Do ClickMechanic inspections include diagnostic scans?

Diagnostic scans are only included on the highest inspection tier offered by ClickMechanic.

CarExamer Vs. ClickMechanic Car Inspection

Q: Is ClickMechanic a pre-purchase inspection specialist?

ClickMechanic works with random mechanics primarily provides mobile repairs and maintenance. Vehicle inspections are an additional service rather than its main focus.

Q: Are independent inspection services better for used car buyers?

Independent inspection services are often better suited to used car buyers because they focus on buyer protection, diagnostics, and ownership risk.

January 20, 2026January 20, 2026 @CarExamer 1745 Views

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

When buying a used car, arranging a professional inspection can be one of the smartest steps you take. A proper inspection commonly known as pre purchase car inspection helps uncover hidden faults, highlights safety issues, and gives you confidence before committing to a purchase. In the UK, you can come across ClickMechanic when researching vehicle inspections. ClickMechanic is platform and lists random budget mobile mechanics who carry out servicing, repairs, and budget inspections at a convenient location. However, not all inspections are designed for the same purpose, and understanding the difference between a general mechanic inspection and a specialist independent pre-purchase inspection is essential. This guide explains how ClickMechanic car inspection works, what they are best suited for, and how they differ from independent specialist inspections, particularly when buying higher-risk vehicles such as luxury, performance, or classic cars.

What Is a ClickMechanic Car Inspection?

A ClickMechanic car inspection is a vehicle check carried out by a mobile mechanic. The inspection is typically completed at the seller’s location and is designed to provide a general overview of the car’s condition. Core business is budget mobile vehicle repairs and servicing. Inspections are offered as an additional service, using mechanics who usually work on everyday vehicles such as hatchbacks, saloons, and common family cars.

For buyers seeking a basic snapshot of a vehicle’s condition, this type of inspection can be useful, particularly for lower-value or lower-risk purchases.

The Purpose of a General Mechanic Inspection

General mechanic inspections focus on identifying obvious faults and visible issues. They are well suited to:

Standard, everyday vehicles
Cars with simple mechanical layouts
Buyers who want a basic condition overview
Situations where convenience is a priority

These inspections typically assess key components such as brakes, suspension, steering, engine operation, and general roadworthiness. The goal is to confirm whether the vehicle appears mechanically sound at the time of inspection.

However, these inspections are not designed to provide a deep risk assessment or predict future ownership costs.

What Independent Pre-Purchase Inspections Are Designed For

Independent pre-purchase inspections are a different category of service altogether. These inspections are built specifically for buyers, not vehicle owners seeking repairs.

The primary goal of an independent inspection is to help the buyer answer critical questions, such as:

Is this car worth buying at the asking price?
Are there developing faults that may become expensive later?
Has the vehicle been repaired properly after previous accident damage?
Is the car suitable for long-term ownership?

Independent inspections are often more detailed and are carried out by inspectors whose sole role is vehicle assessment rather than repair work.

Differences in Inspection Depth

One of the biggest differences between ClickMechanic-style inspections and independent inspections is depth.

General mechanic inspections tend to focus on:

Visible mechanical condition
Basic operational checks
Confirming the vehicle can be driven safely

Independent inspections typically go further, assessing:

Underbody condition and corrosion
Electronic systems and fault codes
Early signs of wear that may not yet cause symptoms
Vehicle-specific weak points
Overall ownership risk

This difference becomes increasingly important as vehicle value and complexity increase.

Why Vehicle Type Matters

Not all cars are equal when it comes to inspection requirements.

Standard Everyday Vehicles

For common vehicles with simple engineering, a general mechanic inspection may be sufficient to identify obvious problems.

Luxury and Performance Cars

Luxury and performance vehicles often have:

Advanced suspension systems
Complex electronics
Model-specific failure points
High repair costs if faults are missed

Many general mechanics spend most of their careers working on standard vehicles and may have limited exposure to high-end marques. Independent specialists are more likely to have experience assessing these vehicles from a buyer-risk perspective.

Classic Cars

Classic vehicles present a completely different challenge. Issues such as corrosion, previous restoration quality, non-original parts, and structural repairs require specialist knowledge.

General inspections may overlook:

Poor-quality restorations
Hidden rust beneath paintwork
Structural repairs that affect value

Independent inspections are often better suited to classic car purchases, where condition and originality significantly impact value.

Road Testing and Real-World Assessment

A significant number of vehicle faults only appear when the car is driven. Majority of Click mechanics don’t have trade plates to road test vehicles as most car sellers or private sellers can have no road tax.

General mechanic inspections often include a short road test but may not specify how long or under what conditions the test is carried out.

Independent inspections often use structured road testing to assess:

Gearbox behaviour under load
Clutch operation
Steering feel and alignment
Suspension noise and balance
Engine performance across different speeds

This helps identify issues that static checks alone may miss.

Reporting and Buyer Guidance

Another key difference lies in how inspection findings are reported.

General mechanic reports usually describe what is observed but may leave interpretation to the buyer.

Independent inspection reports are typically written to help buyers understand:

Which issues are minor and which are serious
What problems may worsen over time
How faults could affect future costs
Whether the car represents good value

This guidance is especially important for buyers without mechanical experience.

Convenience vs Specialisation

ClickMechanic inspections are often chosen for convenience. A mechanic comes to the vehicle, completes the check, and provides a very basic report no paperwork check, service history check, no vin number check and without specific blue print of how inspections are completed and without a specific used car standard to evaluate vehicles overall standard. Independent inspections may take longer and involve more detailed assessment, but they are designed to minimise financial risk rather than maximise speed.

The choice often comes down to whether convenience or depth is the priority.

Which Type of Inspection Is Right for You?

A ClickMechanic-style inspection may suit you if:

You are buying a lower-value, standard vehicle
You want a basic overview
Convenience is more important than depth

An independent pre-purchase inspection may be a better choice if:

You are buying a high-value vehicle
The car is luxury, performance, or classic
You want clarity on future repair risk
You need support when negotiating price

Final Thoughts

Vehicle inspection is not one-size-fits-all. ClickMechanic provides a convenient and accessible option for basic checks on everyday vehicles. Independent pre-purchase inspections like CarExamer offer a deeper, buyer-focused assessment designed to reduce long-term risk. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right inspection for the car you are buying, the money you are spending, and the level of confidence you need before purchase.

For used car buyers, knowledge is protection. Choosing the right type of inspection can make the difference between a confident purchase and an expensive mistake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ClickMechanic a pre-purchase inspection specialist?

ClickMechanic works with random mechanics primarily offers mobile repairs and maintenance. Inspections are an additional service rather than its main focus.