Pre purchase carinspections

Compare CarExamer pre purchase car inspections by checks, inspection time and report detail. Choose the right level for the vehicle and understand its condition before you commit to buying.

From a focused condition report to our most comprehensive inspection, each package is designed to uncover problems, clarify likely repair costs and help you decide whether to buy, negotiate or walk away.

3,000+

Completed inspections

Recorded vehicle inspections completed across the UK.

GBP 2M+

Potential repair costs flagged

Estimated issues identified in completed inspection reports.

3,000+

Clients served

Unique customers with at least one completed inspection.

30+

Inspectors nationwide

Available inspectors on the CarExamer platform.

Choose your level of detail

Pre Purchase Car Inspections and Vehicle Reports

Compare pre-purchase inspection packages or choose an Engineer's Report for a specific vehicle concern. Open any option to see its full scope. All displayed prices include VAT where applicable.

Basic

From £142.99 including

For customers buying a used car they have already viewed 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 are carried out. Includes documentation check, potential repair costs, vin number check on the vehicle. *expect suspension problems still can be present as well as corrosion, not visible oil weeps not excessive leaks and vehicle may have previous bodywork repairs carried out. Always obtain appropriate extended warranty.

70 minutes
16 features
  • Report available in 5 hours from starting inspection
  • Full Control of your booking from your account
  • 9 x High quality photos
  • Road test (10 minutes)
Recommended

Standard

From £189.99 including

Most popular type of inspection for everyone. For customers buying a used car they have already viewed in person. Vehicle raised. Provides an independent professional assessment, 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.

120 minutes
19 features
  • Report available in 5 hours from starting inspection
  • Full Control of your booking from your account
  • 9 x High quality photos
  • Road test (15 minutes)
  • Free Vehicle Data More information
  • Potential Repair Costs
  • Service history check
  • Guarantee* More information
  • Questions to inspector
  • VIN number check
  • Follow-up call with inspector
  • Plug-in diagnostic check
  • Vehicle raised
  • Audio feedback
  • Live report view
  • Link to share report
  • Loyalty discount More information
  • Discount for multiple cars More information
  • Free cancellation*

Premium

From £256.99 including

Most comprehensive inspection. For customers buying a used car they have already viewed in person. Providing a highly detailed report into every aspect of a vehicle’s condition so you can buy with confidence. The vehicle is raised for inspection. Checks cover mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, structural condition, paint thickness and convenience features. Includes documentation check, potential repair costs, vin number check on the vehicle. Always obtain appropriate extended warranty.

180 minutes
21 features
  • Report available in 5 hours from starting inspection
  • Full Control of your booking from your account
  • 9 x High quality photos
  • Free Vehicle Data More information
  • Road test (15 minutes)
  • Potential Repair Costs
  • Service history check
  • Guarantee* More information
  • Questions to inspector
  • VIN number check
  • Plug-in diagnostic check
  • Follow-up call with inspector
  • Vehicle raised
  • Audio feedback
  • Accident damage check More information
  • Video feedback
  • Live report view
  • Link to share report
  • Loyalty discount More information
  • Discount for multiple cars More information
  • Free cancellation*
Compare CarExamer with other UK providers

Review price, checks and report depth alongside AA, RAC and other inspection options.

Compare providers
Why CarExamer

Why Choose CarExamer for a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection

Independent expertise, detailed diagnostics and clear reporting for informed used-vehicle decisions.

Know what you are buying before you commit

CarExamer is a pre-purchase car inspection platform operating across the United Kingdom, built to give buyers clarity, confidence, and control before committing to a used vehicle. Every inspection is carried out by hand-picked, experienced automotive specialists registered on the platform, who have completed structured online training and know exactly what to look for, from hidden accident damage to early signs of mechanical failure, while also identifying common hidden seller tactics.

CarExamer inspectors cover passenger cars, S-LUX and 4x4 vehicles, light commercial vans, and luxury or performance vehicles, with inspection options suited to each category.

Unlike many providers, all CarExamer inspection packages include advanced car diagnostic scans as standard, helping identify issues that may not be visible during a standard viewing.

CarExamer advantages

What makes the inspection different

01

Diagnostics included

Advanced diagnostic scanning is included as standard with every inspection package.

02

Independent findings

Unbiased reporting focused on the vehicle’s condition—not completing the sale.

03

More detail as standard

Our Standard package offers extensive coverage without forcing you into a premium price.

04

Evidence you can use

Clear findings, photographs and expert insight help reveal risk and support negotiation.

05

UK-wide coverage

Book an inspection near the vehicle, wherever you are based in the UK.

06

Simple online booking

Choose your service, location and availability online at any time.

Our Standard inspection package delivers the level of detail and coverage typically found only in premium packages offered by other providers. This means you receive a more thorough inspection without paying inflated prices. Inspectors focus on accuracy, transparency, and actionable insights, helping you avoid costly mistakes or negotiate with confidence.

Make the package fit the risk

How to Choose the Right Car Inspection

The right level depends on the vehicle, its value and how much certainty you need before buying.

An inspector checking several areas of a used car Risk

Compare checks for risk

More checks give wider coverage across condition, operation and visible defects. The lowest price is not always the best fit.

An inspector examining a car's underside and suspension Depth

Use duration for depth

A longer inspection window gives the inspector more time to review systems, test operation and document findings.

A car buyer reviewing an inspection report beside the vehicle Decision

Match it to your decision

Choose enough detail to give you confidence to proceed, renegotiate based on the findings or walk away.

UK-wide coverage

Find mobile pre-purchase car inspection coverage in major cities across the UK.

Before you book

Frequently asked questions

Compare what is included, how appointments work and what to expect from the report.

The inspection covers the checks listed for your selected package and provides a digital condition report. Depending on the package and vehicle, this can include exterior, interior, mechanical, electrical, underside, road-test, photographic, and diagnostic findings.

Choose according to the vehicle, its value and complexity, and how much detail you need before deciding. Compare the checks, expected duration, report depth, and price shown for each package.

Basic provides a focused assessment, Standard adds broader checks and report detail, and Premium offers the most comprehensive inspection coverage. The package comparison on this page shows the exact checks and duration for each option.

Diagnostic scanning is included with CarExamer inspection packages where the vehicle supports it. The scan can identify stored fault codes and electronic issues that may not be apparent during a normal viewing.

The expected duration is displayed with each package. More comprehensive packages take longer because they include wider checks and more detailed reporting.

Yes. The mobile inspection can usually take place at a private seller address, dealership, auction location, or another agreed location where the inspector can access the vehicle safely.

No. The inspector travels to the vehicle and the seller can provide access. You receive the completed report through your account and can review the findings afterward.

The inspector provides independent findings rather than making the purchase decision for you. The report can help you proceed with confidence, negotiate, request repairs, or decide to walk away.

No. The inspection records the vehicle condition and findings at the time it is examined, but it is not a mechanical warranty or guarantee of future performance.

You can cancel or reschedule before the appointment. Free cancellation is available with at least four hours notice before arrival; late cancellation charges may apply when less notice is provided.

Still have a question? Find more guidance about inspection bookings and appointments in the support centre.
Visit support
Real inspection outcomes

Recent case studies

See how independent inspections helped buyers understand faults, repair risks, and next steps before purchase.