Know what you’re buying before you commit, with a 136-point inspection covering the car’s mechanical and structural condition, bodywork and road behaviour, followed by a written report and a call to talk through what we find.
A thorough inspection covering the brakes, steering, suspension, engine bay, bodywork and more, with a road test and written report included.
136-point inspection for a fixed price of £99.99
Brakes, steering & suspension
Fluid levels & engine bay
Bodywork, paint & corrosion
136-point mechanical & structural inspection
Follow-up call with the mechanic
Road test & professional report
View full checklist
Check item
Standard
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.
★★★★★
“Graham was perfect. Full peace of mind afterwards. I'd fully recommend. Whole service was easy”
Harry - 10 Feb 2025 - Vauxhall Corsa
standard pre-purchase inspection
Get an independent opinion before you commit.
A standard pre-purchase inspection is a more in-depth assessment of a used vehicle’s condition before you commit to buying it. It involves a qualified mechanic carrying out a comprehensive inspection of the car’s mechanical, structural and safety-critical components, followed by a detailed written report highlighting any faults, concerns or advisory items. This level of inspection provides a clearer, more thorough understanding of the vehicle’s overall condition.
A standard inspection is ideal if you want greater confidence in a used car purchase. While a vehicle may appear fine on a test drive, many issues are not immediately obvious. This inspection helps uncover hidden problems, assess general wear and tear, and identify potential future repair costs, allowing you to make a well-informed decision before handing over any money.
A standard pre-purchase inspection includes a significantly more detailed multi-point check than a basic inspection, covering the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, cooling system, electrical components and body condition. It also includes a road test, where possible, to assess how the vehicle performs under real driving conditions. A comprehensive report is provided afterwards.
No. You do not need to be present for the inspection to take place. As long as the seller has agreed and access to the vehicle is available, the inspection can be carried out on your behalf. Once completed, you will receive a detailed report explaining the vehicle’s condition and any issues identified.
Yes. A standard inspection is specifically designed to identify safety-related concerns by thoroughly checking components such as brakes, suspension, steering, tyres and structural integrity. While no inspection can predict every future issue, this level of assessment is effective at highlighting faults that could affect the vehicle’s safety or roadworthiness.
Yes, where conditions allow. A road test forms an important part of a standard pre-purchase inspection, enabling the mechanic to assess braking performance, handling, steering response, drivetrain behaviour and any abnormal noises. This dynamic assessment complements the static checks and provides a more complete picture of how the car performs.
If faults or areas of concern are identified, the inspection report can be used as evidence when negotiating with the seller. Understanding the condition of the vehicle and any likely repair costs puts you in a stronger position to agree on a fair price or decide whether the car represents good value.
No. A standard pre-purchase inspection is a detailed condition report based on the vehicle’s state at the time of inspection. It does not provide a warranty or guarantee against future faults. Its purpose is to give you independent, professional insight to support your buying decision and reduce the risk of unexpected issues after purchase.
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 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.