Auto Trader

Why get a car checked?

Just as you would not buy a house without paying for a professional survey first, it makes sense to do the same for a used car you want to buy.

For many of us buying a car is very exciting and that means we can miss many faults. Few of us have the expertise to distinguish a mechanically sound car from one that could cause us problems and expense in the future. So a report on a car's condition by an engineer is vital to avoid making a costly mistake.

Having an inspection also means that you can negotiate a better price as faults can be pointed out to the seller and you can make a compromise on the price or insist that seller fix any problems before you buy.


Can I make any checks?

Of course you can. It is essential that you should make some judgments about the condition of the car, rather than book lots of inspections. Even if you have no mechanical knowledge simply using your natural senses will tell you something about the car and seller.

Perhaps the most important item you can take with you is a friend. They can stop you making a mistake and also act as independent set of eyes and ears. So all you need to do is listen out for strange noises, look for obvious bodywork repairs and see if the seller has all the paperwork.

If anything looks wrong, sounds odd, seems smoky, drives strangely or the seller gives unconvincing explanations, then there could be a problem with the car. If in doubt, walk away. There are thousands of other cars on autotrader.co.uk to choose from.


Choosing an inspection company

Autotrader.co.uk is a great place to choose an inspection company as many of the leading national companies advertise there.

It is important to contact them and find out exactly what the costs are and what is included in the price. You also need to clarify whether the car you want to buy can be checked. Most companies aim to carry out the inspection within 72 hours and some may be able to do that day.


Can any car be checked?

Not necessarily. Some companies have restrictions on the types of vehicle that they will inspect. They may have age limitations - many will not inspect classic cars, or even those over ten years old. Commercial vehicles and Japanese imports are also often excluded.

Some companies will also have lists of exotic makes that they will not inspect. It is important to contact the company and tell them the details of the vehicle you want inspected.


What items are checked?

Essentially, inspection companies provide a condition report on the car. Obviously they can't dismantle mechanical items or be expected to predict the potential life expectancy of the majority of components.

Satellite navigation systems, anti theft devices and sound systems aren't usually covered by the inspection because of their complexity - however, these items also have little bearing on how the car works.

What they can spot are faults that affect the performance of the car or its legality and any substandard mechanical or bodywork repairs. Some companies may not inspect the interiors or report on cosmetic condition. Generally they will inspect the underside, bodywork and engine then road test the vehicle.


Is an inspection the same as a status check?

No, a vehicle inspection is just that a physical inspection and road test of the vehicle. A status check involves the checking of various computer databases. It is then possible to find out whether the car is registered with the police as stolen, has ever been an insurance write-off or is still subject to a finance agreement.

All these situations affect the title to a used car so it is vital that a status check is carried out. Other information may also be available when a status check is made including the last recorded mileage and any registration plate changes.


How much will an inspection cost?

Inspection fees range from under £100 to over £300 and some companies may even charge more for specialised or extended inspections. Other companies have a flat fee system many will charge according to the engine size, so make sure you shop around.

It is important to know exactly what is included in the price. Many inspections include checks on a vehicle's status to see if the car is stolen, an insurance write-off, or subject to outstanding finance - so make sure this is included.

Also, some inspection companies may include a short-term warranty, so if something breaks soon after the inspection, you should have a safety net.


What do I get after the inspection?

You should get some form of written condition report within a few days of the inspection. In many cases you can actually talk to the engineer carrying out the inspection, although this is not always possible.

Make sure that you clarify with the company exactly what you get in terms of access to the inspector and the details on the report and when.


Inspection checklist

When booking an inspection ask the following questions.

What is the cost?
What does it include?
What about a status check?
Can any car be inspected?
When can the car be inspected?
What is in the report?
Can I talk to the inspector?

Information supplied by usedcarchecks