What’s a used car inspection and should I get one?

Buying a car online and having it delivered to your door is easy and stress-free when you have the right information at your disposal, but could you spot a discrepancy between the advertisement you viewed and the car you’ve received? If you’re not so sure, this article could help.
Whilst the used car you want to buy may look great on the outside, it may have problems under the surface and these flaws can be difficult to spot, unless you know what to look out for. The good news is there are plenty of professionals trained in assessing used cars with a keen eye for issues you may not even have seen. In some cases, an inspection could even be included in the price of the car.

A used car inspection, sometimes known as a pre-purchase car inspection, involves an experienced engineer taking a look at the used car you want to buy to ensure it’s as advertised. They’ll conduct a thorough visual and mechanical inspection, providing an entirely independent review of the vehicle’s condition, so you can be sure there aren’t any hidden issues lurking.

Independent vehicle inspections vary between providers, but they will usually cover:
• Interior and exterior visual inspections • Mechanical inspections • A road test Vehicle inspection checks in more comprehensive packages could include: • Diagnostic check to identify any stored system fault codes • Brake fluid test and analysis • Extended road test • Verbal summary from the engineer • Comprehensive summary of engineer’s findings and recommendations • Photos to show exterior, odometer, vehicle documents and key defects • Engine oil levels, air filters and battery condition • Coolant levels and their condition • Inspection of the brakes, wheels and tyres • Transmission fluid condition checks • Operation of brake lights, headlights and taillights • Function of the seat belts and steering • Fluid leaks from engine or transmission • Paintwork defects, scratches or other damage on the bodywork of the vehicle

A car inspection focuses on the physical condition and mechanical health of the vehicle, ensuring it is as advertised and fit for purpose.
A vehicle check, by contrast, concentrates on the history of the car, letting you know if it has been stolen, crashed or scrapped, the number of previous owners, date of first registration, mileage details or whether there is any outstanding finance. Vehicle history reports and vehicle inspection checks both play an important role when buying a used car, providing different vital information about the vehicle. Find out more about vehicle history checks here

The most thorough checks tend to come when you buy the car through manufacturers’ approved used schemes for cars sold through main dealers, but it’s quite possible the franchise or independent dealer that is selling you the car will include some form of check as part of their package.
However, if there is no such check, or you don’t think the existing one goes far enough, you can get any one of a number of organisations to do the job for you. The most well-known providers of pre-purchase used car inspections are motoring organisations such the AA and RAC, but lots of companies offer such services, some on a national level, and others on a more regional basis. All are no more than an internet search away, and while the precise details vary from one scheme to another, they all operate in a similar fashion. The only other caveat is that you’ll also need to check the small print to see which inspections are appropriate for the car you’re looking at. You may find the most basic inspection isn’t available on 4x4s, convertibles and cars over a certain age. In some cases, the size of the car’s engine dictates the price of the inspection.

Prices vary between providers depending on how comprehensive the checks are, but you can expect to pay anywhere around £99 to £250 for a mechanic to check your used car and provide you with the peace of mind knowing your car is roadworthy.

Every car advertised via Auto Trader undergoes a free five-point background vehicle check which covers whether the car has been stolen, scrapped, written off, imported or exported so you can buy a car online confidently.
However, these basic free checks don’t cover a mechanical inspection, so if you’re confident in performing the checks yourself, a vehicle inspection check may be a needless expense, but others will insist you can’t put a price on peace of mind. Are used car inspections worth it? That very much depends on your point of view and ultimately the choice is yours; only you will know what is right for your circumstances.

Are you looking for your next car? Whether you want brand-new or pre-loved, Auto Trader has you covered with the UK’s largest variety of new and used cars all in one place. Buying a car online and having it delivered to your door has never been easier.