For peace of mind when buying a used car, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified technician makes perfect sense. That’s why RedBook Inspect, a carsales subsidiary, has delivered an extra level of reassurance to buyers of second-hand cars for many years.
However, in addition to RedBook Inspect’s Standard Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI), it now also offers Lite and Ultimate inspections, designed to provide different levels of condition checks and insights to suit a range of budgets and needs.
While the three levels of inspection services mean you can now choose an option that best suits you, the buying confidence delivered by one of Australia’s leading motor inspection providers remains the same (and helps you steer clear of any lemons!).
The first of the three tiers in RedBook Inspect’s PPI offering is the Lite Package, which costs $185.
Providing confidence on a budget, the Lite PPI Package is an affordable alternative that won’t burn a hole in your pocket but gives you all the essential information you need when purchasing a used car.
While more general, this option still provides a quality overview of the car you are interested in and checks the car’s condition. This includes checks of the engine and key safety components, as well as tyres and wheels plus general driving performance via a 2-3km test drive, all of which contribute to help you make an informed buying decision.
And the process couldn’t be easier. Simply book the inspection and then let RedBook Inspect take care of the entire process, from contacting the seller and arranging a booking time to conducting the inspection itself.
“Our new Lite Package is perfect for many types of used car buyers,” says RedBook Inspect’s Barry Freeman. “If you're purchasing a car still under warranty or prioritise safety and road performance over the condition of interior trims or exterior panels, Lite could be the right choice for you.”
The second of the three tiers, the Standard Package, is RedBook Inspect’s original service, which is well-known and has been highly regarded by customers for years.
Priced at $285, this option includes all the features of the Lite Package inspection but also adds a visual check of the interior and exterior, along with damage repairs as well.
The test drive is longer, at 3-5km, providing a bit more time for any issues to rear their head, and you will also receive a post-inspection phone call with the inspector along with a carsales Car History Report.
“Over the last 17 years, RedBook Inspect has developed its pre-purchase inspection to meet the needs of Australian buyers, helping buyers make a safer and more informed purchasing decision,” says Mr Freeman. “Now called the Standard Package, our cornerstone inspection, is here to stay.”
As the name suggests, the Ultimate Package features the most inclusions, including walkthrough videos of the interior, exterior, and engine bay, plus any key findings that are within the inspection’s scope. The test drive is also longer again, at 5-10km.
Priced at $585, the inspection service is extensive and completed by qualified and accredited inspectors who will empower you to make the right purchasing decision.
The Ultimate PPI is also speedy and efficient. Not only do you jump the queue with priority booking, but there is a 36-hour turnaround for the inspection, report, and Car History Report. That means that if time is of the essence, this package has you covered without safety being compromised.
“The top-end Ultimate Package caters to serious buyers who want immersive videos of the vehicle’s condition,” says Mr Freeman. “Ultimate bookings also take top priority for the fastest turnaround time. In a competitive market, the ability to quickly assess a vehicle's condition is crucial, making Ultimate a great choice.”
While the three packages vary, what remains consistent across them all is the outcome – a reliable report of the used car in question. The RedBook Inspect service can detect undisclosed issues to help ensure safety and reliability, helping you make an informed decision. And if you decide ‘Yes!’, you can even use the report to negotiate a fair price reflective of the car’s actual condition.
So, don’t leave purchasing your next second-hand car to chance. Head to RedBook Inspect, select your preferred level of service, and relax in the knowledge you’re in safe and experienced hands.