I plan to buy a used car in England - do I need a pre-purchase inspection?

A pre-purchase inspection done by an experienced mechanic in England spares you the headache and saves the time of checking the vehicle over yourself. The mechanics on our network know what signs to lookout for, potentially helping you avoid future large repair bills. We have a comprehensive checklist that the mechanic goes through, and they will provide you with a detailed email report and a follow-up call describing the state of the vehicle (if applicable). Customers value the pre-purchase inspection report they receive from their mechanics. The report will help you make a decision and possibly assist with negotiating price. A Basic Pre-purchase Inspection is the most popular choice amongst ClickMechanic customers when it comes to checking a used car before the sale. We currently have 11 mechanics in England doing pre-purchase inspections.

What happens during a pre-purchase inspection?

If you book a pre-purchase inspection in England, a vetted mechanic servicing England will inspect the car you intend to purchase. Depending on the level of service booked (basic, standard or premium), the mechanic will spend up to 3 hours assessing the condition of the vehicle. When inspecting a used car, mechanics check the interior, lights, fluid levels, brakes and suspension, chassis and car underside (subject to service level booked). All our inspection checklists include a road test to examine the condition of important safety features such as the steering and braking, and give a clear idea whether the vehicle is roadworthy.

Do I need to get permission for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic in England?

You will need to notify the used car seller about the inspection and should get their permission for the inspection to take place. Also make sure that the inspecting mechanic has clear access to both the vehicle and proposed inspection site so that they can complete their work.

I have booked a used vehicle inspection in England - do I have to be present?

No, there is no need for you to be present during the inspection. Our pre-purchase inspection service is popular with customers wanting to have a professional assessment of a used car they are purchasing e.g. while they are abroad. You will receive a report about the condition of the car after the inspection is complete and if you wish you will be able to discuss with the mechanic over the phone afterwards (depending on level of service booked).

Does the pre-purchase inspection come with a warranty?

Our pre-purchase inspections of used vehicles do not come with a warranty. The main purpose of inspecting a used car before the sale is to give you an honest and true reflection of the state of the vehicle at the time of inspection. Pre-purchase inspections in England are most popular for second hand Citroen, Mazda, and Mitsubishi.

Can I book a follow up appointment?

Following your used car inspection in England, if you decided to purchase the vehicle we recommend having it serviced by one of the mechanics on our network. That way you can ensure you are off to a good start and your car is ready for your future journeys together. Speak to the mechanic who will do the inspection to book a follow up through ClickMechanic.

Pre-Purchase Inspection In England

Tobia Services

Rating: 5.0 out of 5

453 Reviews

Garage in England, 12 years of experience

Having being in the motortrade industry for over a decade, I have increased my knowledge dramatically by getting my level 3 in vehicle maintenance, then going onto university to study motorsport engineering ...

“Can't praise William highly enough. He saved me a very costly mistake. He was so thorough but he realized that (although unseen) i had already set my heart on this car. He gently led me me to realize that it was not at all what the seller claimed it to be.
Another aspect is that i am so grateful William was the one to meet the seller - who was pretty shirty even over the phone when i rang him to pull out of the sale and had to point out just a few of the problems that William had identified on this supposedly "fault free" car. William was my perfect shield against an aggressive deceptive seller - i cannot thank him enough.”

KEITH, London • 10th March 2026

Toyota RAV4 • Standard Pre-purchase Inspection

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Frequently asked questions about pre-purchase inspections in England

I plan to buy a used car in England - do I need a pre-purchase inspection?

What happens during a pre-purchase inspection?

Do I need to get permission for a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic in England?

I have booked a used vehicle inspection in England - do I have to be present?

Does the pre-purchase inspection come with a warranty?

Can I book a follow up appointment?

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