Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Brisbane | Tag Along Car Advisor

Brisbane & Surrounding Suburbs

Bring a car expert along for your inspection.

  • Private sellers, dealers, auctions and all venues
  • A detailed written report, emailed the same day
  • Potentially save thousands
  • Negotiation tactics to use to your advantage
  • Help to transfer your purchase correctly and safely into your name
  • No pressure, no jargon, no stake in what you decide

What you get

Four important checks and advice

PPSR check

The national register search. It shows if there's finance owing on the car, if it's been written off, or reported stolen. Buy a car with money owing on it privately and the finance company can take it. This is the check that prevents that.

Diagnostic scan

I plug into the car's computer and read what it's stored. Cleared codes, pending faults, and issues that haven't lit up on the dashboard yet. A seller can reset a warning light an hour before you arrive; the history is harder to hide.

Interior & exterior visual check

Panel gaps, paint depth and repaint signs, rust, glass, tint, seats, trim, electronics, and the service history. What it might cost to repair, and roughly what parts may cost down the track, so you're prepared. I'll also give you an estimated value range for the car in the condition I find it.

Friendly advice and a professional opinion

The part people tell me matters most. What the vehicle is due for soon, what I'd be comfortable paying, and whether I'd buy it at all. Ask me anything you've been too embarrassed to ask a salesperson. There are no silly questions and I've heard all of them.

The process

How it works

1

Send through the details

Fill in the form below with where the car is, when suits, and what you're looking at. Add as many cars as you'd like, even if you have organised them for different dates.

2

I'll contact you

A quick chat to confirm the time and hear what you're after. If something in the listing worries me, I'll say so then (sometimes that saves you the trip entirely).

3

Payment

A link to pay for your booking is sent by text or email, whichever is easier. Once payment is complete, you'll receive an invoice and confirmation before your booking date.

4

The full check

PPSR, diagnostic scan, inside and out, and a test drive. I'll talk you through what I'm looking at as I go, if you're interested.

5

An honest chat

What I found, an estimated value range for the car as it stands, and what I'd do in your position. You take it from there, every decision stays yours in the end.

6

Further advice if you decide to purchase

I'm glad to show you how transfers are done, since transferring ownership online through Transport and Main Roads is the easier route. I'll walk you through the steps so you don't make any mistakes.

Book a Check

Complete the form below. I'll confirm via phone, text or email within 24 hours, payment is only taken once the booking is confirmed.

Your details
Please pop your name in.
A number I can reach you on, please.
That email doesn't look quite right.
Please choose how you'd like to be contacted.
Add vehicle
Please fill in the make, model, year and location for each car.
Pick a day and time

MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Available Only a few spots left Unavailable Your pick
Please choose a day for every car.

Times available

Please choose a time for every car.

Choose a highlighted day above to see the times.

Anything else
Before you send
Please tick the box to agree to the terms and conditions.
That's not quite right. Have another go.
No payment now. I'll confirm with you first. Cancelling within 24 hours of the appointment incurs a $50 fee.

Got it, thanks!

I'll be in touch within one business day to lock it in.

Need to change something? Email Info@tagcar.com.au

Common questions

Things people ask me

What if I want a few cars looked at?

Add them all to the form and you'll pick a day and time for each one separately. They don't even have to be on the same day, so there's no rush to see everything at once. Pricing is $195 for the first car and $150 for each one after, so $345 for two and $495 for three.

I know nothing about cars. Is that a problem?

Not at all. That's exactly what this is for. You don't need to understand a word of it. I'll explain to the best of my ability and you can ask me anything, however basic it feels.

Can you check a car from a private seller?

Yes, and it's a good chunk of what I do. Private sales carry more risk: no statutory warranty, no cooling-off period, and finance owing on the car becomes your problem. The PPSR check matters even more here.

Are you a licensed mechanic?

No, I'm not a licensed mechanic, but I bring nearly 15 years of hands-on industry experience specialising in European vehicles, advanced diagnostics, mechanical repairs, and panel work. Having worked across dealerships, parts suppliers, and running a Euro auto recycler, I've built a strong nationwide network that I tap into for every inspection. I provide completely transparent checks using professional diagnostic equipment, and if a vehicle requires specialised workshop tools due to manufacturer security locks, I'll always be direct with you.

What if the car's further out of the Brisbane region?

Book anyway. Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba are usually doable with a bit of notice and a small travel fee added. Nothing is charged until we have an agreement.

Do you get paid by dealers?

Never. No commissions, no kickbacks, no arrangements with anyone. Your $195 is the only money I make from the day, which is exactly why you can trust what I tell you.

How far ahead should I book?

A few days is usually plenty. Saturdays fill up first. If a seller is pushing you to decide quickly, call rather than using the form, and be a little wary of the rush.

Contact

Got any questions?

Call or text 0416 133 015 Tap to call Email Info@tagcar.com.au Send a message
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Servicing Brisbane and surrounding suburbs.

Call Book a check, $195

The fine print

Privacy and terms

Privacy: what I do with your details

When you book, I collect your name, phone number, email address, the suburb the car is in, and the details of the vehicles you'd like checked. I use that information for one thing only: arranging and carrying out your inspection.

I don't sell your details, share them with dealers, sellers, finance brokers or marketing lists, or add you to any mailing list. Booking details are stored securely with my website host and email provider, and I keep them only for the booking.

This website uses Google Analytics to show me how many people visit and which pages they read. It sets a cookie and records things like your general location, your browser and the pages you view. It does not tell me who you are, and I don't use it for advertising. If you would rather not be counted, most browsers let you block cookies, and Google offers an opt out add on for its analytics.

You're welcome to ask what I hold about you, correct it, or have it deleted at any time. Just email Info@tagcar.com.au or call 0416 133 015 and I'll take care of it.

Terms and conditions

What the service is

Tag Along Car Advisor provides an independent pre-purchase inspection and advisory service. I attend the vehicle with you, carry out a PPSR check, a diagnostic scan and a visual inspection inside and out, and give you my professional opinion on the vehicle.

What the service is not

  • I am not a licensed mechanic, and the inspection is not a mechanical certification, roadworthy certificate or warranty of any kind.
  • The inspection is visual and diagnostic. It does not involve dismantling the vehicle, removing panels or trim, or placing it on a hoist.
  • Faults that are hidden, intermittent, or that only appear later cannot always be detected. Where I believe a workshop inspection is warranted, I will say so.
  • I do not sell vehicles, act as your agent, or accept payment, commission or referral fees from any dealer, seller or finance provider.

Your decision

Any opinion I give, including on price, condition or whether to proceed, is advice only. The decision to buy, to negotiate, or to walk away is entirely yours, as is any contract you enter into with a seller. I am not a party to your purchase.

Bookings and payment

  • Submitting the booking form is a request, not a confirmed booking. I'll contact you to confirm the day and time.
  • The fee is $195 for the first vehicle and $150 for each additional vehicle.
  • Payment is requested once the booking is confirmed, by a link sent via text or email.
  • Each vehicle is allocated its own appointment. Vehicles added on the day, if time allows, are charged at the applicable rate.

Cancellations and changes

  • Please give as much notice as you can if you need to move or cancel. Cancellations made more than 24 hours before the appointment are refunded in full.
  • Cancellations made within 24 hours of the appointment incur a $50 cancellation fee, which covers the time already set aside for you. The remainder is refunded.
  • Where a seller cancels, the vehicle has already sold, or the vehicle is not available to inspect on arrival, I'll offer to reschedule for another vehicle, or a full refund.
  • If I need to cancel for any reason, you'll be refunded in full or rescheduled, whichever you prefer.

Service area

I service Brisbane and suburbs within roughly 40km of the CBD. Locations further out may be possible with additional notice and a travel cost, which will be quoted and agreed before the booking is confirmed.

Access and safety

The inspection depends on reasonable access to the vehicle and the seller's permission to inspect and scan it. On the rare occasion that access is refused or restricted, or if conditions are unsafe, I may need to limit or stop the inspection. I'll always explain what I was and wasn't able to check.

Liability

My services come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. Nothing in these terms limits those rights. To the extent permitted by law, my liability for any claim relating to an inspection is limited to resupplying the service or refunding the fee paid for it. I am not liable for the condition of the vehicle itself, for the conduct of any seller, or for costs arising from your decision to buy or not to buy.

Contact

Tag Along Car Advisor, ABN 90 624 868 843.

Questions about these terms are welcome. Please email Info@tagcar.com.au.

Last updated August 2026.