At Shift Automotive, we carry out thorough vehicle inspections for Bundaberg locals buying or selling used cars, as well as general safety inspections for vehicles that haven’t been looked at in a while. Our experienced technicians go through every major system on the vehicle and give you a detailed, straightforward report on what they find.
We’re also the only workshop in Bundaberg with a SafeTstop machine, which means our inspections can include advanced brake, suspension and wheel alignment testing that most mechanics simply can’t offer.
Whether you’re about to sign on a used car or your own vehicle is due for a checkover, call the team at Shift Automotive today.
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Contact Us | 07 4196 0730
PRE-PURCHASE CAR INSPECTIONS IN BUNDABERG
Buying a used car without an independent inspection is a risk that catches a lot of people out. Sellers don’t always disclose known issues, and private sales often come with no warranty or recourse if problems show up after you’ve handed over the money.
A pre-purchase inspection at Shift Automotive gives you an accurate, independent picture of the vehicle before you commit. Our mechanics check the vehicle from front to back, not just a quick look underneath, but a systematic assessment of every major mechanical system.
We’ll tell you about existing faults, work that’s coming up, and anything that could affect the vehicle’s safety or value.
Why Pre-Purchase Car Inspections Are Worth Every Dollar
Buying a used car is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. A secondhand HiLux, Patrol or Ranger can set you back $20,000, $30,000 or more, and none of that investment is protected if the vehicle turns out to have hidden problems. A professional pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic is the cheapest insurance you can get.
Book a Pre-Purchase InspectionWhat’s Included in a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Our pre-purchase inspection covers all the key mechanical and safety areas, including:
- Engine and transmission: oil condition, leaks, unusual noises, fluid levels, transmission operation and gear changes
- Cooling system: coolant condition, hoses, radiator condition, thermostat operation
- Brakes: pad and rotor wear, brake fluid condition, hoses, calliper operation and braking performance
- Suspension and steering: shock absorbers, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering play and general handling
- Tyres: tread depth, condition, age, and whether the wear pattern suggests any wheel alignment issues
- Auto electrical: battery health, alternator, lights, dashboard warning lights and any fault codes via diagnostic scan
- Air conditioning: cooling performance and compressor operation
- Exhaust system: leaks, condition of the exhaust from manifold to tailpipe
- Body and chassis: visible signs of accident damage, rust, or poorly repaired panels
- Undercarriage: frame condition, CV joints, diff condition, and anything unusual underneath
At the end of the inspection, we give you a written report summarising everything we found. We’ll be upfront about what’s urgent, what can wait, and what’s within normal limits for a vehicle of that age and mileage.
Contact Us | 07 4196 0730
General Vehicle Safety Inspections
Even if you’re not buying a new car, a general safety inspection is worthwhile if your vehicle hasn’t been thoroughly checked over in some time. Every day driving causes gradual wear across dozens of components, and problems don’t always make themselves obvious until they’ve become serious.
At Shift Automotive, every oil and filter service includes a basic inspection of key safety items. If you want a more thorough assessment, particularly if you’ve noticed something unusual or you’re heading off on a long trip, we can carry out a full safety inspection at any time.
Our general inspection covers brakes, suspension, steering, tyres, lights, electrical systems, fluid levels, belts and hoses. We’ll flag anything that needs attention and advise on urgency, so you know what to prioritise and what can wait until your next service.
Contact Us | 07 4196 0730Why Choose Shift Automotive for Vehicle Inspections?
Shift Automotive is a locally owned and operated workshop that’s been part of the Bundaberg community since 2013. Our technicians are factory-trained and manufacturer-qualified, and we use up-to-date diagnostic equipment to back up every inspection we carry out.
We give you honest information. If a car you’re looking at has problems, we’ll tell you what they are and what it’ll cost to fix them. If it’s in good shape, we’ll tell you that too. Our job is to help you make a good decision, not to sell you unnecessary work.
There are plenty of good reasons to bring your vehicle inspection to Shift Automotive:
- Locally owned and operated workshop in Bundaberg
- Factory-trained, globally qualified technicians
- Modern, fully equipped workshop
- The only SafeTstop machine in Bundaberg
- Comprehensive written inspection reports
- Honest advice with no obligation
To book a vehicle inspection, whether you’re buying a used car or checking on your own vehicle, call the team at Shift Automotive today.
Contact Us | 07 4196 0730
Advanced SafeTstop Testing
Beyond our standard visual and mechanical inspection, Shift Automotive is the only workshop in Bundaberg equipped with a SafeTstop machine, the most advanced brake, suspension and alignment testing system available.
Where traditional roller brake testing gives you a basic pass/fail result, SafeTstop provides measured, objective data on:
- Brake performance: actual braking force at each wheel, and any imbalance between sides
- Suspension condition: damper efficiency measured under load
- Wheel alignment: deviation from correct alignment
- Vehicle weight: accurate axle weights for vehicles carrying loads or towing
- Tyre wear: lateral force measurement to identify uneven wear patterns before they become visible
This level of testing is particularly useful for 4WDs, caravans, trailers and vehicles that carry heavy loads regularly. If you’re towing a van and want to know whether your brakes and suspension are genuinely up to the job, a SafeTstop test will tell you in measurable terms.
SafeTstop testing is available as a standalone service or as part of any inspection or service booking.
Learn more about SafeTstop testingVehicle Inspection FAQs
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost in Bundaberg?
The cost of a pre-purchase inspection depends on the type of vehicle. Call us on 07 4196 0730 for a quote, and we’ll give you a clear price before you book.
Do I need to bring the car to your workshop?
Yes. To carry out a thorough inspection, including diagnostic scanning and SafeTstop testing if required, the vehicle needs to come to our workshop at 1 Turner St, Bundaberg QLD 4670.
Can the seller bring the car in, or do I need to be there?
Either way works. Many buyers arrange for the seller to drop the vehicle off directly. We’d recommend being present if possible, as it means we can walk you through the report in person and answer your questions on the spot.
What if you find problems during the inspection?
We’ll document everything in a written report and go through it with you. We’ll also give you a clear indication of repair costs where relevant, which can help you negotiate the asking price or decide whether to walk away.
Do you inspect 4WDs and modified vehicles?
Yes. We inspect all vehicle types, including 4WDs, utes and vans. For modified vehicles, we can assess the quality of previous work and flag anything that may be unsafe or non-compliant.
How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?
Most pre-purchase inspections take around one to one and a half hours. We recommend booking as early in your buying process as possible, ideally before you’ve agreed to a price, so any issues we find give you something to negotiate with.
Can I bring any make or model in for an inspection?
Yes. We inspect all makes and models, including cars, SUVs, 4x4s, utes and vans. If you’re looking at a 4WD and want us to pay particular attention to the drivetrain, diffs or any previous lift kit work, just let us know when you book.
How do I book a vehicle inspection?
Call us on 07 4196 0730 or send us an email to arrange a time. We’ll do our best to fit you in quickly. When you’re buying a car, timing matters.