Used car inspection · Melbourne
How we check every car: the 100-point inspection
No car goes on OneCall until a licensed vehicle tester has been over it. Here is exactly what they check, how the score works, and what it means for you.
Who does the checking
Every dealer who lists on OneCall must have each car checked by one of these testers first. The listing shows who checked it and when.
The checklist (100 points)
Points are weighted by how much a problem costs you. A current roadworthy certificate and a clear PPSR are worth the most, because without them you can lose the car or face big repair bills.
Paperwork & history · 29 points
- Roadworthy certificate (RWC) supplied and current10 pts
- PPSR clear — no money owing, not stolen, not written off8 pts
- VIN on compliance plate, windscreen and papers all match3 pts
- Registration current and in the seller’s name2 pts
- Service history / logbook present and consistent with odometer4 pts
- Two working keys / remotes1 pt
- No outstanding manufacturer recalls1 pt
Body & exterior · 12 points
- Panels straight; gaps even; no signs of accident repair3 pts
- Paint consistent; no mismatched colour or overspray1 pt
- No rust or corrosion (sills, wheel arches, boot floor)3 pts
- Windscreen and glass free of cracks/chips1 pt
- All lights and indicators work; lenses clear2 pts
- Mirrors intact and adjusting1 pt
- Wipers and washers clear the screen1 pt
Tyres, wheels & brakes · 13 points
- All tyres above 3 mm tread, even wear, same size5 pts
- Spare wheel / repair kit present and usable1 pt
- Wheels undamaged; no buckles or cracks1 pt
- Brake pads and discs with life left; no scoring3 pts
- Brakes firm, pull up straight, no pulsing2 pts
- Handbrake / park brake holds on a slope1 pt
Engine bay · 14 points
- No oil, coolant or transmission fluid leaks4 pts
- Oil level and condition normal (not milky, not black sludge)2 pts
- Coolant level correct and clean1 pt
- Belts and hoses free of cracks; no squeal1 pt
- Battery terminals clean; starts first time1 pt
- Cold start smooth; no smoke, knocks or misfire3 pts
- Idle steady; no unusual engine noise2 pts
Underbody & suspension · 7 points
- Exhaust secure; no holes, blue or black smoke2 pts
- Suspension bounce test even; no knocks or sag2 pts
- Steering tight; no play or clunks2 pts
- No leaks or fresh fluid under the car after test drive1 pt
Interior & electrics · 11 points
- No warning lights on the dash after start3 pts
- Air-conditioning blows cold; heater works2 pts
- Windows, locks, central locking all work1 pt
- Seats, belts and adjusters work; no torn belts2 pts
- Radio / screen / reverse camera / Bluetooth work1 pt
- No damp, smoke or mould smell inside1 pt
- Interior wear matches the odometer1 pt
Test drive · 14 points
- Gearbox shifts smoothly; no slipping, flaring or clunks5 pts
- Clutch engages cleanly (manual) / no shudder (auto)2 pts
- Drives straight; no pulling or vibration at speed2 pts
- No wheel-bearing hum, CV clicks or driveline noise2 pts
- Temperature stays normal on a 15-minute drive2 pts
- Cruise control and speedo behave1 pt
What the score means
- 95+Excellent
- 85+Very good
- 75+Good — see notes
- 60+Fair — negotiate on the notes
- Under 60Needs work
Signed-in customers can open the full report for any car: every item, what failed and why, plus the PPSR certificate.