Hoppers Auto Mechanics. Best European car repairs in Victoria

Independent Used Car Inspections

See past the fresh polish before you pay

A car can look spotless on a sunny Saturday and still be hiding leaks, worn suspension or a fault code cleared that morning. Our pre-purchase inspection gives you a mechanic’s view of the engine, gearbox, brakes, steering, body and electronics before you commit. Already bought? A post-purchase inspection tells you what needs doing now, what can wait and what to budget for over the next year.

How We Work

A Thorough Check, a Plain-English Report

Each inspection follows the same detailed checklist, whether it’s a ten-year-old hatch or a late-model Euro.

Hoist Inspection & Computer Scan

We put the car on the hoist to check underneath for leaks, rust, damage and worn parts, then scan every control module for current and past faults.

Your report includes photos, what each issue means and a rough cost to fix it – handy for negotiating or walking away.

Paperwork & History Review

We check the service records against the odometer and look for gaps. We’ll also remind you to run a PPSR search, which shows whether the car is under finance, written off or reported stolen.

GUARANTEES

From Inspection to Decision

No Stake in the Sale

We don't sell cars or earn commission, so our findings are completely independent.

Photo-Backed Findings

Every issue we note is photographed, so you can see it for yourself.

Same-Day Reports

We aim to have your report ready the same day, so you don't miss out on the car you want.

Pre/Post-Purchase Inspection - FAQs

What buyers want to know before they book
Is a pre-purchase inspection the same as a roadworthy certificate?

No. A Victorian roadworthy certificate checks the car meets minimum safety standards for registration. A pre-purchase inspection goes further, covering mechanical condition, wear and likely repair costs.

The engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, electrics and bodywork, plus a full diagnostic scan and a road test where possible.

Allow around one to two hours, depending on the car. You’ll usually have the report the same day.

We inspect cars at our Dunlop Road workshop, where we can check them properly on a hoist. Most sellers are happy for the car to visit for a couple of hours.

It’s a full health check after you’ve bought a car, often privately or at auction. You’ll know what needs attention and can book a log book service to reset the maintenance clock.

We look for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, overspray and repaired chassis points. If we see signs of a past repair, we’ll tell you where and how serious it looks.

Yes – and it’s where an inspection pays off most. Euro repairs can be costly, so knowing about a worn timing chain or leaking gasket before you buy makes a real difference.

You’ll get a clear list with rough repair costs. Use it to negotiate, walk away or book the work with us afterwards.