | Limited | |
| Dyno or load testing | No | |
| Wheel-off brake measurements | No | |
| Inspector travels to seller | ||
| Best when seller won’t release car | ||
| Starts from | $250 | $399 |
See the full pricing breakdown on the pricing page.
Coverage — greater Brisbane only
AAPPI is launching mobile inspections across greater Brisbane in 2026. That covers Hendra, Newstead, Moorooka, South Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redcliffe, and surrounding suburbs — anywhere a licensed AAPPI mechanic can reach within standard travel time. Outside this area, an in-workshop inspection is the path forward.
Other cities — launching next
How a mobile inspection works
Three steps. Same delivery time as an in-workshop inspection.
- 1
Book and pin the location
Choose mobile inspection, then add the address where the car is parked. Pay through AAPPI.
- 2
Mechanic arrives on time
A licensed AAPPI mechanic arrives at the agreed time with portable diagnostic tools and a digital checklist.
- 3
Report within 1–3 business days
Same PDF report as an in-workshop inspection — sections, photos, mechanic notes, verdicts. Often same-day for inspections completed before noon.
Same report, mobile or in-workshop
See the PDF report you'll receive after the inspection — mobile or in-workshop, the format is identical.
Mobile inspection FAQ
For broader questions about AAPPI and the inspection process, see the full FAQ.
Where can the AAPPI mobile inspector come?+
Anywhere in greater Brisbane during our launch. Inspector travels to the seller — private home, dealership, parking lot, anywhere safe and legal to inspect a car.
Is a mobile inspection as thorough as a workshop inspection?+
Almost — but not identical. The same 200+ point check runs both ways. The difference is hoist-dependent items: full underbody, subframe, and structural checks are limited without a hoist. For most everyday cars, mobile covers 90%+ of what matters.
How much extra is mobile vs in-workshop?+
In-workshop starts at $250. Mobile starts at $399. The premium covers the inspector’s travel time and on-site setup.
What if the seller cancels at the last minute?+
If the seller no-shows, AAPPI rebooks at no extra cost or refunds you in full. The inspector’s travel risk doesn’t fall on you.
Which cities offer mobile inspections?+
Brisbane only during our 2026 launch. Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Perth, and Adelaide are next on the roadmap.
Book a mobile inspection in Brisbane
Pre-paid, pre-booked. Mechanic arrives at the seller, runs the check, sends the report.