What is a Pre-purchase Car Inspection?
For many people, the purchase of a car will be the second most expensive purchase made. The same way you wouldn’t buy a house without getting it thoroughly checked is the same way you shouldn’t buy a used car without getting it checked.
A pre-purchase car inspection is just that, a check before buying a used car. Usually a mobile mechanic will come to the point of sale and inspect the vehicle to make sure you get a sound purchase.
Why should I get a pre-purchase car inspection?
A pre-purchase car inspection is advisable when purchasing a used a car. You’ve found a car you really like in the perfect colour with the ideal mileage, however at this point you know nothing else apart from what the seller tells you. A pre-purchase car inspection allows you to buy the car with confidence avoiding a potential disaster!
Pre-purchase car inspections are not to be used for warranty but to provide peace of mind when making the purchase. For example, you may do a vehicle background check (such as a HPI check) however if a vehicle has been repaired without the knowledge of the insurer there will be no evidence in any search, however a mechanic may be able to pick up on some of the signs. Whether a vehicle is priced at £2000 or £20,000 the things to look out for are the same.
Inspections are extremely useful if as a driver you’re not sure what to be looking out for, what the bench mark is for comparison and you don’t feel comfortable taking the car for a test drive. An ideal test drive should be about 20 minutes. How does the car react when braking, during gear changes, or when accelerating? A quick drive down the street isn’t enough of an inspection.
How much does a Pre-purchase car inspection usually cost?
Depending on your location, and the distance between the vehicles location and the mechanic, pre-purchase car inspections can begin from as little as £20 and be around the £150 mark at the top end. Price is dependent on the type of vehicle and the checklist of what is inspected. It’s important to confirm with the mechanic what exactly will be checked before deciding if it’s suitable for you.
What gets checked during a pre-purchase car inspection?
What is included in a pre-purchase car inspection will vary greatly based on the price you are charged. As the job requires no more than a mechanics time, the more they charge, the more time they will likely spend on the inspection. Therefore, a cheap £20 inspection might sound great but that means the mechanic will spend no more than 20-30 minutes with the car. We would always advise asking the mechanic to include a breakdown of what they will inspect before you accept a quote.
A more comprehensive inspection will likely be more expensive but may include:
- Mechanical and structural inspection
- Road-test (between 10 and 20 miles) – to check steering-wheel alignment, brakes, wipers, air conditioning/heating and the engine sound.
- Lights/electrics
- Diagnostic check of key areas
- Brake fluid test
- Examine cars maintenance history and legal documents
- Follow-up email or written report with findings as well as verbal feedback
