1 in 6 cars needs over £500 in repairs.
The Citizen's Advice Bureau received 84,000 complaints from used car buyers in the past year. They recommend protecting yourself by having it checked by a mechanic before you buy it.
Our pre-purchase inspections cost just £79-£137, an average 50% saving when compared to the AA and RAC (AA: £142-£191, RAC: £110-£254)*.
We offer 3 levels of used vehicle inspection:
The level of inspection you require will depend on how thoroughly you want the vehicle to be inspected. The inspections will inform you on whether the vehicle is mechanically and structurally safe while letting you know if it offers great value for money.
Regardless of the inspection you choose, you can rest assured that all vehicle inspections will be conducted by a professional mechanic so you have the confidence to make your next car purchase!
From £79
- 86-point mechanical and structural inspection
- Road test
- Vehicle report emailed to you
From £95
- 136-point mechanical and structural inspection
- Road test
- Vehicle report emailed to you
- Bodywork inspection
- Free phone consultation with the mechanic afterwards
From £137
- 185-point mechanical and structural inspection
- Road test
- Vehicle report emailed to you
- Full interior, bodywork and paint inspection
- Free phone consultation with the mechanic afterwards
- Vehicle raised to conduct more thorough inspections
- Plug-in diagnostic check
- Photos included in the report
Frequently asked questions about pre-purchase inspections
Read our answers to questions about why you might want a pre-purchase inspection and more.
Why should I get a pre-purchase inspection?
A pre-purchase car inspection is an inspection done by a technician to determine the condition of a vehicle before purchase. It is advised to do a used car inspection to gather information on the car's current condition (damage, maintenance, safety) to determine whether a purchase is a good investment. The ClickMechanic pre-purchase inspection checklist focuses on physical inspections and does not include any vehicle history checks on the vehicle (i.e. whether the car has been recorded in an accident, reported stolen or has any outstanding balances on it), however you can easily purchase these elsewhere online.
What is the difference between the types of ClickMechanic pre-purchase inspection?
We offer three different levels of used car inspections with our premium pre-purchase inspection being the most comprehensive and detailed service.
A premium pre-purchase inspection includes:
- 185-point mechanical and visual structural inspection (including inspection of the fuel system, exhaust system, vehicle underside condition, clutch and transmission checks, brake hydraulics, front and rear suspension checks, water pump operation)
- Road test
- Vehicle report emailed to you
- Full interior, bodywork and paint inspection
- Free phone consultation with the mechanic afterwards
- Vehicle raised to conduct more thorough inspections
- Plug-in diagnostic check
- Photos included in the report
A standard pre-purchase inspection includes:
- 136-point mechanical and visual structural inspection (including checks on fluid levels, front and rear brake disks/pads, electrical controls, tyres)
- Road test
- Bodywork inspection
- Vehicle report emailed to you
- Free phone consultation with the mechanic afterwards
A basic pre-purchase inspection includes:
- 86-point mechanical and visual structural inspection
- Basic checks on interior and electric controls, cleanliness of engine bay and tyres
- Road test
- Emailed inspection report
Why do some include a road test?
All our inspection checklists include a road test to examine the condition of important features such as the steering and braking, and give a clear idea as to whether a vehicle is roadworthy.
How long does an inspection take?
A Premium pre-purchase inspection typically takes between two and three hours, depending on the vehicle and its condition. The Standard and Basic used car inspections usually take between one and two hours.
Do I have to be present during the inspection?
You do not necessarily have to be present for the inspection, as your mechanic will send you a full report afterwards (including photos with the Premium inspection). If you opt for a Basic pre-purchase inspection, you may want to choose to be present for a visual check of the car, as photos are not included in the report.
Will I receive a report?
You will receive the inspection report via email, once your mechanic has completed your used car check. The report is usually sent as soon as the inspection is complete. The report will be attached to your booking receipt, and is also available at any time by logging into your ClickMechanic account.
Is a pre purchase car inspection worth it?
A pre purchase car inspection is often worth it because it can give you peace of mind when buying a used car, especially when you're not able to view or test it yourself. An inspection can reveal any major issues with the car that could potentially cause problems down the road.
What type of vehicle do you inspect?
Most vehicles can be inspected - just enter the registration number of the vehicle you are looking to purchase and the postcode where it is located to find out more details. We are unable to inspect vehicles written off by insurance, motor homes over 7.5t or imported vehicles.
Can the inspection be undertaken without me being present?
It can. Customers are not required to be present when having an inspection undertaken. After the inspection you shall receive a report into your inbox and you'll be able to discuss this with the mechanic over a phone call if you wish.
Does the inspection come with a warranty?
Inspections do not come with a warranty. The purpose of the inspection is to help give the customer a honest a true reflection of the state of the vehicle.
How quickly can I get an inspection?
We offer same and next-day bookings so you can book a mechanic for a 2-hour arrival window of your choice starting from 8:00am.
Can the mechanic check additional components?
No problem. If you have any specific and additional checks you would like the mechanic to look at please write these in the booking notes when placing your booking online.
"Simon avoided buying a severely corroded vehicle through an online seller after a ClickMechanic Premium Pre-Purchase Inspection revealed dangerous issues and defects with the car!"
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