Buying a used car should be exciting, but without proper checks it can quickly turn into a costly mistake. Most used cars on the market are not fully ready for sale, even when they look clean, polished, and advertised as perfect. Used car sellers often prepare cars just bare minimum to pass an MOT and make them look attractive, but that does not mean they are free from hidden faults.
A professional pre purchase inspection gives you independent evidence of the car’s real condition so you can buy with confidence, allow to repair the car, negotiate the price with facts, or walk away before you are left with a problem.
Many buyers think the Consumer Rights Act 2015 makes it easy to reject a faulty car. In practice, rejecting a vehicle can be one of the most difficult and stressful experiences. Main dealers, car supermartkets and smaller used car sellers often resist, disputes take months, and you may end up stuck with a car that does not work while the case drags on. It is always better to prevent problems than to fight for a refund later.
Even if you know a little about cars, modern vehicles are complex. They contain electronics, sensors, and hidden wear that only a trained inspector can properly check. Relying on a quick look or a friend’s opinion is risky. A professional inspection covers the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electrics, bodywork, diagnostics, and more. These checks go far beyond what most buyers can do on their own.
One of the most common mistakes is buying in a hurry. People rush into a deal, ignore warning signs, or buy a car on the same day because it looks right. Used car sellers know this and use it to their advantage. Slow down, take your time, and get the car inspected before you commit. Waiting for a proper check costs far less than repairs if you make the wrong choice.
Find real problems that MOTs and adverts do not show
Gain leverage to reduce the price or request repairs
Know exactly what you are buying
Avoid costly surprises in the future
Every used car on the market is never ready for sale and has faults.
Obtain potential repair costs and use inspectors report to negotiate car’s price or allow seller to rectify.
Obtain sellers permission and book 24h online.
Engineers report is for dispute resolution or used in court as evidence and is CPR 35 compliant. This inspection check is adjusted according to customers situation by Engineer. Costs provided is estimate only and may vary as every litigation and evidence required is completely different case by case basis and costings will be advised when Engineer accepts the booking. Provide in notes your situation statement when making a booking.
For customer buying a used car and seen the car in person. Good for vehicles up to 4 years old with low mileage to flag potential visible issues, protecting you from bigger expenses. Vehicle is not raised. Battery test and diagnostics scan and road test is carried out. Includes documentation check, potential repair costs, vin number check on the vehicle. *expect suspension problems still can be present so as corrosion, not visible oil weeps not excessive leaks and vehicle may have previous bodywork repairs carried out. Always obtain appropriate extended warranty.
This our most popular type of inspection for everyone. For customer buying a used car and seen the car in person. Vehicle raised. Enables an independent professional opinion, to identify risks and make sure you have all the info you need at your fingertips. Detailed mechanical and electrical check with scratch report. Includes documentation check, potential repair costs, vin number check on the vehicle. *Expect vehicle may have previous bodywork repairs. Always obtain appropriate extended warranty.
Our most comprehensive inspection. For customer buying a used car and not seen the car in person. Providing a highly detailed report into every aspect of a vehicle’s condition so you can buy with confidence. Vehicle raised -Comprehensive mechanical, electrical, bodywork structural and paintwork thickness report and convenience item inspection on the vehicle. Includes documentation check, potential repair costs, vin number check on the vehicle. Always obtain appropriate extended warranty.
A car history check is a report that shows important details about a vehicle’s past recorded in cars history. It can tell you if the car has been stolen, written off, has any outstanding finance, mileage issues or has ever been scrapped. This check uses data from third parties like from trusted sources like the DVLA, police, Motor Insurance Anti-Fraud & Theft Register, insurance and finance companies. It’s a smart move when buying a used car because it helps you avoid scams and hidden problems. Car history check gives you confidence before considering or viewing the used car or arranging car inspection and removes wasting your time and spending your money further on the car which is not up to your basic expectations.
The MOT is a yearly safety test required by law for most vehicles in the UK once they are more than three years old. It stands for Ministry of Transport test and is carried out by certified garages to make sure your car is safe to drive and meets environmental standards.
The MOT covers things like brakes, tyres, lights, suspension, steering, seatbelts and exhaust emissions. If any of these systems are unsafe or too worn, the vehicle will fail the test. A valid MOT certificate is a legal requirement, and driving without one can result in fines and points on your licence.
It’s important to remember the MOT is not a service. It does not check the engine’s mechanical condition or fluid levels. Even if your car feels fine, it might still fail an MOT if something is worn or damaged. Always check your MOT expiry date and book the test early if needed.
To meet the ULEZ emissions standards, your vehicle up to 3.5t must meet the required Euro standard for your vehicle and emission type. For newer vehicles, the Euro emissions standards may be listed in section D.2 of your vehicle log book (V5C).
The ULEZ standards are:
Euro 3 for motorcycles, mopeds, motorised tricycles and quadricycles (L category)
Euro 4 (NOx) for petrol cars, vans, minibuses and other specialist vehicles
Euro 6 (NOx and PM) for diesel cars, vans and minibuses and other specialist vehicles
An extended car warranty is a contract that helps cover the cost of specific repairs after original manufacturer’s warranty ends. It’s designed to protect from unexpected breakdowns and mechanical and electrical faults, especially when car gets older. Depending on the plan, coverage may include key parts like the engine, gearbox or electronics. It’s important to read the terms carefully because some policies exclude wear and tear or have claim limits. For many car buyers an extended warranty offers peace of mind by reducing the risk of big repair bills.
Engineers report used as evidence in court or in dispute, but its not CPR 35 report. This inspection check is adjusted according to customers situation by Engineer.
SAMPLE ENGINEERS REPORT
Perfect if you need a professional opinion on a vehicle you are considering. Great for budget vehicles to flag potential issues, protecting you from bigger expenses. Also suitable for your own vehicle before taking a long trip.
SAMPLE BASIC REPORT
Most recommended level of inspection. Good for any customer considering buying a used car. Enables an independent professional opinion, to identify risks and make sure you have all the info you need at your fingertips.
SAMPLE STANDARD REPORT
Most comprehensive inspection. Giving a highly detailed report into every aspect of a vehicle’s condition so you can buy with confidence.
SAMPLE PREMIUM REPORTAt CarExamer, we believe a good used car isn’t just clean and shiny — it’s a vehicle that’s mechanically sound, safe, honestly described, and fit for the road. Whether you're buying from a dealership or private seller, here’s what inspectors look for in every inspection:
Mechanically Safe
A good used car has:
Fair Body Condition
We don’t expect perfection - but a good used car:
Free from Drivability Issues
The car should:
All Documentation Present
Every good car should come with:
Road-Tested Under Real Conditions
Inspector’s road test vehicles under load, acceleration, braking and cornering. Why? Because problems often appear only when the car is pushed — not when it's idling on a driveway and up to max permissible speed limit subject to area and conditions.
If they can’t answer or show proof, assume it hasn’t been done. For most cars, this is critical maintenance.
Ask them if there’s any oil, coolant or transmission fluid leaking. Check under the car after a test drive.
You’re looking for tyres with at least 5mm tread and brakes with 60% life or more. Thin brakes or bald tyres are a warning sign.
Not just moved around the yard — a real road test that includes hills, braking, bumps and high-speed driving.
You’re not looking for perfection — just honesty. Ask if the car had any engine, gearbox, clutch or bodywork jobs done.
Full main dealer service history ideally — as long as it's not fake. Ask to see stamps or invoices.
If they offer a warranty, make sure it’s in writing and lists what is and isn’t included. Claim limits.
A trustworthy seller will always say yes. In fact, many offer to hold the car with arranged refundable deposit or nonrefundable deposit subject car is as described and free from faults.
Buy with Confidence - Use a CarExamer Inspector
Qualified inspectors check all of the above and more - so you don’t have to worry about hidden issues or expensive surprises. Inspectors trying to bring full transparency to every used car purchase as they would buy car for themselves.
Market is overwhelmed by poor inspection service providers we are trying to do what’s right for consumer.
Inspection service offer a quality, convenient, reliable, consistent and professional mobile inspection service for the price of 12v battery replacement on the used vehicle average cost of £280
Potential repair costs provided and diagnostic scans on all inspection packages
Free cancellations, before 4 hours of appointment time after 2 hours full amount
Simple, on demand booking system. No waiting around for callbacks!
Instant quote, with no hidden extras*
Save up to 100% on vehicle inspections compared with dealership prices due to main dealers won’t offer custom
mobile service door to door.
Up to 40% quicker availability times then similar service providers
Instant reports in 3-5hr from starting the inspection
Get a quote even if you don’t have the full registration details
Pay nothing until the inspection is complete
Book your inspection from any device
Choose a time, date and location to suit YOU
Inspections even after dark, with extended appointments from 8am-6pm includes Saturdays.
No congestion charge or toll charges levied (won’t apply to remote islands)
CarExamer constantly checking that our offering has more value than competition. We are confident that you won’t find a more comprehensive or professional service at our prices, but don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself!
Any vehicle over 3.5 tones
Motorcycles
Quad bikes
You will not find a better value for the inspection service we offer. Check out main competition and see for yourself how CarExamer services compares.
Inspections on a much wider range of vehicles than competition. Inspectors carry out inspections on the following:
Vehicles with disability controls and modifications
We inspect vehicles of any age up to 3.5 tonnes
Commercial refrigeration units fitted to vehicles
Motorhomes - we inspect the vehicle itself, and report on interior (habitation checks not included)
Body tipping equipment fitted to a vehicle - we will advise if goes up and down correctly.
Tail lifts fitted for any vehicle - we will advise if it is in working order
Horse boxes
American Imports
Dual Fuel vehicles
Small Limousines
Hybrid cars – we complete a dynamic assessment of HV battery at road test and run diagnostic checks.
Electric cars – we do a dynamic assessment of HV battery at road test and run diagnostic checks
Kit Cars
London Taxi (black cabs)
Smart Cars
Supercars
Hypercars
Our booking process is simple and quick, and you only pay when the inspection is complete.
Network of fully qualified inspectors work nationwide at a time to suit you and seller.
Live results are available in your account, and your full vehicle inspection report is ready instantly once inspection is completed.
Car inspection apps can be a valuable tool for both car owners and mechanics. For car owners, these apps can help to identify potential problems before they cause major damage or safety issues.
Much cheaper than other offers I found but still good service. I needed someone to expertise classic car for me which w...
Easy booking process and excellent service. The inspection was thorough and the inspector answered any questions prompt...
5 star !! - super service
Easily arranged inspection, unlike AA or RAC who needed more than a week's notice. Inspector was able to look withi...
Great service and in-depth report.300 point inspection and more cost effective that the RAC, AA etcInspection and repor...
Great service, really efficient was kept informed all the way through from them arriving at the van to when they had fi...
Very detailed report that gave me the confidence to buy from a private seller. Subsequent routine service backed up the...
Thanks to the rigerous inspection it saved me from perchasing a lemon. Very detailed report.
Although the inspection was done a day later than originally booked I understand that this was due to the Petrol shorta...
Great service. I would highly recommend to anyone buying a used car
The inspection carried out by Klavs was accurate and detailed. It enabled me to proceed with my purchase with more conf...
I have waited a week or so before writing this review, just in case Danny missed anything. He didn't! We were buyin...
Very easy to arrange via the website, the car was inspected a couple of days later and I was kept informed of the progr...
Fast, easy and worthwhile. Recommended.
Highly recommend Car Examer. James did a great job in checking the jeep
Full featured on line booking with a more personalised messaging function for tweaks and issues not covered by web page...
Very complete, timely and helpful.
Very efficient service. Thank you. You've given us peace of mind.
Fantastic service from Klavs. Detailed report delivered the day after initial request. Followed up afterwards with a ca...
Excellent service. I got the report of the car within 10 mins of the inspection. Very thorough and over £100 cheaper th...
Top service as always from Car Examiner. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.Fivestars all the way.
I had an amazing mechanic helping me on that site, he went above and beyond. Price are fair, website is easy to navigat...
Great service and speed at which it was available and completed.Will use again as and when required.Thanks very much.
Very good and excellent report
Excellent. Thx
Very happy with this service. Inspection was completed within 2 days of booking, it was very thorough and the examiner...
