Questions fréquemment posées

The inspection covers all major mechanical and safety components including engine condition, oil and fluid levels, brakes, suspension, transmission, gearbox, tyres, wheels, steering, exhaust, electrics, air conditioning, and general bodywork. You receive a written report with photos.

Yes. Car4Travel works with qualified local mechanics who physically inspect the vehicle on site. This is not a remote check, a database lookup, or an algorithm — a real person looks at the real car.

No. A pre-purchase mechanical check is an independent buyer's assessment to help you make an informed decision. It is not a roadworthy certificate (RWC) An RWC only covers basic safety checks it’s not a mechanical inspection. If you need an RWC, we can advise you on next steps.

The check does not include a roadworthy certificate, PPSR check (finance and stolen vehicle history), odometer fraud detection, or any legal verification. It is a physical mechanical assessment only. We recommend also running a PPSR check independently before purchasing any vehicle.

Yes. Car4Travel can arrange inspections for regular cars, station wagons, vans, 4WDs, campervans, and utes. If you have a specific vehicle type in mind, contact us before booking and we will confirm availability.

Yes. You always receive a written report from the mechanic. It includes a summary of findings, photos of any issues identified, and the mechanic's overall recommendation. This report is sent directly to you via WhatsApp or email.

After payment, you fill in the vehicle details — the listing link, vehicle location, seller contact, and your WhatsApp number. Car4Travel then contacts the seller, arranges the inspection with a local mechanic, and sends you the report once it is complete.

The physical inspection takes approximately 1 to 2 hours on site. The full process — from booking to receiving your report — typically takes between 24 and 72 hours depending on the seller's availability and location.

Yes. Car4Travel handles all communication with the seller to explain the inspection process and arrange access to the vehicle. You do not need to negotiate or explain anything yourself.

If a seller refuses an independent mechanical inspection, that is a serious red flag. We will inform you immediately and advise you on how to proceed. In most cases, sellers agree once the process is explained clearly. If a seller refuses and the inspection cannot take place, we will discuss your options including a refund.

After payment, you will be asked to fill in a short form with the vehicle listing link, location, seller contact details, your WhatsApp number, and any notes. You can also send details directly via WhatsApp if you prefer.

We recommend booking once you have identified a specific vehicle. However, you are welcome to contact us via WhatsApp before booking if you want advice on what to look for or how to spot red flags in listings.

Each inspection is booked and priced per vehicle. If you want to check multiple cars, each one requires a separate booking. Contact us via WhatsApp and we can discuss the best approach for your situation.

Contact us directly via WhatsApp and explain your situation. We do our best to accommodate urgent requests depending on mechanic availability in your area.

We cover all major Australian cities and surrounding areas including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide. If you are in a regional area, contact us via WhatsApp and we will check availability.

That is fine. As long as the vehicle is in a city or area we cover, we can arrange the inspection regardless of where you are located. This is especially useful if you find a car online before arriving in that city.

The pre-purchase mechanical check costs AUD 249. This is a flat fee — no hidden costs, no extras. The price includes the inspection, coordination with the seller, and the written report with photos.

You can cancel your booking before the inspection has been scheduled. Please contact us as soon as possible via WhatsApp or email if you need to cancel. See our full refund policy for details.

Yes. If Car4Travel is unable to complete the inspection due to circumstances beyond your control — such as a seller who becomes unresponsive or a vehicle that is no longer available — we will offer a refund or credit toward a future booking. Please refer to our refund policy for full details.

If we are unable to find an available mechanic in the area or the inspection cannot be completed for logistical reasons, we will contact you immediately and work on a solution — including rebooking or a refund if necessary.

The warranty price depends on the age and condition of your vehicle. We offer two plans tailored to your car's profile. Pricing starts from AUD 580 for 12 months. Your exact quote will be provided after the inspection — only vehicles that pass the check are eligible.

Older vehicles carry a higher statistical risk of mechanical issues, so the warranty premium reflects this. A newer car in good condition will qualify for a lower-cost plan, while an older vehicle may require a higher-tier plan for full coverage. Either way, the protection you get is comprehensive.

Absolutely. Breaking down in remote Australia without cover can cost thousands of dollars in towing, repairs and accommodation. A 1 Year Warranty gives you 24/7 roadside assistance, car hire allowance, accommodation cover, and mechanical repair cover — all for a fraction of what a single breakdown could cost you.

Yes — the warranty is fully transferable to the new owner. This makes your car significantly more attractive to buyers and is one of the strongest selling points you can have when listing your vehicle.

Car4Travel was built from real field experience helping backpackers buy cars in Australia. We have already helped more than 600 buyers make safer decisions. We don't overpromise — we arrange real inspections with real mechanics and give you honest information.

No. We provide an independent mechanical assessment at a specific point in time. We cannot guarantee how a vehicle will perform after the inspection. What we can guarantee is that a qualified mechanic will give you an honest assessment of the vehicle's condition on the day of inspection.

Mechanical issues can develop over time and no inspection can predict every future problem. Our check gives you the best available picture of the vehicle's condition at the time of inspection. We are not liable for issues that develop after the inspection is completed.

The check report is available in multiple languages to make things easier for international travellers. Currently, it is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Japanese.

By removing the guesswork. Instead of relying on a seller's word or your own limited mechanical knowledge, you get an independent professional assessment. You know exactly what you are buying before you hand over any money.

Yes. If you are selling a vehicle and want to offer buyers more confidence, you can arrange a pre-sale inspection through Car4Travel. A checked vehicle is easier to sell and can justify a better price. Contact us to learn more.