Know what you’re buying
Pre purchase car inspection: prepare before you book
A pre purchase car inspection gives you an independent view of a used car’s condition before you commit to buying it. CarDiligence helps you prepare with records and questions for the seller. Book the physical inspection separately with a qualified inspector or garage.
Preview the report before an inspection · One report £19.99 · No subscription
Check the records before booking an inspection
Before you spend money on an inspector’s visit, find out which questions the advert and records leave unanswered. A mileage mismatch, missing service invoice or unresolved history warning may need an answer from the seller first.
The CarDiligence Full Report brings together the available vehicle, MOT, history and service evidence, with seller questions and an estimated budget for servicing and repairs. Use it to decide what needs following up and to give your inspector some background.
Check the car’s records with a Full Report
See a free sample report before ordering. Your purchase is a digital report; the physical inspection is a separate service and cost.
What does a pre purchase car inspection cover?
Coverage depends on the provider and package. Ask for a written checklist that explains which parts will be examined, whether a road test is included and what the inspector cannot check. The number of inspection points alone tells you little about how thoroughly a particular concern will be investigated.
| Area | Ask the provider |
|---|---|
| Engine and transmission | Will you assess starting, visible leaks and operation during a road test? |
| Brakes, tyres and suspension | What can you inspect with the access available? Will any wheels be removed? |
| Bodywork and previous repairs | Will you look for visible damage, corrosion and signs of repair? |
| Warning lights and electrics | Is a diagnostic scan included, and which systems will you check? |
| Electric or hybrid systems | Do you cover this model, and does the package include a traction-battery health assessment? |
Read the exclusions. For example, the AA describes its inspections as visual checks without mechanical dismantling . A general inspection may leave questions that need a specialist diagnosis. Ask what further checks would be needed if a fault is suspected.
How much does an inspection cost?
Get a quote for the specific car and location. The price can depend on the vehicle and the level of inspection. Compare the work included, the written report and any follow-up discussion, as well as the headline price.
Check the provider’s current prices and terms directly: AA inspection options and RAC inspection questions are useful places to start. An independent garage or marque specialist may also be able to quote for the car you are considering. CarDiligence is independent of these providers.
Confirm the total fee, any travel charge and what happens if the seller cancels or the inspection cannot be completed. Allow separately for follow-up diagnosis and any repairs you choose to take on.
How to choose and book an inspector
- Choose someone familiar with the car. Give the provider its registration, age, engine or powertrain, mileage and location. Mention modifications and any known faults.
- Agree the scope. Ask for a sample inspection report, the exclusions and confirmation that the inspector can assess your main concerns.
- Get the seller’s agreement. Confirm access to the car, keys and documents, and ask the provider what is needed for a road test.
- Arrange it before committing to buy. Leave time to read the findings and discuss any further checks before making your decision.
The RAC’s inspection FAQs explain how booking, access and package conditions work for its service. Confirm the arrangements with whichever provider you choose, especially if you cannot attend yourself.
Give the inspector a useful brief
Send the advert, relevant MOT entries and any service or repair paperwork the seller provides. Highlight specific concerns so the inspector can tell you whether they fall within the agreed checks.
“The earlier MOT mentions tyre wear, and the seller says the tyres were replaced. Could you check their current condition? Please also let me know whether the reported starting noise needs a separate diagnostic appointment.”
This is an example brief. Adapt it to the car’s actual records. A missing service invoice is something to resolve through paperwork; an inspection may help assess condition but cannot reconstruct every past service. Our service-history guide explains what to request.
What to do with the inspection findings
Ask the inspector which findings need attention now, which may need work soon and which could not be assessed. Get repair quotes where needed, then decide whether to continue, ask the seller to complete work or look for another car.
Read the inspection alongside the car history check and original documents. Resolve important warnings in either before buying. Use our buying checklist to keep track of the remaining questions.
Pre purchase car inspection FAQs
Does CarDiligence carry out pre purchase car inspections?
CarDiligence provides digital buying reports based on the advert and available records. We do not visit the car or book an inspector. You can use the report to prepare questions, then arrange a physical inspection directly with an independent inspector or garage.
Is a pre purchase inspection worth considering if the car has an MOT?
Yes. An MOT records the result of specific checks at the time of the test. It does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. An inspection can help assess the car’s current condition, within the scope you agree with the inspector.
Can I arrange an inspection at the seller’s address?
Some inspectors offer mobile visits, while garages may need the car brought to their premises. Get the seller’s agreement and confirm the location, access and road-test requirements with the provider before paying for a booking.
Does an inspection include a car history check?
Check the package details. A physical inspection and a history check answer different questions, and a provider may charge separately for each. Ask whether finance, theft, write-off and mileage checks are included, and read the results alongside the inspection findings.