BASICS

When should I book the inspection?

Finding a good used car is a full-time job. Once you’ve viewed as many vehicles as possible and found the one that truly meets your criteria, values, and price, follow these simple rules:

Make sure the vehicle has a full main dealer service history, both keys, a replaced timing belt, a recent service, a valid MOT, and road tax. Check the MOT history for major defects such as corrosion, oil leaks, or multiple advisories - these often indicate poor maintenance.

When buying privately, confirm that the seller has the legal right to sell the car. Remember, the V5C logbook is not proof of ownership - the purchase invoice is. Research trade seller carefully online and on Companies House for how long company has been trading and director involvement in previous businesses. Avoid too good to be truth deals which are unrealistic market value for the car and can be fraud.

Always carry out a full car history check, available through the CarExamer platform, as a mandatory step. After that, contact the vendor to get permission for a pre-purchase inspection.

What should I ask the vendor before I book my inspection?

You need to obtain sellers permission prior booking inspection it’s your consumer right to check if goods are as described and free from faults. Always arrange refundable deposit so you can reserve the vehicle with seller. Find out sellers two days availability dates and time if outside 100mi from London – find out 4 days availability. Ideally would be if you have viewed the car yourself first as all cars in pictures online looks better than in real life due to filters used by sellers to improve picture quality.

What other steps to take before booking an inspection?

When buying used cars, many of customers will use online searches to compare vehicles and to understand the asking price. Obtain vehicles trade value via various online tools like webuyany car add 20% to trade price and you will get quick market value. This can give a good overall sense of what the vehicle is worth and then compare with Autotrader search use filter search strictly to narrow down to details age, specific trim and engine and gearbox types, age and even colour and observe what market offers. Use highest priced vehicle as a bench mark assume car should have full main dealer service history, two keys, recent service caried out too and timing belt replaced call seller to confirm that as you need to find bench mark as otherwise you will get lost in prices. Then work slowly down from most expensive car in your search criteria. Check CarExamer videos on Youtube to help you understand insight if required.

Once you found and viewed vehicle yourself make a booking online for a pre purchase inspection so that you can be absolutely sure about the vehicle’s condition and the car is free from faults.

Get permission from the vendor

Before booking an inspection with CarExamer, you must have the permission of the vendor, and agreement on suitable times and dates. Inspectors will need full access to the car, and enough fuel for a short road test.

Vendor Checklist

You may inform the vendor:

• Permission for a short road test
• Permission for a diagnostic check, if applicable
• Permission for road test. Vehicle have to be road legal for road test
• Access to the vehicle at a location off the highway, on a hard, level surface
• Vehicle service history
• Registration certificate (VO5)
• Owners’ manual
• Both car keys
• ou can send seller inspection packages what’s included for reference

Do I need to be present for the inspection?

No. The inspections are mobile service qualified inspector travels to location to inspect the vehicle, saving you time and travel expenses. After the inspection, you receive a full report via your account, with the option to further discuss report with the inspector if required subject to inspection package you have selected.

How long does an inspection take approximately?

May take longer on some cars like suv, luxury and supercars and classic cars.

• Basic inspection: 60-90 minutes
• Standard inspection: 90-150 minutes
• Premium inspection: 180-240 minutes (May take longer for supercars)

Why do I need a vehicle history check?

We always recommend a full vehicle history check prior to inspection for full peace of mind as you might find problems in car history check report and you would not even book inspection or would cancel before inspection has started. Vehicle history checks are available on CatExamer from third party providers.

How do I contact the DVLA?

If you need to contact the DVLA prior to booking your vehicle inspection, you can do so by clicking on the DVLA

Transfer keeper changes online Tell DVLA online. Do not buy cars outside these hours to minimise fraud.

This service is available from:

• Monday to Friday, 7am to 9pm
• Saturday and Sunday, 7am to 8pm

Does the inspection come with a warranty?

No, inspections do not come with a warranty, as is standard practice. The purpose of the inspection is to give the customer an honest reflection of the state of the vehicle, the condition at the time of the inspection, items needing attention or repair, a repair estimate and overall summary. Always obtain appropriate extended warranty.

Can I trust the inspection report?

Yes. All inspectors are verified, and we only accept qualified mechanics with min 5 years’ experience. Our customer review process helps us to ensure inspector standards remain high. We also use mystery shopping and check inspection reports to periodically check inspectors are operating to high standards.

Do I pay anything up front?

No. Payments are reserved at the time of booking, but funds are only released to inspectors once the full inspection has been completed. The process works in a similar way to making a hotel reservation – you only pay once you have received the service. All our payments are securely processed online through our internationally recognised payment provider, Stripe. We always recommend to view full terms and conditions.

Do all your inspectors charge the same price?

Yes. Within the UK, all inspectors charge uniform rates for inspections. The majority of inspectors on our platform are not VAT registered, so in most cases there is no VAT to add. Where VAT registered inspector completes booking, this is included in the final rate you pay. All invoices from inspectors are available after inspection is complete via your account.

Do you offer VAT receipts?

No. Where VAT registered inspector completes booking, this is included in the final rate you pay. All invoices from inspectors are available after inspection is complete via your account.

Do inspectors need a two-post ramp for the inspection?

No. To gain access under the vehicle inspectors use plastic ramps or trolley jacks with axle stands. All inspector needs are good access to the vehicle on a hard, flat surface with enough space to open the doors and inspect the vehicle from all sides.

The most valuable components in the car are the powertrain of the vehicle, the engine, exhaust system, transmission, drive shaft, suspension and wheels. Car usually idles for as long as 30min while inspector checks the car and inspector complete a dynamic road test usually last to check for any unusual noises, suspension issues, performance issues or drivability concerns. As experienced professionals, this allows inspectors to identify any concerns early. This is followed by a diagnostic check twice before road test and after the road test.

Do you have vehicle brand specialists at CarExamer?

We work with a wide range of qualified inspectors. Some do have specific brand knowledge, although all of inspectors are chosen for their ability to work well across ALL brands. If you would like a brand specialist for your inspection, please contact us by email to see availability for the area.

How do I know if you cover my area?

When you enter vehicle location address, our system will recognise area availability. We are always expanding our coverage, both nationwide and internationally to reduce some are inspection fees. We can arrange inspection anywhere in the world, but price will be adjusted accordingly.

Do I need an account to book an inspection?

Our system will automatically create an account for you when you make your first booking, so there is no need to set it up separately. From your account you can manage all your vehicle inspections. .

How will the inspector check the underside of the car?

Inspections do not need to take place in a dedicated workshop. Inspectors are equipped with plastic wheel ramps and trolley jacks to allow full access to the vehicle. For low-riding sports cars, the car will be jacked sideways and checked from the side. All the inspector needs are enough room on all sides of the vehicle.

What if the vendor declines an inspection?

If a vendor does not allow a vehicle inspection, our recommendation would be to consider not buying from them. A seller with nothing to hide should have no objections to a vehicle inspection. However, if inspector has arrived on the day or is heading on the way and seller declines inspection or suddenly not available or changes his mind full amount will be charged unless you are in within free cancellation period.