Vehicle inspection - Services to check the car

Most new buyers opt for a vehicle data check when deciding whether or not to purchase a car and find out any history that may have been hidden from you. Sometimes the vehicle data check doesn’t provide enough information such as if it’s a cut and shut or if it has had water damage.

You can for free get some background knowledge on what to inspect when buying a used car by going to the library and looking on the internet for information. Alternatively you can pay a mechanic or experienced person to inspect the car to make sure it’s structurally and mechanically safe and worth the sale price. Some larger companies can also provide this service at a cost of around £125 which will also include a certificate for your records. As part as the vehicle inspection, you could also have the vehicle data check to see if it has any outstanding finance or if it has ever been written off

Is it worth having the vehicle inspected and checked over?

When you are purchasing a nearly new car from a vendor or private dealer, the chances are they haven’t told you all you need to know about the vehicle. If anything were to go wrong with the vehicle you purchased from a private dealer, there aren’t any laws in place to protect you. If the car you are buying isn’t worth very much, then most people won’t spend a few hundred pounds getting checks done. However if the car that you would like to purchase is worth £10k or more, then it is worth spending a little money before making a decision. The last thing any new car buyer wants to hear is that their newly purchased vehicle is not road worthy or needs immediate repair.

What should I look for in a car inspection?

If you don’t have the money to have a vehicle inspection, then the best thing to do is research the weaknesses of the car you wish to purchase. You can do this online or by visiting the library to find out if there are any weaknesses and you can do basic checks under the bonnet and interior inspection yourself. This information can also come in handy when trying to decide if this is the car for you. For example is it really worth buying a £10k car when it will only be worth £3k in a few years time? Would you really purchase a car that has a well known history of engine problems? These are just a few things to consider before any commitments to buy.