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Guide · updated 02/11/2026
Buying a used car on the Gold Coast
A practical checklist for buying a used car from a dealer or private seller, what a pre-purchase inspection covers, and why a PPSR check matters.
Before you go and see the car
- Get the VIN and rego. Ask the seller for both, and make sure they match the car and the paperwork when you see it.
- Do a PPSR search. It shows if money is still owed on the car, or if it's been reported stolen or written off. If finance is owing, the lender can take the car back even after you've paid.
- Ask for the service history. Regular servicing is a good sign; big gaps or no records are worth asking about.
When you see it
- Ask to start it from cold, and watch for smoke and listen for knocks or rattles.
- Look under the car and in the engine bay for oil, coolant or fuel leaks.
- Check the tyres for even wear and the panels for uneven gaps or paint that doesn't match, which can point to repairs.
- Make sure there are no warning lights on the dash once it's running.
- On the test drive, check it pulls straight, brakes evenly and changes gear smoothly.
- Try everything inside: windows, locks, air-con, lights and the screen.
Get an independent inspection
A pre-purchase inspection is a mechanic's check of the whole car, not just the safety items a roadworthy covers. You get a report with photos of everything found, the inspector's notes and likely repair costs you can use to negotiate. We don't sell cars, so our only job is to tell you what we find.
- Essential ($195): A quick, honest once-over with a photo report. Ideal for lower-priced cars.
- Comprehensive ($275): Our most popular choice: a detailed photo report, diagnostic scan and PPSR check.
- Premium ($420): The full picture: every check we do, plus paint depth, valuation and a phone debrief.
Comprehensive and Premium include a PPSR certificate. We can inspect the car at the seller's home or the dealer's yard anywhere on the Gold Coast.
Roadworthy or pre-purchase inspection?
When a private seller hands over a registered car in Queensland, they need to give you a current safety certificate. That shows the car met minimum safety standards on the day it was inspected. It doesn't tell you about the engine, gearbox, past accident repairs or what's likely to need money spent on it soon. That's what a pre-purchase inspection is for. The rules are in our safety certificate guide.
FAQ
Common questions
What does a pre-purchase car inspection include?
It depends on the level. All of ours cover the car's overall condition, a road test and a photo report; Comprehensive adds a diagnostic scan, an underbody check and a PPSR certificate. Prices start at $195.
Can you inspect a car at a dealer or the seller's house?
Yes. We can inspect the car where it's for sale anywhere on the Gold Coast, or it can be brought to our Biggera Waters workshop.
What is a PPSR check?
A search of the Personal Property Securities Register showing whether money is owed on the car and whether it's been reported stolen or written off. It's included in our Comprehensive and Premium inspections.
Is a roadworthy enough when buying a used car?
A roadworthy only checks minimum safety items on the day. It won't tell you about the engine, gearbox, past repairs or upcoming costs, which a pre-purchase inspection does.
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