some mechanical workshops will do a "pre-purchase" inspection. I had one of these done on my FTO before i bought it - they did compression tests, full suspension checks.
Luckily for me - they found it needed a Inner CV boot and some number plates globes and that was it.
The rego inspections just make sure the car is safe to be on the road.
hey stumpy, if you really like the car and want to buy it you should definately be getting a comprehensive check done on the car. the pink slip is basically just a check to see that it is roadworthy, it does nothing to tell you about how the car runs or performs.
the nrma costs $250 if your not a member and $200 if your a member, also its better if you take it to the nrma service centre to do it because then they can put in on the hoists.
I was going to get an Integra but the guy refused to do an nrma check so yeah told him to f**k off after that
so its worth doing a check
NRMA are ok, but they dont do compression tests.
I know im going on a lot about compression checks, but I once bought a 90 Celica SX, and to cut a long story short - i had to replace the engine, and a compression check would have saved me a lot of cash.