Buying a used car always carries an element of risk. Even after you’ve covered the essential checks, such as reading seller reviews, inspecting the car yourself, and making sure it matches the ad description, there may still be hidden issues that you hadn’t considered looking for.
That’s where a pre-purchase car inspection comes in. A professional mechanic can carry out a mechanical, electrical, structural, and cosmetic inspection on the car, in addition to a test drive and a vehicle history check.
This in-depth examination will tell you everything you need to know - and may unearth issues that the seller hasn’t been upfront about (and you probably wouldn’t have spotted yourself).
Of course, all of this doesn’t come for free; a pre-purchase car inspection will eat into your budget. Since it’s likely you’re trying to keep costs down as much as possible, you may be wondering whether it’s worth shelling out for one.
We’ve created this guide to help make that decision easier. We’ll cover who can carry out pre-purchase checks and list some ballpark costs. Finally, we’ll examine the pros and cons around getting a pre-purchase car inspection.
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Who can inspect vehicles before buying?
You can technically ask anyone to do your pre-purchase inspection – a family member, a friend, the neighbour who’s really into cars. However, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. These checks are so important, you should ideally hire a qualified professional.
There are various options available, including national organisations such as the AA and RAC, along with other regional and online providers. You may opt for a recognised provider with credibility and a good reputation. Unfortunately, this tends to cost a little more.
These services cover a wide range of vehicles from EVs and hybrids to 4x4s and convertibles. Their mechanics usually provide comprehensive written reports of their findings and will often travel a fair distance to inspect a car.
If you want more of a personal touch, consider a local independent mechanic. There may be someone that you’ve worked with before at your local garage, who you trust. They will have the expertise and professionalism to carry out a thorough pre-purchase inspection – often at a lower cost than the big-name providers.
However, unlike the larger outfits, smaller providers may not present their findings in a comprehensive report. Additionally, their knowledge of different vehicle types may not be quite as current – and they may operate within a smaller service area.
If you’re buying from a dealership, you may be able to take advantage of their own basic pre-purchase inspection service. This is a convenient choice, as everything’s bundled into one, which makes it good value too.
If you do decide to go down this route though, it’s worth bearing in mind that a dealership’s main purpose is to sell you the car. So, it may not be in their best interest to tell you something that would make you change your mind about buying it.
How much does a pre-purchase car inspection cost?
The cost of a pre-purchase car inspection is influenced by several factors:
- Who you hire for the inspection.
- The type of vehicle.
- Its age, mileage, and engine size.
Some cars require specialist knowledge, which will also push the price up. Older cars and those with higher mileages are likely to have more wear and tear, so the inspection may take longer.
Typical prices for basic inspections range from £50 to £116 - and generally include:
- Mechanical and structural checks.
- A short test drive.
- An email report.
Some basic inspections aren’t suitable for certain cars (e.g. 4x4s, hybrid vehicles, convertibles, cars over 10 years old and/or with over 120,000 miles on the clock). So, double-check yours is eligible before you book.
Mid-scale inspections tend to cost between £70 and £209 and typically include:
- Mechanical, structural, cosmetic, and functional tests.
- Longer test drives.
- An opportunity to discuss the car with the mechanic personally.
Prices for advanced level inspections start at around £137 - and may cost up to £267 or more with larger providers. These inspections typically include:
- Full mechanical, structural, diagnostic, cosmetic, and functional tests.
- An extended test drive.
- A complete report, with photos.
Although this may seem like a lot to spend on an inspection, it’s worth bearing in mind the average costs of repairs and replacements:
- Brake repairs: £440
- Cambelt repairs: £430
- Clutch replacement: £450
A thorough pre-purchase inspection could reveal several costly issues that might not have been readily apparent. So, if you’re planning to invest thousands of pounds in a used car, it essentially pays for itself.
Is it worth getting a vehicle inspection?
There are pros and cons to getting a pre-purchase car inspection. On the upside, you can see it as an investment that can save you money in the long run, especially if the car does turn out to have hidden problems.
You should consider getting an inspection if you’re buying an old car, as it’s more likely to have issues that could develop into serious problems. A comprehensive inspection can catch these faults early on and help you avoid costly repairs further down the line.
Buying from a private seller is another scenario where a pre-purchase inspection can be invaluable. Not only will it help you ensure the car is as advertised, but you’ll also have the peace of mind that it’s roadworthy and likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future.
If the inspection reveals minor – or even major issues, you can use this information to negotiate a lower price with the seller, assuming you still want to go ahead with the sale.
Of course, there are other scenarios where a pre-purchase inspection isn’t strictly necessary. For example, if you’re buying an approved used car, you know that the car has already been thoroughly checked, and will likely come with a warranty too, so you don’t need that extra inspection.
Alternatively, if you’re buying from a reputable dealer who includes a basic pre-purchase inspection as part of their service, it doesn’t make much financial sense to pay for an extra check on top of that.
Whether or not you get a pre-purchase car inspection should depend on what car you’re buying, who you’re buying it from, and your level of automotive experience.
If you’re a first-time buyer who doesn’t know much about cars, and you’re buying an older vehicle from a private seller, we would highly recommend paying for an inspection.
However, if you’re a seasoned car enthusiast who’s buying a nearly new motor from a reputable dealer, then you may not want to spend the extra cash.