RideHunt by SMGLR
RideHuntby SMGLR 1800 959 270Enquire

Car buyers agent Melbourne · by SMGLRWe hunt down the right car for you.

Your own buyer agent. Tell us your budget and what you need. We search every dealer and private seller, send you every car that fits, tell you which are worth it, check your pick properly and guide you to a fair price. You approve every step.

A$749all-in · search, inspection and negotiation advice
Enquire now See how it works

Questions? Call us on 1800 959 270

What we do

We do the hard part of buying a car

Finding a good used car takes time, and checking it properly takes a mechanic. RideHunt does both for you, so you only buy a car that's been properly checked, at a fair price.

We find the cars

We search dealers, Carsales, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace and send you every car that fits your profile. Then we tell you which ones are worth inspecting, with the evidence behind it.

We inspect your pick

You choose the car. A qualified SMGLR mechanic inspects it on site, and you're welcome to be there. You get a full report with photos and video.

We tell you what to pay

If it's worth buying, we give you a fair price range, a target offer and what to say, aiming to save you at least our fee.

How it works6 simple steps, from enquiry to keys Why RideHuntThe risks, who we help, our promise The inspectionWhat we check on every car PriceA$749 all-in, paid in two parts

How it works

Step by step, from enquiry to keys

Here's exactly what happens, what you get at each step, and when you pay.

  1. 1

    Send an enquiry

    Fill in the short form at the bottom of this page with your budget and the car you want. It's free and there's no obligation.

    You get: a free phone chat within one business day

    Free
  2. 2

    Book your spot

    On the call we agree on your budget, the type of car and your must-haves. If you're happy to go ahead, you pay A$349 to secure one of our limited monthly spots.

    You get: a written brief of the car we're looking for

    Pay A$349
  3. 3

    We send you every car that fits

    We send you all the cars that match your profile, whatever you've asked for. For each one we tell you whether it's worth inspecting, and show you the evidence: price against market, kilometres, history and red flags. You can also send us any listing you find.

    You get: every matching car, with our honest view on each, until we find the right one

    Your choice
  4. 4

    We inspect the car you pick

    Tell us which car you like. We check the listing is genuine, book a time with the seller and do a full SMGLR inspection on site. You're welcome to be there, and we'll walk you through it.

    You get: a full report with photos and video, plus a phone call from your mechanic

    Pay A$400 after
  5. 5

    Honest result and negotiation advice

    If the car fails, we show you the evidence and explain exactly why, so there's no confusion. If it's worth buying, we tell you what it's really worth and coach you on what to offer, doing our best to save you at least our fee.

    You get: a target offer and exactly what to say

    You decide
  6. 6

    Buy with confidence

    We check the paperwork and that you're paying the real owner. You pay the seller directly. If you'd like, one of our team comes with you on pickup day.

    You get: a safe handover and pickup support

    With your OK

Nothing happens without your approval. You choose the car, you decide the price, and you can stop at any time.

Backed by SMGLR Auto Checks

Run by a Melbourne inspection business you can check

RideHunt is run by SMGLR Auto Checks, a Melbourne mobile pre-purchase inspection business. Every car you buy through RideHunt is inspected by the same qualified, dealership-trained SMGLR mechanic who inspects cars for Melbourne buyers every week.

  • Qualified, dealership-trained and EV-certified mechanic
  • Fully insured
  • 5-star Google reviews from Melbourne buyers
  • We come to the car, anywhere around Melbourne
Visit SMGLR Auto ChecksCall 1800 959 270

Need to talk first?

1800 959 270

Call us with any questions before you enquire. No pressure, just honest answers.

AreaAll around Melbourne
How longUntil we find your car
PriceA$749 all-in

The inspection

What we check on every car

The inspection is the same full SMGLR Premium inspection (normally A$329), done on site by a qualified, dealership-trained mechanic.

  • PPSR checkMoney owing, stolen or written-off
  • OdometerKilometres checked against service history
  • Paint and panelsPaint readings to find hidden crash repairs
  • Engine and gearboxLeaks, noises, smoke and warning lights
  • Diagnostic scanHidden fault codes in the car's computer
  • UnderbodyLeaks, rust and damage underneath
  • Tyres, brakes, suspensionWear and safety issues
  • Road testHow it really drives, brakes and changes gear
  • Seller and paperworkSeller's ID matches the rego, VIN matches the papers
  • EV and hybrid batteryBattery health test available
Engine oil leak found during an SMGLR inspection
Oil leak found
Damaged tyre sidewall found during an SMGLR inspection
Tyre damage
Underbody leak found during an SMGLR inspection
Underbody leak

Real photos from SMGLR inspections. Every problem we find is photographed and explained in plain English in your report.

Why you need this

Buying privately? You're on your own.

When you buy from a licensed dealer in Victoria, the law gives you protections like a statutory warranty and guaranteed clear title. Buy from a private seller and most of that disappears. If something's wrong with the car, the loss is usually yours.

62%of Victorian used car sales are private, where buyers have no legal remedy when things go wrong.
Nearly 1 in 3sampled online car ads had odometers wound back by at least 25,000 km.
Fake RWCsBuyers on online marketplaces are being handed fraudulent roadworthy certificates.

Sources: VACC; Consumer Affairs Victoria research as reported by VACC via Paint & Panel.

Money owing on the carThe finance company can repossess it from you, even after you've paid the seller.
Wound-back kilometresYou pay for 80,000 km and drive away with 150,000.
Hidden crash or flood repairsFresh paint can hide damage that makes a car unsafe.
Stolen or rebuilt carsIf police seize it, you lose the car and your money.
Deposit scamsYou pay to "hold" a car and the seller disappears.
Paying too muchWithout knowing the real value, it's easy to overpay by thousands.

One hidden engine or gearbox fault can cost more to fix than our whole fee. For A$749, a qualified mechanic checks the car, the paperwork and the seller before you pay the seller anything.

Enquire now

Who we help

Built for buyers scammers target most

Scammers look for people who are in a hurry, don't know the local rules, or feel uncomfortable asking hard questions. If that sounds like you, it's not your fault. It's exactly why we exist.

New to Australia

You may not know about PPSR checks, roadworthies or rego transfer. We explain every step of buying a car in Victoria.

International students

Tight budgets and cash deals on Marketplace are where most scams happen. Never pay a seller until we've checked the car.

Older buyers

Pushy sellers use pressure to rush you. We meet the seller and tell you straight if it's a bad deal.

First-time buyers

Wound-back km and hidden crash repairs are hard to spot. Our inspection finds them and shows you photos.

Limited English

It's hard to question a seller or read the paperwork. We keep everything simple and check the papers for you.

Busy or far away

Can't see the car yourself? We inspect it in person and send you real photos and video.

Don't want to meet a private seller alone?

A lot of women tell us they feel uncomfortable or intimidated going to a stranger's home to look at a car. We go to the seller and inspect the car for you, coach you on the price, and one of our team can come with you on pickup day.

Our promise

Full transparency. Full honesty.

Buying a car is a big decision. We do everything we can so you feel confident at every step, and you never have to guess what's going on.

Evidence for every decision

Whether we recommend a car or tell you to skip it, we show you why, with photos, checks and market prices.

Be there if you want

You're welcome to come to the inspection. We'll show you what we're checking and explain it as we go.

Every fail explained

If a car fails, we tell you exactly what we found and why it matters, so there's no confusion.

Your approval, always

We never book an inspection or speak to a seller about price without your OK.

Advice to save you money

We do our best to help you negotiate a price that saves you at least our fee.

Only on your side

No commissions from sellers or dealers, ever. If the honest answer is "walk away", that's what we'll tell you.

What you get

A clear answer: buy it or walk away

After the inspection you don't get a confusing list of jargon. You get a clear result, the evidence behind it, and a target price. If the car fails, we explain exactly why.

  • Full report with photos and video of anything we find
  • Phone call from your mechanic to explain everything
  • Fair price range and a target offer
  • What to say to the seller when you negotiate

Example: what your shortlist looks like

2019 Mazda CX-5A$1,200 below similar cars, full service historyWorth inspecting
2017 Toyota CorollaPriced far below market, seller won't share the regoSkip: likely scam
2018 Hyundai i30Listed km don't match its last service recordSkip: km doubt
ExampleWorth buying

2019 Mazda CX-5 Maxx Sport

68,400 km · Private seller

  • PPSRNo finance owing
  • OdometerMatches service history
  • Paint and panelsNo crash repairs
  • Engine and gearboxGood
  • Rear tyresReplace soon, about A$400
Asking priceA$27,990
Our target offerA$26,200

Price

One price, no surprises

Everything below is included in A$749. You pay in two parts.

RideHunt by SMGLR

A$749
When you book your spotA$349
After the inspection of the car you choseA$400

Afterpay on both payments, or card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayID or bank transfer.

  • Free phone chat about your budget and needs
  • Every car that fits your profile, for as long as it takes to find the right one
  • Our honest view on which cars are worth inspecting, with evidence
  • 1 full SMGLR Premium inspection of the car you pick (worth A$329)
  • PPSR check for money owing, stolen or written-off
  • Full report with photos, video and a phone call
  • Buy or walk-away advice with a fair price range
  • Negotiation advice, aiming to save you at least our fee
  • You're welcome to be there during the inspection
  • Paperwork and safe payment check
  • Pickup support: one of our team can come with you
Enquire now

Limited bookings each month

We take a small number of buyers each month so every car gets a proper search, inspection and advice. Enquire early to secure your spot.

If the car isn't worth buying

We tell you why and you choose another car from your listings. Extra inspections are the normal SMGLR price: A$249 Essential or A$329 Premium.

Travel

A flat A$20 travel charge applies to inspections more than 25 km from the Melbourne CBD.

Already found a car?

You don't need the full service. Book a normal SMGLR pre-purchase inspection from A$249.

Car buyers agent across Melbourne

Your local car buying service

Looking for a car buyers agent, car finder or car buying advocate in Melbourne? RideHunt finds, checks and helps you buy the right used car, from dealers or private sellers. Unlike most car finding services, every car we recommend is inspected by a qualified SMGLR mechanic before you pay the seller anything.

We work with first-time buyers, families, international students, new migrants, older buyers and busy professionals, from small hatchbacks and SUVs to utes, 7-seaters, hybrids and EVs.

See all areas we cover →

Google reviews

Melbourne buyers trust SMGLR

Real reviews of SMGLR inspections, the same inspection included with RideHunt.

Thanks for helping my son get his first car. Saved us so much running around. 10/10 service!
Sudesh N.Google review
The inspector was very professional, thorough and, most importantly, took the time to call me and explain everything clearly.
Michella L.Google review
He checked the car carefully and pointed out the things I needed to know before making my decision.
Shubham P.Google review

Questions and terms

Everything you need to know

By paying the A$349 you agree to these terms. SMGLR's inspection terms also apply to the inspection.

What do I get for A$749?
  • Every car from dealers and private sellers that fits the profile we agree with you, for as long as it takes to find the right car, with our honest view on which are worth inspecting and why.
  • One full SMGLR Premium inspection of the car you choose, including a PPSR check, report, photos, video and a phone call.
  • Buy or walk-away advice, a fair price range, a target offer and what to say to the seller.
  • A paperwork check, and a team member to come with you at pickup if you'd like (within 50 km of the Melbourne CBD).
When do I pay?

A$349 when you book your spot, which starts the search. A$400 after the inspection of the car you chose, once you've received the report. The A$400 is due whatever the inspection result, because it covers the inspection and the work that follows. Afterpay is available on both payments.

What if the car fails the inspection?

We show you the evidence and explain exactly why it failed, so there's no confusion. Then you choose another car. Each extra inspection costs the normal SMGLR price: A$249 Essential or A$329 Premium.

Do you negotiate with the seller for me?

We give you negotiation advice: what the car is really worth, a target offer and exactly what to say, aiming to save you at least our fee. You make the offer and you decide whether to buy. We never make an offer or agree a price for you.

Do you only look at dealers?

No. We look at dealers and private sellers, including Carsales, Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace. You can also send us any listing you find yourself.

Which areas do you cover?

All around Melbourne, including the suburbs. A flat A$20 travel charge applies to inspections more than 25 km from the Melbourne CBD.

How long will it take?

As long as it takes to find you the right car. There's no time limit and no extra cost for a longer search. We send you cars as soon as they come up, and how quickly you find one depends on your budget, what you need and what's on the market.

Can you help with finance or a trade-in?

If you need finance, we can introduce you to a licensed vehicle-finance broker. We don't provide credit or financial advice ourselves. For trade-ins, we can tell you what your current car is roughly worth so you know if a dealer's offer is fair.

Who is behind RideHunt?

RideHunt is run by SMGLR Auto Checks, a Melbourne mobile pre-purchase inspection business. You can read our Google reviews and see sample reports at smglrautochecks.com.au, or call us on 1800 959 270.

How do you choose which cars to show me?

We send you every car on the market that fits the profile we agreed with you, whatever you've asked for. For each one we tell you whether we think it's worth inspecting and show you why: how its price compares with similar cars, its kilometres and history, and any red flags in the listing.

Can I be there during the inspection?

Yes. You're welcome to come along. We'll show you what we're checking and explain everything as we go. If you can't make it, you'll get the full report with photos and video, plus a phone call.

Will negotiation advice save me money?

We'll always do our best to help you negotiate a price that saves you at least our fee. Savings depend on the car, the seller and the market, so we can't guarantee an amount.

Availability and market conditions
  • Bookings are limited each month and depend on our availability. Inspection times depend on our schedule and the seller's.
  • We can only show you cars that are actually for sale. If few cars match your budget, needs or timeframe, it may take longer to find the right one.
  • We can't guarantee a car will be available at a particular price or within a particular time.
  • Prices and stock change quickly. A seller may sell a car, change the price, or refuse an inspection before we get there. If that happens, we move on to the next car.
  • Inspections can be affected by access, weather or the seller's location. We'll always tell you if something limits what we can check.
  • We give advice. Final decisions, offers and payments to the seller are always yours.
Can I change what I'm looking for?

Yes. You can change your budget or the type of car during the search at no extra cost.

Can someone come with me to pick up the car?

Yes. One of our team can come with you on pickup day, within 50 km of the Melbourne CBD. Just let us know when you book.

Can I cancel or get a refund?
  • The A$349 isn't refundable once the search begins, because we start work straight away.
  • There's no time limit. We keep searching until we find the right car, at no extra cost, and you can stop at any time.
  • You never have to buy a car we've inspected.
  • Nothing in these terms limits your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
Who pays the seller for the car?

You do, directly. We never hold your money for the car, and the car's price is not part of our fee.

Are there limits to the inspection?

An inspection lowers your risk but can't find every fault. It doesn't replace a roadworthy certificate, and some parts can't be checked without taking them apart. Full details are in SMGLR's inspection terms and conditions.

Do you take money from sellers or dealers?

No. We work only for you. We never accept commissions, referral fees or payments from sellers or dealers.

Why are bookings limited?

We only take a small number of buyers each month so every car gets a proper search, inspection and advice. Your spot is secured once the A$349 is paid.

Enquire

Tell us what you're looking for

It takes about a minute. We'll contact you within one business day to book your free chat.

  • No payment to enquire
  • Free chat about your budget and the car you need
  • Not sure about something? Leave it blank and we'll go through it on the call
  • Limited bookings each month

Prefer to talk? Call 1800 959 270

Your details are only used to reply to your enquiry. See our privacy policy.

Areas we cover

Car buyers agent all around Melbourne

RideHunt helps buyers right across Melbourne and its suburbs. We search for cars Melbourne-wide and come to the car for the inspection, so the seller can be in a different suburb from you. A flat A$20 travel charge applies to inspections more than 25 km from the Melbourne CBD.

South East Melbourne

Dandenong, Dandenong South, Noble Park, Springvale, Keysborough, Clayton, Oakleigh, Mulgrave, Glen Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Endeavour Hills, Hampton Park, Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Carrum Downs.

Bayside and Southern suburbs

St Kilda, Elwood, Brighton, Brighton East, Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Cheltenham, Mentone, Mordialloc, Braeside, Frankston, Carnegie, Malvern East.

Eastern suburbs

Box Hill, Blackburn, Doncaster, Ringwood, Croydon, Wantirna, Scoresby, Knox, Ferntree Gully, Mitcham, Nunawading.

Western suburbs

Footscray, Sunshine, Maribyrnong, Altona, Laverton, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Werribee, Tarneit, Truganina, Melton.

Northern suburbs

Brunswick, Coburg, Preston, Reservoir, Thomastown, Epping, South Morang, Broadmeadows, Craigieburn, Glenroy.

Inner Melbourne

Melbourne CBD, Southbank, Docklands, Richmond, South Yarra, Prahran, Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Port Melbourne.

Don't see your suburb? We probably still cover it. Call 1800 959 270 or send an enquiry.

Buyer guides

Free guides for buying a used car

Plain-English advice from the SMGLR team on buying a used car safely in Melbourne.

How to avoid car scams in MelbourneThe most common used car scams on Marketplace, Gumtree and Carsales, and how to spot them before you pay. What does a car buyers agent do?What a car buyers agent does, what it costs, and when it's worth using one. Buying a car in Australia when you're new hereA step-by-step guide for new migrants and international students buying their first car in Victoria.

Buyer guide

How to avoid car scams in Melbourne

Most used car scams follow the same few patterns. If you know them, you can spot almost all of them before you hand over any money.

1. The price is too good to be true

A car listed thousands below similar cars usually has a reason: money owing, a written-off history, wound-back kilometres, or no car at all. Compare the price with similar cars of the same year and kilometres before you get excited.

2. A deposit to "hold" the car

Fake sellers ask for a deposit by bank transfer or gift card before you've seen the car, often saying they're interstate or overseas. Never pay anything for a car you haven't seen and checked.

3. Money still owing on the car

If a car has finance owing, the lender can repossess it from you, even after you've paid the seller. Always run a PPSR check on the car's VIN before you buy. It also shows if the car is recorded as stolen or written off.

4. Wound-back kilometres

Lower kilometres make a car worth more, so some sellers wind the odometer back. Compare the kilometres with the service history and with the wear on the seats, pedals and steering wheel.

5. The seller isn't the owner

Ask to see the registration papers and the seller's ID, and make sure the names and address match. Be careful if the seller only wants to meet in a car park and won't say where they live.

6. Pressure to decide today

"Someone else is coming in an hour" is a common trick to stop you checking the car properly. A genuine seller will let you get the car inspected.

7. Hidden crash or flood damage

Fresh paint on one panel, uneven gaps between panels, damp carpets or a musty smell can all point to past damage. A paint thickness check during an inspection shows where panels have been repaired.

Don't want to check all this yourself? RideHunt finds cars for you, filters out the scams and has every car you choose inspected by a qualified SMGLR mechanic.

Enquire now

Buyer guide

What does a car buyers agent do?

A car buyers agent helps you find and buy a car. They work for you, the buyer, not for the seller or dealer.

What a car buyers agent does

Most buyers agents help you decide what car suits your needs and budget, search the market for you, check the cars, and help you get a fair price. Some also help with the paperwork and handover.

How RideHunt is different

Many car finding services don't inspect the cars they recommend, or send someone else to do it. RideHunt is run by SMGLR Auto Checks, a Melbourne mobile pre-purchase inspection business, so every car you choose gets a full inspection by a qualified mechanic. We also give you negotiation advice and leave every decision to you.

What does a car buyers agent cost?

Prices vary between agents. Some charge a flat fee, some a percentage of the car's price or of the savings. RideHunt charges a flat A$749, which includes one full SMGLR inspection. You pay A$349 to start and A$400 after the inspection.

When is a buyers agent worth it?

Questions to ask any buyers agent

Looking for a car buyers agent in Melbourne? RideHunt sends you every car that fits your budget, inspects the one you pick and helps you negotiate.

Enquire now

Buyer guide

Buying a car in Australia when you're new here

If you've recently moved to Melbourne or you're studying here, buying a car can feel confusing. Here are the main steps for buying a used car in Victoria.

1. Check your driver licence

Whether you can drive on an overseas licence depends on your visa and how long you've been here. Check the current rules on the VicRoads website before you buy.

2. Set your full budget

As well as the car's price, allow for transfer fees and motor vehicle duty when you register the car in your name, insurance, servicing, tyres and fuel.

3. Dealer or private seller?

Licensed dealers in Victoria must meet consumer protection rules, which can include a statutory warranty on some cars. Private sales are often cheaper but come with far fewer protections, so checking the car matters even more.

4. Check the car before you pay

5. Roadworthy certificate and registration

In Victoria, a registered car being sold usually needs a current roadworthy certificate (RWC). After you buy, the registration must be transferred into your name through VicRoads within the required time. Check VicRoads for the current steps and fees.

6. Insurance

Compulsory third party cover for injuries is included in Victorian registration, but it doesn't cover damage to your car or other cars. Most people also take out comprehensive or third party property insurance.

7. Paying safely

Pay the legal owner only, preferably by bank transfer once you've checked everything, and get a written receipt with the car's details and VIN.

Want someone to guide you through it? RideHunt explains every step, finds cars that fit your budget, inspects the one you choose and helps you negotiate.

Enquire now

Ready to find your next car?

Send us a quick enquiry, or call 1800 959 270. Limited bookings each month.

Car keys being handed overEnquire now