Pre-Purchase Inspections

The Citizen's Advice Bureau received 84,000 complaints from used car buyers in the past year. They recommend protecting yourself by having it checked by a mechanic before you buy it.

1 in 6 cars needs over £500 in repairs

Our pre-purchase inspections are priced from just £79 for our basic inspection, or from £137 for our premium pre-purchase inspection.

An average 50% saving when compared to the AA and RAC (AA: £142-£191, RAC: £116-£267)*.

  • A PPI is a thorough third-party check designed to uncover hidden issues – mechanical faults, safety concerns, or structural damage – that aren’t obvious during a visual inspection or test drive.

  • Coverage varies by provider and price, but typically includes:

    • Exterior check: rust, body damage, glass, paint, wheels, lights.

    • Interior check: upholstery, electrics, air‑con, infotainment, odometer authenticity .

    • Mechanical systems: engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, exhaust, fluid levels.

    • Diagnostics scan: uses OBD to find hidden error codes.

    • Road test: checks acceleration, braking, gearbox, noise/vibrations.

    • Undercarriage look: rust, frame issues, leaks.

    • History & identity checks: VIN, MOT and service records, flood or accident damage.

    • Basic (£50–£116): Visual check, fluids, short test‑drive, and emailed summary.

    • Mid-level (£70–£209): Includes full diagnostics, longer test drive, detailed report.

    • Premium (£137–£300+): 100+ point mechanical and structural assessment, diagnostics, underbody check, photos, and direct feedback .

    1. Reveal hidden issues – like engine troubles or accident damage you’d otherwise miss.

    2. Safety assurance – confirms vital systems (e.g. brakes, steering) are safe.

    3. Stronger negotiating power – repair quotes can lower the asking price.

    4. Avoid costly surprises – saves from unexpected bills (e.g., £400 for a new clutch or cambelt).

    5. Peace of mind – especially when buying from private sellers or distant locations.

    • Provider matters: Use an independent and trusted mechanic—not one tied to the seller.

    • Seller reluctance: If they resist inspection, it can be a red flag.

    • Ethical inspector: Ensure the inspector declares no conflict of interest .

    • Before finalising purchase – ideally between test-drive and deposit .

    • Highly recommended for private sales, high-mileage or older cars, or out-of-area buys .

    • Might be optional for dealer-certified CPO cars, but still gives extra comfort

    • Bottom Line

    A pre-purchase inspection is a smart investment – providing crucial information, safety assurance, and negotiation strength. For most buyers – especially first-timers, private sales, or older vehicles – a PPI costing £50-£300 can help avoid thousands in unexpected repairs.