Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Reading — Independent Mobile Check

Buying a used car privately or from a dealer without an independent inspection is a significant financial risk. A professional pre-purchase inspection carried out at the seller’s location gives you confidence in your purchase or negotiating leverage if faults are found — often saving more than the inspection fee before you have even signed anything.

What We Check

Engine and Gearbox

Cold and warm start observation
Engine noise on start-up (rattles, tapping, knocking)
Smoke from exhaust on start and under load (blue, white or black)
Coolant system: pressure test, coolant condition, thermostat response
Oil condition and level
Evidence of head gasket failure (coolant-oil contamination, exhaust gases in coolant)
Gearbox oil condition, gear selection, clutch operation

Diagnostic Scan

We plug in our professional scanner and read all stored fault codes across every module — engine, gearbox, ABS, airbag, body and climate. Sellers sometimes clear fault codes before a sale. We flag any recently cleared codes or pending codes.

Brakes

Front and rear pad thickness (remaining material)
Disc condition (wear, lipping, scoring)
Brake fluid moisture content
Handbrake operation

Tyres and Suspension

Tread depth all four corners (legal minimum 1.6mm; we recommend 3mm)
Tyre age (date codes)
Uneven wear patterns indicating alignment or suspension issues
Shock absorber condition (visual and bounce test)
Steering play and joint condition (track rod ends, ball joints)

Bodywork and Structural

Panel alignment and colour match (indicating past accident repair)
Evidence of filler under paint (magnet test)
Sill and floor condition (corrosion)
Windscreen chips and cracks
Door, boot and bonnet alignment

Electrics

All lights: headlights, indicators, reverse, rear fog
Central locking and windows
Infotainment and instruments
Air conditioning operation (cooling test)
Battery voltage

Documents

V5C registration document: VIN cross-check, keeper history, number of previous owners
MOT history review (via DVLA record)
Service history: stamps, invoices, dealer records

Report and Recommendations

Within 24 hours of the inspection you receive a written report with:

Pass/advisory/fail rating for each area
Photographs of any defects found
Estimated repair costs for any issues noted
Our overall recommendation on whether to proceed, negotiate or walk away

Pricing

Service	Price
Standard mechanical and diagnostic inspection	£95
Full inspection + HPI history check	£130

Book a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Call 07305 523333 with the seller’s address and the inspection will be arranged to fit the viewing. We cover Reading and all surrounding Berkshire towns. Most inspections are available next-day.

Areas we cover

Frequently asked questions

What does a pre-purchase inspection cover? +

Our inspection covers the engine and gearbox, all fluid levels and condition, brakes (pad thickness, disc condition, fluid), tyres, steering and suspension, bodywork condition, lights, electrics, OBD2 diagnostic scan, service history check and VIN verification. You receive a written report with photos.

Can you inspect a car at the seller's address? +

Yes — that is our standard arrangement. We attend the seller's address (private or dealer) and inspect the vehicle there. We recommend you attend the inspection if possible. We do not need a ramp for most checks, though we note any areas where underside inspection would require a lift.

Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a cheaper car? +

Yes. A car with a hidden fault costing £800 to repair is still a bad buy at £1,500. The inspection fee is small relative to potential repair costs or the risk of unknowingly purchasing a vehicle with outstanding finance, a hidden accident history or serious mechanical problems.

Do you check for outstanding finance? +

We verify the VIN physically matches the V5 registration document and check for visible signs of accident damage and VIN tampering. A full HPI finance and history check is an optional add-on.