Get an independent 86-point check of the car’s mechanical and structural condition, including a road test and written report, so you have a clearer picture of what you’re buying before you commit.
A focused check of the essentials, giving you an independent view of the car’s condition before you buy.
86-point inspection for a fixed price of £84.99
Interior & electrical checks
Engine bay & fluid checks
Tyres & visible condition checks
86-point mechanical & structural inspection
Written inspection report
Road test
View full checklist
Check item
Basic
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
Helpful, approachable and easy to deal with from the moment you get in touch.
We know what to look for and where problems tend to hide, helping you spot issues before they become yours.
Less waiting around, and more of your day left for the things that matter.
Turning up when we say we will, being easy to reach and available when you need us.
★★★★★
“Graeme was really great. The dealer, it turned out, was extremely unprofessional with communications and made no effort at all. Graeme explained the process well and had lots of useful advice, and expertly pointed out issues with the car that I could use when discussing with the dealer. Excellent service all round! Thank you so much!”
Zara - 11 Feb 2025 - Toyota Yaris
basic pre-purchase inspection
Get an independent opinion before you commit.
A basic pre-purchase inspection is a professional assessment of a used vehicle’s condition before you agree to buy it. A qualified mechanic checks core mechanical and structural components and provides a report outlining any concerns or potential issues to help you make an informed buying decision. This level of inspection focuses on key areas of the vehicle’s health, giving a reliable snapshot of its condition.
Even if a used car looks fine in photos or on a brief test drive, underlying mechanical or structural problems can be costly to fix. A basic inspection gives you expert insight into the car’s true condition, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises and make a more confident purchase decision.
A basic inspection typically covers an 86-point mechanical and structural check, including engine, brakes, suspension, steering and safety-critical systems. It also usually involves a road test so the mechanic can assess how the vehicle performs under normal driving conditions. A detailed inspection report is provided after the check.
No. While you’re welcome to be present, it’s not required. As long as the seller agrees and the mechanic has access to the vehicle, the inspection can be completed on your behalf. You’ll receive a comprehensive report after the inspection.
Yes. A basic inspection is designed to highlight potential safety issues by checking key systems such as brakes, steering, suspension and structural integrity. While it is not as exhaustive as more detailed inspections, it can identify major faults that might affect safety or roadworthiness.
Yes. A basic pre-purchase inspection normally includes a road test so the mechanic can evaluate how the car drives, how the brakes respond and whether there are any obvious performance issues. This complements the static checks and gives a more complete picture of the vehicle’s condition.
If the inspection report identifies issues, you can use this information to negotiate a fairer price with the seller. Knowing the likely cost of rectifying problems in advance strengthens your bargaining position and helps ensure you’re paying a price that reflects the car’s actual condition.
No. A basic pre-purchase inspection provides a condition report showing the state of the vehicle at the time of inspection, but it does not include a warranty. It is an unbiased assessment to support your buying decision, not a guarantee of future performance or repairs.
We cover the areas shown here, along with nearby towns and villages. The inspection is carried out at the seller’s location. If you’re not sure whether we cover where the car is, send us a message and we’ll let you know if we can help.
Take a look at our other pre-purchase inspection options.
A thorough 136-point inspection covering the mechanical condition, bodywork, brakes, steering, suspension and more, with a written report and follow-up call.
A comprehensive 185-point inspection covering the car’s mechanical systems, structure, underside, diagnostics, bodywork and interior, with photos, a written report and follow-up call.