Apex Performance Tuning is an independent European vehicle specialist workshop in Wantirna South. We are not a manufacturer and not an authorised dealership.
A private-sale Euro can hide the difference between a bargain and a very expensive mistake. We put the car on our hoist, run dealer-level diagnostics, road-test it under load, and send you a written report the same business day — with photos, fault codes and a clear 'buy, negotiate or walk away' recommendation.
For service, repair and diagnostic enquiries at Apex, Wantirna South.
Apex Performance Tuning carries out independent pre-purchase inspections on European and performance cars at Unit 4/6 Woodbine Court, Wantirna South VIC 3152. We are an independent specialist workshop, not a dealership, and we have no relationship with the seller.
Each inspection includes an on-hoist mechanical inspection, a full multi-module scan on manufacturer software (BMW ISTA, VAG ODIS, Mercedes XENTRY, Porsche PIWIS), borescope inspection where the engine warrants it, a road test under load, and a photographed written report emailed the same business day.
Two packages are available: an Essential Inspection at $250 (approx. one hour) and a Comprehensive Inspection at $450 (approx. two hours) with a written same-day report. Optional extras — compression testing, leak-down testing, borescope cylinder checks and spark plug condition checks — are quoted with the vehicle before booking. Monday to Friday 8:30am–5:30pm — 0483 939 216.
Manufacturer-spec intervals, dealer-level diagnostics and OEM-grade parts. Every service is quoted in writing against your VIN before work begins, with a clear, line-itemised breakdown.
Full underbody check — leaks, corrosion, accident repairs, subframe alignment, exhaust condition, driveline slop, suspension bushes and joints.
ISTA (BMW), ODIS (VAG), Xentry (Mercedes), PIWIS (Porsche) — every module read, every stored fault logged, service history cross-checked against the odometer.
Intake port carbon load and, on at-risk engines, cylinder bore condition — seen with a camera rather than assumed from mileage.
On request for turbo cars and higher-mileage buys — the fastest way to catch a tired engine before the bank transfer clears.
Cold start, cruise, load, brakes, gearbox behaviour under acceleration and downshift. Judder, whine, misfire, torque converter shudder — heard on the road, not in the driveway.
We check the car's actual service record against what the seller claims, and tell you what the car still needs.
Photos, fault codes, mileage-appropriate condition rating, and a plain-English 'buy it, walk away, or negotiate' recommendation.
The report is written so you can hand it straight to the seller — evidenced findings, not vague opinion.
Straightforward package pricing, confirmed in writing against the vehicle when you book. No surprises on the day.
$250
The fast, honest check before you commit — ideal for everyday European daily drivers where you want a specialist's eyes on the car before money changes hands.
$450
The full picture, documented. The one to book for performance cars, higher-kilometre buys and anything you'd negotiate hard on.
Extras depend on the engine and how deep the inspection needs to go — tell us the make, model and year and we'll quote the exact combination in writing before anything is booked.
We have zero incentive to help a sale go through. Our job is to protect your money, not close a deal.
We look at BMWs, Audis, Mercs, Porsches and VWs every single day. We know the specific failure points — S55 charge pipes, DSG mechatronics, M96 IMS, VW timing chain tensioners.
Same diagnostic software the manufacturer uses. Not a generic OBD reader — the real thing, so nothing hides in an unrelated module.
Every finding backed by a photo or a fault-code screenshot. You can show the report to the seller and negotiate with evidence.
Book in the morning, drive it in, report by end of business. Private sales move fast — we move faster.
A line-itemised written quote against the make and model before you drop the car off, with a clear breakdown. No surprises.
Two straightforward packages: the Essential Inspection is $250 (approx. one hour — OEM diagnostic scan, on-hoist visual check, road test and a verbal summary) and the Comprehensive Inspection is $450 (approx. two hours — full scan, video and photo documentation, road test under load and a written report the same business day). Optional extras like compression testing, leak-down testing, borescope cylinder checks and spark plug condition checks are quoted with the vehicle before you book.
Two to three hours on the hoist plus road test. Report typically lands in your inbox the same afternoon. If you need it faster — say, you're at the seller's kerb — call us and we'll tell you what we can do.
Either. Most buyers arrange with the seller for the car to come to our workshop in Wantirna South. We deal directly with the seller if you'd prefer not to be there for the inspection. Vehicle pickup and drop-off may be available by prior arrangement, subject to location and availability.
We inspect anywhere the car can be brought to our Wantirna South workshop — most of eastern Melbourne is a short drive. For cars further afield we can recommend trusted specialists in the seller's area.
You get a written report with photos and a clear recommendation. Most of our clients use it either to walk away or to negotiate with evidence. A pre-purchase inspection has saved our clients from some very costly cars.
Yes. Knowing what is already recorded in the car's fault memory before you buy matters just as much on a late-model car, and an independent inspection does not affect your statutory warranty rights.
Often, yes. Several platforms expose flash counters or calibration evidence, and brake, tyre and cooling condition tell their own story. We report what the evidence supports, not speculation.
Apex Performance Tuning is in Wantirna South, South East Melbourne. Easy access from the M1, EastLink and Ringwood. Call 0483 939 216 to book a PPI slot.
Send your registration or VIN, current kilometres and what the car needs. We come back with the scope in writing — usually within the business day — and nothing extra is carried out without your approval.