You've found the perfect car. The price is right, the spec is exactly what you want, and the seller seems genuine. Should you really spend another £150-200 on an inspection?
Short answer: almost always yes. Here's why.
What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cover?
Professional inspections typically check 150-200+ points across the vehicle:
Mechanical checks cover engine condition, oil leaks, and running quality, along with gearbox and clutch operation, exhaust system and emissions, cooling system and hoses, steering and suspension, brakes (discs, pads, fluid, and lines), and driveshafts and CV joints.
Electrical systems inspection covers battery condition and charging, lights and indicators, dashboard warning lights, central locking and windows, air conditioning, and the audio system.
Bodywork and structure checks look for accident damage evidence, rust and corrosion, panel alignment and paint condition, structural integrity, windscreen condition, and tyre condition and age.
Interior inspection covers seats and seatbelts, carpet and trim condition, dashboard and controls, any odour or water damage signs, and mileage verification against wear patterns.
Documentation checks verify the V5C, review MOT history, assess service history, check for outstanding finance (some providers), and flag any mileage discrepancies.
Who Offers Pre-Purchase Inspections?
The AA charges £133-£199 depending on the package, offering a comprehensive inspection, written report, and breakdown cover for the journey home. You can book online or by phone, usually within 48 hours. They're well-established and their reports carry weight in disputes.
The RAC charges £149-£239 depending on the package, providing a detailed inspection, engineer's report, and price negotiation advice. Booking is online, typically with 24-48 hours' notice. Similar standing to the AA.
Independent mechanics charge £50-£150 depending on depth. What you get varies widely and is usually more basic than the AA or RAC, but booking is flexible and they're often more affordable. Quality depends entirely on the individual mechanic.
Specialist marque inspectors charge £200-£400 or more, bringing expert knowledge of specific makes and models. They're best for classic cars, prestige vehicles, and specialist models, though they often need longer notice to book. For complex cars with known issues, their expertise can be invaluable.
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When Is an Inspection Essential?
High-Value Purchases
If you're spending £10,000+, a £200 inspection is less than 2% of the purchase. The potential savings from spotting a problem or negotiating down far exceed this cost.
Complex or Problematic Models
Some cars are known for expensive issues – BMWs with timing chain problems, Audi and VW models with DSG gearbox issues, Range Rovers with air suspension and electronics failures, and Mercedes with rust and complicated systems. An expert can spot early signs before they become expensive failures.
Private Sales
You have fewer consumer rights with private sales. An inspection provides crucial protection since you can't easily reject a faulty car from a private seller.
When Something Feels Off
Trust your instincts. If the price seems too good, the seller seems evasive, or something just doesn't feel right – an inspection provides peace of mind.
Cars Without Full History
Missing service history means you don't know what maintenance has been done. An inspection can reveal if essential work has been neglected.
When Might You Skip It?
Very Low-Value Cars
For a £1,000 runabout, a £200 inspection represents 20% of the value. A basic check by a trusted local mechanic might be more proportionate.
Manufacturer Approved Used
Cars from franchise dealer approved schemes have already been thoroughly inspected and come with warranties. An additional inspection is less critical (though still valuable).
Cars You Know Well
If you're mechanically knowledgeable and familiar with the specific model, you may spot most issues yourself. But even experts miss things.
New or Nearly-New Cars
A 1-year-old car with 10,000 miles from a main dealer with warranty has lower risk. Though inspection can still catch things the warranty won't cover.
What Happens During the Inspection?
Booking is straightforward – call or book online, provide the car details (registration and location), schedule the appointment (the seller needs to be present to provide access), and pay upfront or on completion.
The inspection itself takes 1-2 hours. The engineer arrives at the car's location, and they'll need the keys and documents. A road test is included. You don't need to be present, but it can be useful to be there to ask questions.
The report is usually delivered the same day by email or online. It lists all findings categorised by severity, includes photos of issues found, gives an overall recommendation, and some providers include market value guidance.
After the report, review the findings carefully, discuss any serious issues with the seller, negotiate on price if appropriate, and make your decision with full information rather than guesswork.
How to Use the Report
Green Light (No Major Issues)
Proceed with confidence. You might still negotiate on minor items, but the car is fundamentally sound.
Amber Warning (Some Concerns)
Issues exist but aren't deal-breakers. Consider negotiating the price down by the estimated repair cost, asking the seller to fix the issues before completion, or walking away if you're not comfortable with the risk.
Red Alert (Serious Problems)
Major issues found. Walking away is usually the wisest choice. If you really want the car and can fix it cheaply, heavy negotiation is an option, but be realistic about costs. Asking the seller to repair first is possible, though sellers often won't invest more money into a car they're trying to sell.
Negotiating After an Inspection
The report is a powerful negotiating tool:
"The inspection found..."
Present findings factually. The written report carries weight – it's not just your opinion.
"The repair cost is estimated at..."
Get a quote for any work needed. This gives you a specific figure to negotiate around.
"I'd still like the car, but at a reduced price"
Shows you're a serious buyer willing to proceed, just at a fair price.
Know When to Walk
If the seller won't negotiate on genuine problems, they're probably not someone you want to do business with anyway.
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Real Cost-Benefit Analysis
Scenario A: No inspection. You buy a £15,000 car, the gearbox fails after 6 weeks, the repair costs £2,500, the dealer disputes fault timing, and months of arguments ensue.
Scenario B: With inspection. You pay £170 for an AA inspection, gearbox wear is identified, you either negotiate £2,000 off or walk away, and the problem is avoided entirely.
The inspection paid for itself ten times over.
The Bottom Line
A pre-purchase inspection is one of the best investments you can make when buying a used car. For £150-200, you get peace of mind, negotiating power, protection from expensive surprises, and expert eyes on your purchase. Yes, most inspections come back clean – that's actually the point. You're paying for certainty, not just problem detection. The times an inspection saves you will more than cover all the times it "just" gave you peace of mind. And if you do end up with a faulty car despite the inspection, the report becomes valuable evidence for your rejection claim.
Already bought without an inspection and regretting it? Check if you qualify for a rejection – faults that existed at sale are still covered.
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