🔨 Auction Inspection Service
Buying from Lloyds Auctions, Pickles, Manheim, or any online car auction? An inspection before you bid is the only way to know what you're actually buying — auctions sell with no warranty and no returns.
Why Auction Cars Need Inspection
When you win a car at auction, you own it — regardless of what problems are discovered afterward. There is no cooling-off period, no warranty, and no right of return. The hammer falls and that's it.
Auction houses provide condition reports and photos, but these are not the same as an independent mechanical inspection. Condition reports tell you about visible damage — they don't tell you about a transmission about to fail, fault codes stored in the ECU, or a timing chain stretched to its limit.
Our mechanics inspect auction vehicles before the auction closes — giving you the information you need to bid with confidence, set the right maximum price, or decide not to bid at all.
Auction house condition reports describe visible cosmetic condition — dents, scratches, tyre condition. They do not include a mechanical inspection, OBD fault code scan, or assessment of engine/transmission health. Only an independent mechanic can give you that.
If the inspection finds $1,500 in repairs, your maximum bid should be market value minus $1,500. Without an inspection you're guessing — and guessing at auction costs money.
Auction cars often have fault codes cleared before sale. Our OBD scan checks all stored and pending codes — not just currently active ones. We find what was recently cleared.
If the inspection reveals serious structural damage, a failed transmission, or safety-critical issues — you walk away before bidding. Not after paying. That's priceless.
At auction, buyers often bid $5,000–$30,000+ on vehicles. A $280 inspection is the cheapest insurance you can buy before committing to a no-return purchase.
Auction Houses We Work With
Our inspectors are experienced with the inspection process at all major Australian car auction houses. Always contact the auction house to arrange physical access for your inspector.
One of Australia's largest auction houses. Regular vehicle auctions with wide selection including government, fleet, and repossession cars.
National auction network with Sydney locations. Specialises in ex-fleet, government, and insurance vehicles. Strong online bidding platform.
Major fleet and dealer auction house. Sources vehicles from major corporations, rental companies, and finance repossessions.
Online auction platform with regular vehicle lots including cars, 4WDs, trucks, and motorcycles. Physical inspection access varies by lot.
NSW government vehicle disposals. Often well-maintained fleet cars at competitive prices. Inspection access usually available before auction close.
Various online-only platforms. Physical inspection access is essential before bidding — never bid on a car you cannot have independently inspected.
How It Works
The process is slightly different from a private sale inspection. Here's exactly what to do.
Browse the auction house's catalogue — Lloyds, Pickles, Manheim, or others. Note the lot number, VIN, and physical location of the vehicle. Most auction houses display vehicles for inspection during a preview period.
Contact the auction house and confirm: (a) when is the physical inspection / preview period, (b) can you bring your own mechanic, and (c) is there a hoist available? Most major houses allow this during preview days.
Contact one of our trusted providers with the auction house address, the vehicle lot number, and the available inspection window. Timing is critical — book early as preview windows are often short.
The mechanic inspects during the preview period and sends you a full report before bidding closes. Use it to set your maximum bid confidently — or decide not to bid if serious issues are found.
You now have a professional assessment of the vehicle's actual condition. If you win, you know exactly what you're getting. If you lose to a higher bidder, you've been saved from potentially overpaying on a problematic car.
Auction Inspection Checklist
Engine condition — start, smoke, leaks, noise
OBD diagnostic scan — stored, pending & cleared codes
Transmission — shift quality, fluid condition
Brakes — pad depth, rotor condition, caliper operation
Suspension — shocks, bushings, ball joints
Body — structural damage, flood signs, rust assessment
Electrical systems — lights, windows, A/C, instruments
Tyres — tread depth, age, uneven wear patterns
WOVR (Written Off Vehicle Register) check
PPSR finance & encumbrance check
Estimated repair costs for all identified faults
Recommended maximum bid value (where applicable)
Book Auction Inspection
Always confirm the preview window and hoist access with the auction house before booking your inspector.
FAQ
Once the hammer falls, the car is yours — problems and all. Know what you're buying before you raise your hand.