AAPPI service
Pre-purchase car inspection — 200+ point check
AAPPI — Auto Assure Pre-Purchase Inspection — is Australia's marketplace for certified used-car inspections. A licensed mechanic checks 200+ points on the car you're about to buy, takes photos of every issue found, and delivers a PDF report within 1–3 business days. Launching in Brisbane in 2026.
What we check — 200+ points across 8 sections
Every AAPPI inspection follows the same structure so you can compare cars if you're inspecting more than one. Each item gets a photo when flagged.
Engine & cooling
- Cold + warm start
- Idle quality, smoke, rattles
- Visible leaks (top + bottom)
- Belts, hoses, mounts
- Coolant condition + level
- Diagnostic scan (OBD-II)
Transmission & drivetrain
- Auto + manual gear engagement
- Clutch wear (manual)
- Transmission fluid colour
- CV joints, drive shafts
- Differential noise
- 4WD-specific drivetrain (utes/4WDs)
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 + return
- Wheel bearings
- Tyres + tread depth
Electrics
- Battery health + charge
- Alternator output
- All lights + indicators
- Wipers, horn, locks
- Infotainment + accessories
Body & paint
- Panel alignment
- Repainted panel indicators
- Rust + corrosion
- Glass + seals
- Underbody condition
Interior
- Air-conditioning + heater
- Seats, belts, airbags
- Dashboard warning lights
- Carpet for water damage
- Climate control under load
Road test
- Acceleration under load
- Braking pull or shudder
- Drivetrain noise + vibration
- Steering centre + return
- Climate control during drive
See exactly what you'll receive
Every inspection ends with a PDF report — full checklist, photos, mechanic notes, and a clear recommendation. Look at a real one before you book.
How an AAPPI inspection works
Three steps, 1–3 business days from booking to report.
- 1
Find a workshop near the car
Search AAPPI by suburb or postcode where the seller is located — not where you live.
- 2
Book and pay online
Pick a time, enter the car details, and pay through AAPPI. The workshop confirms within hours.
- 3
Receive your report
A licensed mechanic completes the 200+ point inspection. Your photo-backed PDF lands within 1–3 business days.
In-workshop or mobile inspection?
Both run the AAPPI 200+ point check. The choice depends on whether the seller will release the car to a workshop.
In-workshop inspection
The seller takes the car to a verified AAPPI workshop. Full hoist access for thorough underbody and structural checks. Best when the seller will co-operate.
From
$250
Mobile inspection
An AAPPI mechanic travels to the seller's location across greater Brisbane. Same 200+ point check — with some hoist-dependent items limited compared to in-workshop.
From
$399
See mobile inspection detailsWhere AAPPI operates
Brisbane is our launch market. Other Australian cities are next as our partner-workshop network grows.
Brisbane
Live
Sydney
Launching next
Melbourne
Launching next
Gold Coast
Launching next
Perth
Launching next
Adelaide
Launching next
Common questions
Quick answers below. For the full FAQ, including questions about AAPPI as a marketplace, see /faq.
What does an AAPPI pre-purchase car inspection check?+
A 200+ point check across engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrics, body, interior, and a road test. Every flagged item has a photo and a pass / fail / advisory verdict.
How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?+
A standard inspection takes 60–90 minutes on-site. The report is finalised and emailed within 1–3 business days, often the same day for inspections completed before noon.
How much does a pre-purchase car inspection cost?+
Standard sedans and hatches start at $250. SUVs, 4WDs and utes start at $325. Mobile inspections (where the inspector travels to the seller) start at $399. See full pricing for the breakdown.
Can I get an inspection on a car I haven’t bought yet?+
That’s exactly when an inspection matters most. Book before you commit. The seller takes the car to the workshop on the day, the report comes to you, and you decide.
What if the seller refuses an inspection?+
Walk away. A genuine private seller or dealer with nothing to hide will accept a third-party mechanical inspection. Refusal is the loudest red flag in used-car buying.
What if the workshop cancels?+
Full refund or AAPPI rebooks you with another partner workshop at no extra cost.
Inspect before you buy
Find a workshop near where the car is. Pay online. Receive your report.