Get a comprehensive 185-point inspection before you buy, covering the car’s mechanical and structural condition, underside, diagnostics, bodywork, interior and more, with photos and a follow-up call to talk through what we find.
A comprehensive top-to-bottom inspection covering the car’s mechanical systems, structure, underside, diagnostics, bodywork and interior, with a detailed report and follow-up call included.
185-point inspection for a fixed price of £139.99
Vehicle raised for underside checks
Clutch, transmission & brake hydraulics
Fuel & exhaust system checks
185-point mechanical & structural inspection
Full interior, bodywork & paint inspection
Follow-up call with the mechanic
Photos included in your report
Plug-in diagnostic scan
View full checklist
Check item
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
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.
★★★★★
“Top guy, great advice and thorough inspection. Photographed everything and highlighted things I would never have known/seen. Saved me from a bad purchase.”
Sujan - 19 May 2023 - Jaguar XJ Series
premium pre-purchase inspection
Get an independent opinion before you commit.
A premium pre-purchase inspection is the most comprehensive assessment available when buying a used vehicle. It involves an in-depth inspection of the car’s mechanical, electrical, structural and cosmetic condition, carried out by a qualified mechanic. The inspection is followed by a detailed written report that highlights faults, advisories and overall vehicle condition, giving you the highest level of confidence before purchase.
A premium inspection is ideal if you want maximum certainty before committing to a purchase, particularly for higher-value vehicles or long-term ownership. Many serious or costly issues are not visible during a short test drive. This level of inspection helps uncover hidden faults, assess wear in greater detail and reduce the risk of expensive surprises after buying the car.
A premium pre-purchase inspection includes an extensive multi-point check covering the engine, gearbox, brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, cooling system, electrics, interior, exterior and body condition. It also includes a longer, more thorough road test where possible. The resulting report is highly detailed and designed to give a clear picture of both current condition and potential future concerns.
No. You do not need to attend the inspection yourself. As long as the seller has agreed and access to the vehicle is available, the inspection can be carried out on your behalf. Once complete, you will receive a comprehensive report explaining the findings clearly, allowing you to review everything remotely.
Yes. A premium inspection places strong emphasis on safety and roadworthiness. Critical components such as brakes, suspension, steering, tyres and structural elements are checked in detail, increasing the likelihood of identifying issues that could affect safety. While no inspection can predict every future fault, this level offers the most thorough assessment available.
Yes, where conditions allow. A premium inspection includes a more extensive road test than lower-tier inspections. This allows the mechanic to assess braking performance, handling, steering response, drivetrain behaviour and any unusual noises or warning signs under real driving conditions, providing valuable insight beyond static checks.
Because a premium inspection provides a detailed breakdown of the vehicle’s condition, it gives you strong evidence when negotiating with the seller. If faults, wear or upcoming maintenance needs are identified, you can use the report to justify a price reduction or decide whether the vehicle is still worth pursuing.
No. A premium pre-purchase inspection is a detailed condition report based on the vehicle’s state at the time of inspection. It does not include a warranty or guarantee against future issues. Its purpose is to provide an independent, professional assessment to help you make a confident and informed buying decision.
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 focused 86-point inspection covering the car’s essential mechanical and structural condition, with a road test and written report.
A thorough 136-point inspection covering the mechanical condition, bodywork, brakes, steering, suspension and more, with a written report and follow-up call.