How long will my inspection take?

Nov 28 2024

When booking a pre-purchase inspection, you naturally want to know how long the process will take. At RedBook Inspect, most inspections are completed within 2–3 business days of booking. If you choose the Ultimate Pre-Purchase Inspection, this timeline is shortened to just 1–2 business days. While we strive to ensure inspections are conducted promptly, factors like seller availability, vehicle access, or regional inspection demand may occasionally cause delays.

An inspector inspecting a car

Inspection process explained

1. After you book your inspection

Within 24 hours of your booking, we assign an independent inspector to your job. During peak periods, this step may take slightly longer. The inspector will also contact the seller to arrange the inspection at the earliest mutually convenient time.

2. Scheduling the inspection

Once the seller confirms availability, you’ll receive an email with the scheduled date and time. This is typically within 48 hours of booking.

3. Completing the inspection

The time needed for the inspection depends on the service selected:

  • Standard Inspection: Typically takes 60–90 minutes to assess the vehicle's interior and exterior condition, engine and motor performance, tyres and wheels, repairs and damage history, vehicle identifiers, and road-test performance.
  • Ultimate Inspection: Includes additional checks and a detailed video walk-through, requiring more time.
4. Receiving your digital report

Inspectors compile the report on-site, taking photos and notes as they go. You’ll receive the inspection report directly in your inbox within 24 hours after completion. If you don’t see it in your inbox, check your junk folder or contact us.

5. Optional phone call with inspector

For Standard and Ultimate Pre-Purchase Inspections, the inspector will call you to discuss their findings in detail and answer any questions. Please note this service is not available for Lite Inspections.

What happens next?

If the vehicle meets your expectations and you decide to proceed with the purchase, you may need to obtain a roadworthy certificate for registration transfer, depending on your location. Visit our guide to learn more about roadworthiness requirements in your state.

Why choose RedBook Inspect?

Our dedicated inspectors and Australian-based support team are committed to providing fast, reliable inspections. With updates at every step and comprehensive reports, we ensure you have all the information you need to make a confident purchase decision. Book your inspection today and take the stress out of buying a used car, motorbike, or caravan!

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