Buying a Used Car? Get an Expert Second Opinion.

A thorough inspection at the seller’s location, followed by a professional report and expert opinion covering the car’s condition, any concerns and anything worth knowing before you buy.

Mechanic opening the door of a white car during a bodywork check

What’s included :

Expert inspections
Detailed digital reports with photos
Negotiation support
Follow-up advice
Expert inspections
Detailed digital reports with photos
Negotiation support
Follow-up advice
Expert inspections
Detailed digital reports with photos
Negotiation support
Follow-up advice

A used car can look great on the surface and still be hiding expensive problems underneath. We inspect the vehicle at the seller’s location, checking its condition and flagging any faults, wear or concerns that could cost you once the car is yours.

Choose from Basic, Standard or Premium, with each option giving you more detail about the car’s condition.

When should you book an inspection?

  • You’ve found a used car you’re seriously considering
  • You want an independent opinion before you commit
  • You’re buying privately and want extra reassurance
  • You want potential faults or upcoming repair costs flagged
  • You want a clearer picture of the car’s overall condition
Maxamy mechanic with a customer's red Kia Sportage after a mobile car service

How your inspection works

01

Choose your inspection

Pick Basic, Standard or Premium and complete the booking details online.

02

Confirm the details

We’ll give you a quick call to confirm the car, seller, location and appointment.

03

We inspect the car

We’ll meet the seller at the car’s location and inspect it with you, or on your behalf if needed.

04

Get your report

You’ll receive your report along with our professional opinion on the car and anything you should know before buying.

Close-up of a white car's headlight

★★★★★

"Graeme was excellent from booking to talking over the report in less than 24 hours. Clear comms and helpful photos. Thanks! Superb service."

Phil

Choose your inspection

Compare the options and see what’s included.

Basic

£84.99

The essential checks

86-point inspection
  • Mechanical & structural checks
  • Interior & electrical controls
  • Tyres & exterior condition
  • Road test
  • Professional inspection report
Standard

£99.99

A deeper mechanical inspection

136-point inspection
  • More in-depth mechanical checks
  • Brakes, steering & suspension
  • Fluid levels & engine bay
  • Bodywork, paint & corrosion
  • Road test & professional report
  • Follow-up call with the mechanic
Premium

£139.99

Comprehensive top-to-bottom check

185-point inspection
  • Full mechanical & structural inspection
  • Vehicle raised for underside checks
  • Clutch, transmission & brake hydraulics
  • Fuel & exhaust system checks
  • Plug-in diagnostic scan
  • Full interior, bodywork & paint inspection
  • Photos included in your report
  • Follow-up call with the mechanic

Check item

Basic

Standard

Premium

Interior compartment

Door locking

Boot / tailgate lock

Door seals

Door hinges

Door trim panels

Dash panel condition

Interior sills

Illuminating lights

Seat upholstery

Seat mechanism (front seats)

Steering wheel adjustment

Rear view mirror condition

Cigarette lighter

Headlining

Visors

Carpets

Sunroof condition

Rear parcel shelf

Rear luggage area condition

Tool kit

Charging ports

Seat belts

Electrical & controls

Headlights

Side light / running lights

Indicators / hazard lights

Rear lights / number plate lights

Stop lights

Reverse / fog lights

Auxiliary lights

Panel lights

Switches / controls (condition & operation)

Instrument / controls function

Horn

Windows / sunroof operation

Front windscreen wipers

Front windscreen washers

Rear wiper

Rear washer

Headlamp washer

Headlamp wiper

Electric / manual mirrors operation

CD / Radio operation

Interior lights

Battery voltage

Climate control / heater fan controls

Screens (info / entertainment)

Key fobs

Manual locking key blade & operation

Steering wheel controls

Road test

Driving test (up to 5 miles)

Starting system / ignition lock

Warning lights

Cold starting

Fast idle (cold)

Noise level (cold)

Excess fumes / smoke

Engine noise level

Engine general performance

Overheating evidence

Turbo / supercharger operation & noise

Battery charging system

Hand / parking brake operation

Footbrake operation

Gearbox operation / noise level

Clutch operation

Accelerator pedal operation

Instrument / controls function

General steering / handling

Road holding / stability

Suspension noise

Cruise control

Steering wheel alignment

Steering effort

Four wheel drive operation

Suspension ride height level operation

Air con operation

Final drive operation / noise level

Hot restarting

Cooling fan operation

Stop-start system

Hill start system

Automatic transmission operation & shifts

Engine compartment

Bonnet catch

Bonnet hinges

General cleanliness of engine bay

Coolant / antifreeze level

Coolant leaks

Radiator / expansion bottle cap

Hoses / pipes

Engine oil level

Drive belts (visible damage)

Power steering fluid level

Clutch fluid level

Brake fluid level

Engine mountings

External leaks

Water pump operation

Fuel injection leak off pipe condition

Accelerator links

Fuel pump / pipes

Wheels & tyres

Front right tyre

Front left tyre

Rear right tyre

Rear left tyre

Uneven tyre wear

Spare wheel condition

Locking wheel nut key

Wheel rims

Wheel trims

Alloy wheel condition

Tyre inflation kit

Bodywork & exterior

Glass

Door locks / operation

Fuel filler cover / petrol cap

Body damage

Windshield condition

Past repairs evident

Corrosion

Paint work

Mud flaps

Bumper

Number plate

Panel condition

Front suspension, brakes & steering

Wheel hubs / bearings

Brake pads (visual check)

Brake discs (visual check)

Brake pipes / hoses (where visible)

Road springs

Shock absorbers (condition / leaks)

Bump stops / gaiters

Steering joints / ball joints

Steering rack

Power steering

Suspension arms / mountings

Suspension arms / fixings

Tie bars / anti roll bars

Location rod / fixings

Bushes

Rear suspension & brakes

Wheel hubs / bearings

Brake pads (visual check)

Brake discs (visual check)

Brake pipes / hoses (if visible)

Road springs

Shock absorbers (condition / leaks)

Bump stops / gaiters

Suspension arms / mountings

Suspension arms / fixings

Tie bars / anti roll bars

Bushes

Brake hydraulics

Master cylinder security (if accessible)

Fluid leaks

Servo / power system

Flexible hoses

Pipes / connections

Clutch and transmission

Fluid / oil leaks

Hydraulic system

Linkage wear (manual)

Casings

Mountings

Drive shaft assemblies

Sliding joints (if visible)

Slave cylinder gaiter / boot (manual)

Propshaft(s)

Bearings

Clutch pedal

Clutch cable adjustments

4WD transmission (if applicable)

Dual mass flywheel (noise / vibration)

Underside condition

Chassis members

Sub frames / mountings

Floor / chassis corrosion

Corrosion protection

Engine underside leakage

Fuel system

Tank fixings

Fuel lines

Breather pipes

Evidence of leaks

Fuel tank (if accessible)

Exhaust system

Operation

System condition

Exhaust manifold condition

Exhaust pipes condition

Catalytic converter condition

Heat shields condition

DPF condition (soot content with plug-in)

Close checklist

Found the car?

Get an expert opinion before you commit.

Find out more about our pre-purchase inspection packages.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the inspection take?

Most inspections take around 60–90 minutes, depending on the vehicle and package selected.

Do I need to be there during the inspection?

You don’t need to attend. We can inspect on-site at the seller’s location and send the full report straight to you.

Where can you carry out the inspection?

We’ll give you our professional opinion pointing out the good, the bad, and the costly. So you can decide with confidence.

Can you check for accidents or flood damage?

We look for body repairs, paint inconsistencies, frame damage, and corrosion that may indicate previous accidents or flooding.

Can you test-drive the car?

We’ll carry out a road test to check performance, steering, brakes and transmission feel.

What if the car has issues?

We’ll explain exactly why and what the issues are, so you can negotiate, walk away, or request repairs before buying.

Can I upgrade my inspection after booking?

Yes, you can move from basic to standard or premium before the visit. Just contact us to adjust your booking.

Do you inspect hybrid or electric vehicles?

We’re able to inspect hybrid and mild-hybrid vehicles. For full EVs, we advise you to contact an EV specialist.

When will I receive my report?

Within 24 hours of the inspection. Packages include same-day turnaround.

Do you check the service history and paperwork?

Yes. We’ll review what’s available on the day (service book, invoices, MOT history) and flag any gaps, inconsistencies, or missing documentation.

Can you inspect a car that’s at a dealership?

Absolutely. We regularly inspect cars at main dealers and independent dealers, we’ll liaise with them, carry out the inspection on-site, and send your report over afterwards.