Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections Melbourne
Independent pre-purchase inspections for vans, utes and light commercial vehicles, with mechanical assessment, relevant diagnostic checks and a written summary of what we find.
Book an InspectionCall (03) 9775 1133A short test drive and tidy presentation do not tell you everything about a used commercial vehicle. A proper inspection should look at the vehicle’s mechanical condition, service history, visible wear and any relevant diagnostic information before you commit to the purchase.
What Our Pre-Purchase Inspection Can Cover
Engine & Cooling
Visible leaks, fluid condition, operating concerns and relevant engine-bay components.
Brakes & Suspension
Relevant brake, steering, suspension and tyre-condition observations.
Transmission & Driveline
Operating concerns, leaks and visible driveline issues where apparent during inspection.
Diagnostic Scan
Stored fault codes and relevant system information where appropriate to the vehicle.
Service History
Available records considered alongside kilometres and current condition.
Commercial-Use Condition
Signs of heavy payload use, high kilometres, fleet use or deferred maintenance where visible.
Roadworthy Certificate vs Pre-Purchase Inspection
| Pre-Purchase Inspection | Victorian Roadworthy Certificate | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Help the buyer understand the vehicle’s broader condition before purchase. | Assess specified safety-related items for Victorian roadworthiness requirements. |
| Mechanical condition | Broader condition assessment within the inspection scope. | Not intended to be a comprehensive mechanical-condition report. |
| Buyer decision support | Yes — findings can help inform whether to proceed, negotiate or investigate further. | Different purpose; it should not be treated as a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. |
How the Inspection Works
Arrange for the vehicle to attend our Carrum Downs workshop.
Assess the relevant mechanical and condition items within the inspection scope.
Review stored fault codes and relevant system information where useful.
Provide a written summary of findings and items that may need attention or further diagnosis.
What We Commonly Look For on Working Vans
Commercial vehicles can accumulate wear differently from lightly used passenger cars. We pay attention to service history, kilometres, tyre wear, brake and suspension condition, fluid leaks, warning lights, cooling-system concerns, evidence of heavy use and other findings relevant to the individual vehicle.
We Don’t Decide Whether You Should Buy the Vehicle
Our role is to inspect and explain the vehicle in front of us. We identify relevant findings, distinguish between current concerns and items that may require future attention, and explain when further diagnosis would be sensible. The purchase decision remains yours.
Related Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Roadworthy Certificate replace a pre-purchase inspection?
No. They have different purposes. A pre-purchase inspection is intended to help you understand the broader mechanical condition of a vehicle before purchase.
Do you scan the vehicle for fault codes?
Where appropriate, diagnostic scanning can be included to review stored fault codes and relevant system information. Scan data is considered together with the physical inspection and vehicle condition.
Do you provide a written report?
Yes. We provide a written summary of the inspection findings, including items that may require attention or further diagnosis.
Do you inspect commercial vans?
Yes. Progressive Vans focuses on vans, utes and light commercial vehicles and carries out pre-purchase inspections from our Carrum Downs workshop.
Looking at a Used Commercial Vehicle?
Book an independent inspection before you commit to the purchase.
Contact Progressive Vans