Buying a used car on the Peninsula? Get an independent inspection before you sign anything. We'll tell you exactly what you're getting โ good and bad.
A used car can look great on the outside and have serious problems underneath. Our pre-purchase inspections in Somerville give you an honest, independent picture of what you're actually buying โ before your money changes hands.
We have no interest in the sale. We work for you. Our job is to tell you the truth about the car.
Oil condition, leaks, timing, transmission, and performance under load.
Pad thickness, rotor condition, steering components, and ride quality.
Tread depth, wear patterns, sidewall condition, and rim damage.
Panel damage, rust, signs of accident repair, and chassis integrity.
Coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and signs of leaks.
Battery, alternator, lights, and live scan for fault codes.
Compressor function, gas charge, and cabin cooling performance.
We check the logbook and help you assess maintenance gaps.
Dealer inspections and RACV reports have their place, but an independent mechanic has one job: look after your interests. We're not trying to sell you the car, and we don't have a relationship with the seller. We just tell you what we find.
On the Mornington Peninsula used car market, we regularly find issues that weren't disclosed โ rust from coastal exposure, undisclosed repairs, and vehicles that haven't been serviced in years despite low odometers. A $200 inspection can save you thousands.
Book online or call us. Tell us the make, model, and where the car is located.
We carry out a thorough inspection โ typically 45โ60 minutes. The car can be at the seller's location or brought to our workshop.
We walk you through our findings verbally and provide a written report. We'll tell you what's good, what needs attention, and what's a red flag.
Armed with the facts, you can negotiate, walk away, or buy with confidence. The decision is always yours.
Contact us for current pricing. The cost is a fraction of what a hidden problem could cost you after purchase โ and gives you negotiating power even when the car is fine.
Yes. We can travel to the seller within the local area โ contact us to discuss your specific situation. Alternatively, you can arrange for the car to come to our Somerville workshop.
Walk away. Any legitimate private seller or dealer should welcome an independent inspection. Reluctance to allow one is a serious red flag.
Yes โ cars, SUVs, utes, vans, and 4WDs. If you're unsure, give us a call with the details and we'll confirm we can help.
Don't buy blind. Get an honest, independent inspection before you commit.
Somerville, VIC 3912 ยท Mornington Peninsula
Don't just take our word for it โ see what our customers have to say about their experience with Rodz Automotive.
"Cannot recommend Howard enough! Provides a very affordable, high quality service and is very honest about work done. A breath of fresh air compared to some other mechanics!"
Matt van Wijk
Google Review
6 months ago
"Howard is a car genius. I trust him with all of my cars. Reasonably priced and an honest dude. There isn't much more I ask for in a mechanic. You've got a long term customer here."
Jordan Partridge
Google Review
3 years ago
"Very thorough and fair, Howard has picked things up that would have cost a lot more later if missed! Great service and he explains everything. We moved interstate and the new mechanic commented on how well the car had been looked after. 10/10"
Alex Jackson
Google Review
6 years ago
Join hundreds of satisfied customers in Frankston and Langwarrin