Car Inspection FAQ Sydney - Your Questions Answered

How much does car inspection cost? What is PPSR check? Get answers to all your car inspection questions in Sydney.

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How much does a car inspection cost in Sydney?

Our pricing is straightforward and transparent:

  • Workshop Inspection: $220 - Bring the vehicle to our Smithfield location
  • Mobile Inspection: $258 - We come to you anywhere in Greater Sydney

Both services include the same comprehensive 150+ point inspection, 100+ HD photos, PPSR check, JPI Sentinel™ odometer verification, and detailed same-day report.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure payment processor Stripe. Payment is required at the time of booking to confirm your inspection appointment.

Are there any hidden fees for car inspection?

No hidden fees! The price you see is what you pay. This includes:

  • Complete 150+ point inspection
  • 100+ high-definition photos
  • PPSR check (usually $2-10 elsewhere)
  • JPI Sentinel™ odometer check (free service)
  • Comprehensive PDF report
  • Same-day delivery

The only potential additional cost is for locations beyond our standard 50km service area, which we'll discuss upfront when booking.

What's included in a car inspection in Sydney?

Every JPI car inspection includes:

  • 150+ Point Comprehensive Check covering engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical, and body
  • 100+ High-Definition Photos documenting every aspect of the vehicle
  • Professional Hoist Inspection (workshop) or thorough undercarriage check (mobile)
  • Test Drive Assessment including performance and handling evaluation
  • PPSR Check to verify no finance owing, theft, or write-off history
  • JPI Sentinel™ Check free odometer verification against our database
  • Detailed PDF Report with findings, photos, and repair cost estimates
  • Same-Day Delivery of your complete report

How long does a car inspection take?

A full inspection takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete thoroughly. Report delivery times:

  • Mobile Inspections: Report delivered within 2 hours
  • Workshop Inspections: Same-day report delivery

We prioritize quality over speed, ensuring every component is properly inspected and documented.

Do you offer mobile car inspection in Sydney?

Yes! Our mobile car inspection service covers all of Greater Sydney including:

  • Sydney CBD and Inner West
  • Parramatta and Western Sydney
  • Liverpool and South West
  • Penrith and Blacktown
  • North Shore and Northern Beaches
  • Eastern Suburbs
  • Campbelltown and surrounding areas

We service locations within 50km of our Smithfield base. Our inspector brings all necessary equipment to perform a comprehensive inspection at the vehicle's location for $258.

What's the difference between mobile and workshop car inspection?

Mobile Inspection ($258):

  • We come to the vehicle location
  • Includes test drive
  • 2-hour report delivery
  • Same comprehensive checks

Workshop Inspection ($220):

  • Vehicle brought to our Smithfield workshop
  • Professional hoist access for better undercarriage inspection
  • Same-day report delivery
  • Same comprehensive checks

Both include identical inspection standards, photos, and report quality.

What is JPI Sentinel™ and is it really free?

JPI Sentinel™ is our FREE anti-odometer tampering verification system. Here's how it works:

  • We've tracked over 20,000 vehicles until 15/02/2025 in the Australian market and this number is fast growing
  • We record odometer readings from public listings and inspections
  • When you check a VIN, we compare it against our historical database
  • We instantly detect suspicious odometer rollbacks
  • 100% FREE - no credit card required, no hidden fees

Approximately 10% of vehicles we check show signs of odometer tampering. This free service has saved our customers thousands of dollars in potential losses.

What is PPSR check and do I need one?

A PPSR check (Personal Property Securities Register) is essential before buying any used car in Sydney. It reveals:

  • Finance Owing: Whether the vehicle has outstanding loans
  • Stolen Status: If the vehicle has been reported stolen
  • Write-Off History: Insurance write-offs and damage records
  • Registration Status: Current registration details

We include a free PPSR check with every inspection. If you just need a PPSR check, you can get one through official channels for $2.

What's the difference between PPSR check and REVS check?

PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) replaced REVS check in 2012. They serve the same purpose:

  • REVS: Old state-based system (discontinued)
  • PPSR: Current national register covering all of Australia

When people say "REVS check NSW" or "REVS check," they usually mean PPSR check. PPSR is more comprehensive and covers the entire country, making it more reliable for interstate vehicles.

How do I know if a car's odometer has been tampered with?

Here's how to detect odometer fraud:

  • Use JPI Sentinel™: Check the VIN against our database of 20,000+ tracked vehicles for free
  • Service History: Compare odometer with service records and logbooks
  • Physical Signs: Our inspectors look for dashboard tampering, misaligned numbers, or scratches around the odometer
  • Wear vs. Mileage: We assess if the vehicle's condition matches the claimed kilometers

During our inspection, we thoroughly document the odometer reading and cross-check it with our Sentinel™ database and physical evidence.

How do I book a vehicle inspection?

Booking is quick and easy:

  1. Click "Book Now" on our website
  2. Choose mobile or workshop inspection
  3. Select your preferred date and time
  4. Enter vehicle and location details
  5. Complete secure payment
  6. Receive instant confirmation

Alternatively, call us at 0416 555 557 and we'll handle everything over the phone.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my booking?

Our cancellation policy:

  • Within 24 hours: Inspection fee becomes non-refundable
  • Within 12 hours: No refund available, full fee applies

We recommend booking in advance and notifying us immediately if you need to change your appointment. We're always happy to reschedule with adequate notice.

Can I reschedule my inspection appointment?

Yes! You can reschedule your appointment:

  • 24+ hours notice: Free rescheduling, no additional charges
  • Less than 24 hours: Subject to availability, may incur additional fees

Contact us at report@jpi.report or call 0416 555 557 to reschedule. We'll do our best to accommodate your new preferred time.

How soon can I get an inspection?

We offer flexible scheduling:

  • Same Day: Often available for urgent inspections (call us)
  • Next Day: Usually available when booked before 5 PM
  • Within 48 Hours: Guaranteed availability

For the fastest service, book online or call us directly at 0416 555 557. We understand buying a car is time-sensitive and will prioritize urgent requests.

Do I need to be present during the inspection?

You don't need to be present, but you're welcome to attend! Here's how it works:

  • You Don't Need to Be There: We can coordinate directly with the seller
  • You're Welcome to Attend: Many buyers like to see the inspection process
  • Real-Time Updates: We can call you during the inspection if major issues are found

Whether you attend or not, you'll receive the same comprehensive report with all findings documented.

What if the inspection finds major problems?

Our report helps you make informed decisions:

  • Detailed Findings: Every issue documented with photos and severity rating
  • Repair Cost Estimates: We provide approximate costs for repairs
  • Negotiation Power: Use the report to negotiate a lower price
  • Walk Away Confidence: If issues are too severe, you can decline the purchase

On average, our inspections save buyers $5,000 by either avoiding problematic vehicles or negotiating better prices.

Can you inspect cars from dealerships?

Absolutely! We inspect vehicles from:

  • Car Dealerships: Both licensed and independent dealers
  • Private Sellers: Individual owners
  • Online Listings: Carsales, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree
  • Auctions: Vehicles from auction houses (when accessible)

Even dealer-sold cars benefit from independent inspection. We've found undisclosed issues in 65% of dealer vehicles we inspect.

What areas in Sydney do you service?

We service all Greater Sydney areas within 50km of BURWOOD, including:

  • Western Sydney: Parramatta, Blacktown, Penrith, Liverpool
  • Sydney CBD: City, Inner West, Surry Hills
  • North Shore: Chatswood, North Sydney, Hornsby
  • Eastern Suburbs: Bondi, Randwick, Maroubra
  • South West: Campbelltown, Bankstown, Fairfield
  • Hills District: Castle Hill, Baulkham Hills, Rouse Hill

For locations beyond 50km, contact us for availability and potential travel fees.

Is car inspection worth it before buying a used car?

Absolutely! A pre-purchase car inspection is one of the best investments you can make:

  • Average Savings: $1,000+ - Either by avoiding bad cars or negotiating better prices
  • 10% Fraud Detection: We find odometer tampering in 1 out of 10 cars checked
  • 30% Have Issues: Most used cars have undisclosed problems
  • Peace of Mind: Know exactly what you're buying

At $258 for mobile car inspection in Sydney, it's a small price compared to potential repair costs of $3,000-$10,000.

Can I get a free PPSR check?

Yes! You get a FREE PPSR check when you book our car inspection:

  • With Car Inspection: FREE PPSR check included
  • Standalone PPSR: from official PPSR website
  • Our Recommendation: Get the full car inspection + FREE PPSR for complete peace of mind

A PPSR check alone only shows finance/stolen status. Our complete car inspection in Sydney includes PPSR check PLUS mechanical inspection, odometer verification, and 100+ HD photos - much better value at $258.

What should I look for in a car inspection service?

When choosing a car inspection service in Sydney, look for:

  • Comprehensive Checks: Minimum 100+ point inspection
  • Photo Documentation: 100+ HD photos of all issues
  • PPSR Check Included: Should be free with inspection
  • Odometer Verification: Database check for tampering
  • Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees
  • Same-Day Reports: Fast turnaround time
  • Mobile Service: Convenience of on-site inspection

JPI car inspection service includes all of these features plus 3D interactive reports - unique in Sydney.

How much does mobile car inspection cost in Sydney?

Mobile car inspection pricing in Sydney:

  • JPI Mobile Inspection: $258 (includes everything below)
  • Competitors: $250-$400 (often with extra fees)

What's included in our $258 mobile car inspection:

  • 150+ point comprehensive check
  • 100+ HD photos
  • FREE PPSR check (worth $25-40)
  • FREE odometer verification
  • 3D interactive report
  • Cost estimates for repairs
  • 2-hour report delivery
  • Mobile service anywhere in Sydney (50km radius)

No hidden fees, no extra charges. Best value mobile car inspection in Sydney.

Do I need a car inspection if buying from a dealer?

Absolutely — and here’s why:

  • Peace of Mind: An independent inspection provides an unbiased assessment of the vehicle’s true condition.
  • Comprehensive Check: It helps identify wear, previous repairs, or maintenance issues that may not be immediately visible.
  • Better Decision-Making: A detailed inspection report allows you to make informed purchase and warranty decisions.
  • Negotiation Confidence: Understanding the vehicle’s real condition can support fair pricing discussions.

Even though most dealers conduct their own inspections, an independent review ensures complete transparency and aligns with best practices when purchasing any used vehicle in Sydney.

How do I check if a car has finance owing?

To check if a car has finance owing in NSW/Sydney:

  • Get PPSR Check: $2 from official PPSR website
  • Or Book Car Inspection: FREE PPSR check included with our $258 inspection

What PPSR check shows:

  • Outstanding finance/loans on the vehicle
  • Security interests registered against the car
  • If you could be liable for previous owner's debt

Important: If you buy a car with finance owing without a PPSR check, the lender can repossess the vehicle even though you paid for it. Always get a PPSR check before purchasing any used car in Sydney.

Still Have Car Inspection Questions?

Get answers about car inspection cost, PPSR checks, or mobile service in Sydney. Call us at 0416 555 557 or book online now.

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