Modified Car Inspection Sydney

WHAT MODIFIED CARS DO WE INSPECT?

We inspect all modified cars available in the Australian market as well as all imported modified cars from across the globe. We perform 100% Specialised Car Inspections, and each car gets inspected only by the right qualified inspector. Whether you have a Sedan, Hatch, Ute, Convertible, SUV, Van, 4WD, AWD or any other shape, we cover them all.

This inspection is carried out by senior licensed mechanics with 15 to 30 years of experience, possessing extensive knowledge of engine, ECU, and suspension modifications. After the inspection, our inspectors will provide detailed feedback on all areas of concern. You are also welcome to seek their advice if you wish to adjust existing modifications or plan new ones.

Have full confidence that your job is handled only by a specialist who knows everything about the vehicle and can bring all the issues to your attention before you pay for your next used car. To learn more, please visit Vehicles We Inspect.

NEVER BUY A MODIFIED CAR WITHOUT INSPECTION

Buying a modified car without an inspection is one of the biggest mistakes a buyer can make. We’ve seen many unsuspecting buyers face costly repairs shortly after purchase, with mechanical and ECU faults often far more common in modified cars than in stock ones. Some modified cars, although immaculate at the time of sale, may have been used as performance 'toys' and pushed to their limits by previous owners. This is where our expertise can make a difference.

Suspension modifications are one of the most common changes made to vehicles, and many don’t even require an engineering certificate to pass registration meaning that they never get professionally inspected. However, these are also the modifications where we frequently see mistakes. While the modifications may look appealing, improper installation can negatively affect the vehicle's stability, steering, and braking responsiveness. This can make the vehicle unsafe, especially during highway driving or sharp braking.

Unfortunately, this issue can also arise in vehicles with an engineering certificate. While engineers focus primarily on the legal aspects of compliance, they may not always have the specialised knowledge of modifications or how they should be correctly executed. Problems often emerge after the vehicle has been driven for a while, and as the mileage increases, additional issues may surface, even though the vehicle initially passed the engineering certification.

When it comes to stage tuning, definitions vary. One person's stage one might offer more boost than another’s stage two, and someone’s stage three could be weaker than another’s stage two. There are no industry-wide standards for tuning stages, and each company uses different methods and parts.

With hundreds of ways to tune a car, it’s crucial to understand what modifications have been made before purchase and whether they’ve been legally approved. Some major modifications may require registration, depending on state regulations. A simple question to the seller, along with checking the vehicle’s registration status, can often clarify this.

Cars can have numerous big and small modifications, so it’s important that we’re informed of these before the inspection. It’s nearly impossible to identify all modified parts, especially smaller, internal ones, without prior knowledge.

If the seller can’t provide details or the modifications were made by a previous owner, it’s still manageable. While we may not always determine exactly what’s been done, we can assess whether the modifications have caused any issues, how the car is currently performing, and what needs attention or repair before you make the purchase.

HOW DO WE INSPECT MODIFIED CARS?

When inspecting modified cars, we assign qualified inspectors with specific expertise rather than relying on random inspectors. This is a key aspect that distinguishes us from the competition. European cars are inspected by experts in European modifications, while Asian cars are handled by specialists familiar with those vehicles.

Our inspectors possess in-depth knowledge of car modifications, ECU tuning, Dyno tuning, and aftermarket part installations. With years of hands-on modification experience, they can provide valuable insights and advice prior to your purchase.

Additionally, each modified car inspection involves TWO inspectors to ensure comprehensive results. One inspector conducts a physical examination of the vehicle, while the other meticulously reviews diagnostic reports, images, and more in the office, a process that typically takes four to six hours following the physical inspection. Only @ Last Check

This dual-inspection approach is unique in the industry, making Last Check the only Australian company to offer such extensive services.

Using advanced diagnostic tools, we assess whether mechanical modifications enhance or hinder your car's performance.

Suspension modifications are usually visible, allowing our inspectors to evaluate each component and test drive the vehicle for any issues. This inspection goes beyond a simple visual check from the outside. The vehicle is typically lifted using a jack or ramps, enabling the inspector to conduct a thorough visual assessment underneath the vehicle.

However, other modifications, such as engine and ECU changes, may not be immediately obvious. It can be challenging to determine the specific alterations made by the previous owner or identify the aftermarket parts used. Our inspectors, however, understand the expected performance of the vehicle and can interpret the ECU mapping to ensure all components communicate effectively, preventing negative performance impacts.

Even if the seller has cleared fault codes before the sale, our specialised scanning tools and techniques can uncover hidden issues. From body paint assessments to suspension evaluations and ECU tuning, you can count on us to identify any concerns you need to be aware of.

EXHAUST, SUSPENSION & STRUCTURAL MODIFICATIONS

Structural Modifications can be exactly like Mechanical Modifications. In some cases, they improve the performance of the vehicle and in some cases, they work against it.

Whether it is a 4WD car with a suspension lift, a Disability Vehicle with disability equipment or a low rider with lowered suspension, if the job has been done professionally, the performance will be improved to match the owner’s expectations.

At the same time, especially in suspension modifications, an unprofessional job can have permanent negative effects on the vehicle such as non-reversible misalignment, bushes tearing, constant noise and big safety risks such as ABS and SRS malfunction.

With our Pre-Purchase Modified Vehicle Inspection, all areas of concern will be thoroughly inspected by our Specialised Modified Car Inspectors and will give you all the information you need before purchasing a structurally modified vehicle.

ENGINE & ECU MODIFICATIONS

Engine Modifications such as Dyno Tuning are done on cars to improve performance and powertrain responsivity. Other mechanical modifications are done to improve other aspects of the vehicle; however they do not always go to plan.

Wrong Dyno Tuning or unprofessional turbocharger upgrades can work against vehicle performance and affect the ECU negatively and this happens frequently. This is the reason that normally the number of Computer Fault Codes in modified cars is significantly higher than in stock cars.

Engine tuning is a very meticulous job and requires special knowledge and sophisticated computers to see how the powertrain is affected and ensure that the performance has actually been boosted.

Just find your next used modified car and leave the hard work to us and be reassured that you will never lose money on a lemon when you have Last Check by your side.

FULLY INSURED, COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND!

At Last Check, we ensure that no pre-purchase inspection is conducted without full insurance coverage. Our priority is to provide peace of mind for both the seller and the buyer, assuring them that if anything happens to the vehicle, we are fully insured.

We provide insurance for all inspected vehicles up to $100,000, along with public liability coverage between $5 million and $20 million, in case of an at-fault accident or any damage we may cause. While we are fully committed to returning the vehicle to the seller in its original condition, without disassembling any parts, we want both parties to feel reassured that they are covered in the rare event of an incident.

Our inspectors handle all vehicles with the utmost care and perform mobile roadside inspections at safe, secure locations for both the owner and the inspector. All necessary safety measures are followed to minimise risk. Nonetheless, our insurance is in place should any issue arise.

Whether the inspection takes place at a dealership or a private residence, our inspectors will not begin until they are certain that the vehicle is insured. This provides valuable reassurance to all parties that the vehicle inspection company they’ve engaged is professional and will not put their vehicle at risk in any way.

EXPERIENCE A REAL PREMIUM SERVICE!

Our main goal is to exceed our valuable clients’ expectations by providing a Vehicle Inspection Service unlike any other along with the best possible customer service.

Customer satisfaction is our number one priority, and we take this very seriously. Our Licenced Inspectors do not look at any client as a number, they look at each car as if they want to buy it for themselves. This is how they have been trained before joining our force.

Our premium inspection plans include more checks which makes a big difference however our basic packages are still very comprehensive.

For each inspection, your inspector will get a different checklist and the vehicle inspection will not end until the list is completed. The checklist intensity and inclusions are based on the inspection package you have chosen, and different plans have different inclusions.

After the inspection, your inspector will call you and give you a complete verbal report over the phone. You will then have the chance to ask all mechanical questions from the same mechanic who has inspected your vehicle.

Within 24 hours of the inspection, you will receive a 40+ Page Detailed Report along with Hundreds of Pictures, Vehicle History Report (PPSR Report), your payment receipt and all other associated documents. To see what the report looks like, please visit the Sample Report page.

If your plan includes Urgent SMS Report that can be added to your service before checkout, you will get the report normally on the same day via SMS. If you are making a phone booking, you can ask us to upgrade your report to urgent. To learn more about us, please visit Why Last Check & Only @ Last Check.