Pre-Purchase Car Inspection - Independent Vehicle Checks
Buying a used car? Get an expert inspection before you commit. Unbiased advice, detailed report
Why Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Buying a used car is one of the biggest purchases you'll make. Whether it's from a dealer, private seller, or auction, an independent inspection gives you:
Peace of mind
Know exactly what you're buying
Negotiating power
Use faults to reduce the price
Hidden problems spotted
Identify expensive issues before you buy
Expert opinion
Is it worth the asking price?
I've inspected hundreds of vehicles and helped customers avoid costly mistakes.
How Much Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost?
£95
Comprehensive inspection + detailed written report
This includes:
- 120-point mechanical inspection
- Road test (where possible)
- OBD diagnostic scan
- Photo documentation
- Written report within 2 hours
- Phone consultation to discuss findings
Think about it: £95 to potentially save thousands on hidden repairs, or to buy with confidence.
What Do You Check?
Mechanical
- • Engine condition & oil leaks
- • Transmission & clutch operation
- • Suspension & steering
- • Brake system & pad life
- • Exhaust system
- • Cooling system
Body & Structure
- • Previous accident damage
- • Paint condition & quality
- • Rust & corrosion
- • Panel gaps & alignment
- • Door/boot operation
Interior
- • Dashboard warning lights
- • All electrical functions
- • Seat condition
- • Signs of water ingress
- • Odometer consistency
Underneath
- • Rust on chassis/subframes
- • Fluid leaks
- • Suspension bushes
- • Brake lines
Diagnostics
- • Full OBD fault code scan
- • Emission system status
- • Airbag system check
- • ABS/stability control
We use the same professional scan tools as our car diagnostics service, so hidden electronic faults show up before you buy.
Where Can You Inspect the Car?
Anywhere across the Black Country — Dudley, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Brierley Hill and Kingswinford — at the seller's location, a dealer forecourt, or a neutral meeting point.
For private sales, I recommend meeting at the seller's home address to verify ownership and see how they've maintained the vehicle.
When Should I Book?
Book your inspection before you commit to buying or hand over any deposit. Ideally, make your offer "subject to satisfactory independent inspection."
Most inspections are completed same-day or next-day. I can often accommodate short-notice bookings.
What Happens After the Inspection?
You'll receive:
- Detailed written report - PDF sent within 2 hours
- Photo evidence - showing any issues found
- Priority rating - urgent, needs attention soon, or advisory
- Estimated repair costs - so you know what you're facing
- Phone consultation - I'll talk you through my findings
Then you decide: buy with confidence, negotiate the price, or walk away.
Real Examples I've Found
£8,000 Golf GTI
Looked immaculate, but had undisclosed accident damage and frame misalignment. Customer walked away.
£3,500 Focus
Seller claimed "recently serviced" - bone dry on oil, timing belt 20,000 miles overdue. Negotiated £600 off asking price.
£12,000 BMW
Clean history, one owner, but turbo failing. £1,800 repair needed. Saved customer from a disaster.
Common Questions
Will sellers allow an inspection?
Honest sellers always do. If someone refuses, that's a massive red flag. Any legitimate seller should welcome an independent inspection.
What if you find problems?
I'll tell you if they're deal-breakers or just things to factor into your offer. You'll get honest advice about severity and repair costs so you can make an informed decision.
Do you inspect at dealers?
Yes, dealer warranty doesn't cover everything, and terms can be restrictive. An independent inspection is still worthwhile even when buying from a dealer.
Can you check service history?
I'll verify what I can see mechanically and advise if the history seems genuine based on the car's condition.
How long does an inspection take?
Approximately 60-90 minutes for a thorough inspection including road test and diagnostics. You receive the written report within 2 hours.
Don't Risk It - Book Your Inspection
For the cost of a tank of fuel, you'll get expert eyes on your potential purchase. I've saved customers thousands in hidden repairs and helped others buy with confidence.
Viewing a car this week? Call Elliot to book your inspection
Pre-purchase inspections across the Black Country
We come to you. Choose your area for local response times and reviews:
Straight answers before you book
What you can actually expect from us — no jargon, no surprises.
When you call
- Elliot or Keith answers — never a call centre.
- Response typically within the hour across the Black Country.
- No call-out fee, and a clear quote before any work starts.
- Often same-day for urgent jobs.
Transparent pricing
A pre-purchase inspection is a fixed £95, wherever the car is across the Black Country — one honest report to buy with confidence, walk away, or negotiate the price down.
Every job is covered by our 12-month guarantee, and we’re fully insured with £5M public liability.
This service is for you if…
- You’re buying a used car and want an honest, independent check before you commit
- You want it inspected at the seller’s or dealer’s location, anywhere in the Black Country
- You’d rather find hidden faults now than after you’ve paid
When we’re not the right call…
- You need a full strip-down or a guarantee on the car itself — this is a thorough inspection, not a warranty
- Specialist classic or competition-vehicle valuations
We’ll always tell you honestly if another specialist is a better fit.
What we’ve sorted recently
Pre-purchase inspection — Mercedes GLC
A customer got in touch recently wanting a Mercedes GLC checked over before they bought it. We got out to the forecourt the same day and went through the car properly. Nothing we found was dangerous, but there were a few things that would likely have turned into bills further down the line — and knowing about them up front meant the customer could negotiate the price down. A pre-purchase inspection is a small spend that can save you a good deal more, and it tells you exactly what you're buying before the money changes hands.
Who'll do the work
Every job is carried out by Elliot or Keith - the mechanic who answers the phone is the one who works on your car. No call centres, no subcontractors.
Elliot Wheeler
Lead Mechanic & Founder
Founder of Your Local Mechanic. City & Guilds Level 3 qualified with 15+ years experience, specialising in modern diagnostics and hybrid vehicles across the Black Country.
Keith Wheeler
Senior Mechanic & MOT Assessor
Senior mechanic at Your Local Mechanic with 40+ years Vauxhall main dealer experience and a fully qualified MOT assessor, known for honest, careful work across the Black Country.