How Much Does a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Cost in Melbourne?

Quick answer

SMGLR Auto Checks mobile pre-purchase inspections in Melbourne start from A$249. The right package depends on how much diagnostic depth, body and paint assessment, and post-inspection support you want before buying the vehicle.

The cheapest inspection is not automatically the best value. The better question is what level of evidence you need for the vehicle you are considering.

What changes the price?

SMGLR offers different inspection levels rather than one identical inspection for every buyer. SMGLR Essential covers the core mechanical and safety inspection. Premium adds deeper diagnostic and live-data checks where the vehicle supports them. Plus adds the Full Body & Paint Assessment Report, a Vehicle History Check, repair and maintenance cost guidance, negotiation assistance and post-inspection support.

The full road-test video is available as an optional +A$20 add-on with any package, where safe, legal and permitted. A flat A$20 travel charge applies on SMGLR Essential and SMGLR Premium when the vehicle is more than 25 km from Melbourne CBD (no travel charge on SMGLR Plus).

Which package should I choose?

For a straightforward lower-value vehicle, the core inspection may be enough. For a European vehicle, late-model car, vehicle with warning lights, or anything where diagnostic information matters, a deeper package can provide more useful evidence. If previous paintwork, accident repairs or future repair costs are a major concern, SMGLR Plus is the package designed around that extra buyer-side assessment.

Before you book

Send SMGLR the vehicle listing and suburb first. We can confirm availability, travel requirements and the most suitable inspection level before you pay.