Pre-Purchase Inspection
Also called used car checking before buying
A pre-purchase inspection tells you what condition a car is in before your money moves. It covers a road test, an electronic scan, an engine and underbody assessment, paint thickness readings to find accident repairs, and checks on brakes, suspension and tyres. You get the findings in writing. We assess the car's condition only; we do not value it, negotiate for you, or guarantee a full accident history that the car no longer shows.
Signs you need this
- You are about to buy a used car and want it checked first
- Seller's description does not match what you can see
- Car has an unusually low price for its year and model
- You noticed a smell, noise or warning light on the test drive
- Panel gaps or paint shades look inconsistent
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Road test covering cold start, gearbox, steering, brakes and noises
- Full electronic scan for stored and pending fault codes
- Engine and underbody inspection for leaks, damage and previous repairs
- Paint thickness readings around the body to detect accident repair
- A written report listing urgent items, items to watch and estimated repairs
How we do it
Cold start and road test
We ask that the car is not warmed up beforehand, because a cold start reveals noises and smoke a warm engine hides.
Scan the electronics
Stored and pending codes are read from all modules, including ones that have been recently cleared.
Inspect the body and underside
Paint thickness, panel gaps, weld seams and underbody condition are checked for evidence of accident repair.
Assess the mechanical condition
Leaks, brakes, suspension play, tyre dates and fluid condition are recorded with photographs where useful.
Hand over written report
You receive the findings grouped into urgent, soon and monitor, so you can decide with real information.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book pre-purchase inspection
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
You send this
Takes a minute. No payment, no obligation.
We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.