Pre Purchase Car Inspection Essex
Buying a used car in Essex? Get an independent inspection before you pay. We attend the vehicle where it is being sold and check its condition, diagnostics, road behaviour and history.
Pre-purchase car inspections in Essex
Based in Waltham Abbey, we inspect cars right across Essex, from prestige dealers in Wickford to car dealers in Southend-on-Sea and private sellers in between. It is for buyers who want more than an advert, a short test drive or a dealer's description before committing to a used car.
Our in-depth mechanical inspection investigates the vehicle's condition at the seller's location and help you understand what the findings mean for your purchase. Both packages include a clear video review and a personal call to discuss concerns, priorities and questions to raise. Your photos and report also give you a record of issues observed to refer back to after purchase.
Every inspection includes
What Our Customers Say
“After comparing different companies, choosing your service was one of the best decisions I made. … As someone who doesn't know much about cars, I felt completely supported and confident in my decision.”
Lina
Toyota Yaris · Premium inspection
Inspected at a car dealer in Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Read Lina's full review
I just want to say a huge thank you for all your help and support. After having a bad experience with my previous car, I had a lot of concerns about buying another one, so I decided to have a pre-purchase inspection.
After comparing different companies, choosing your service was one of the best decisions I made. From my very first WhatsApp message, communication was excellent. You answered all my questions quickly and clearly, and after I booked the Premium Car Audit, you contacted me straight away to ask if there was anything specific I wanted you to focus on.
You inspected the car the very next day and called me immediately afterwards to explain everything and reassure me. You also provided videos, a detailed report, and continued to answer all my questions promptly.
I really appreciated the level of care and professionalism throughout the whole process. As someone who doesn't know much about cars, I felt completely supported and confident in my decision.
I would absolutely recommend you and your service to anyone looking to buy a car. Thank you again for helping me find the right car with peace of mind!
“I am very happy with the service. Value for money was great.”
Dave
Land Rover Discovery · Premium inspection + EV battery health check
Inspected at a prestige car dealer in Wickford, Essex
Included in Standard and Premium
What your mechanical report covers
An in-depth mechanical inspection brings the physical checks, diagnostic results and driving behaviour together. Your report explains the condition we found, the concerns and their significance for your purchase.
Engine & cooling system
Oil and coolant condition and levels, visible leaks, belts and hoses, engine mounts, timing-drive noise and engine performance under load where applicable.
Gearbox & drivetrain
Gearbox and clutch operation where fitted, gear changes, mounts, driveshafts and CV joints, with findings on unusual noise, vibration and driving behaviour.
Brakes, steering & suspension
Accessible pads, discs, calipers and brake lines; parking brake, steering, suspension components, dampers, joints and bushes; wheel and tyre condition.
Diagnostics & electrical systems
Full-system scan for available fault codes and warnings, plus 12V battery and charging checks. EV and hybrid inspections include relevant powertrain, charging and battery-management checks where supported.
Road-test findings
How the car accelerates, changes gear, brakes, steers and handles, including unusual noises and vibration. Premium includes an extended road test. Road tests depend on safety and permission.
Evidence, priorities & buying advice
Written findings, photos and a clear video review explain the issues observed and what needs attention. A personal call helps you understand the concerns and decide what to ask before buying.
Checks are adapted to the vehicle and accessible components. The report records any checks that could not be completed. Both packages also include bodywork, interior and vehicle history checks. Keep the video, photos and report as evidence of the issues observed at the time.
Choose the inspection that suits the car
Clear pricing with no need to request a quote first.
Standard Inspection
£149.99
160-point pre-purchase inspection
An in-depth mechanical inspection of the relevant engine and drivetrain, brakes, steering, suspension and diagnostics. Includes road test, vehicle history, a clear video review, photo evidence and personal buying guidance.
Premium Inspection
£199.99
260-point pre-purchase inspection
Everything in Standard, including the video review, plus deeper condition checks, an extended road test, available auction, salvage and previous advert searches, and checks for indicators of undisclosed motor trading. Subject to available records, seller cooperation and road-test permission.
Buying an electric or plug-in hybrid car?
Add a CARA Approved® Autel EV Battery State of Health report to either inspection for compatible EVs and plug-in hybrids. It isn't included in Standard or Premium.
+£49.99
EV battery detailsCompare what's included
Standard
£149.99
160-point inspection
Premium
£199.99
260-point inspection
In both inspections
- We come to the carAt the dealer, the seller's home or yours, across Essex, Hertfordshire, London and nearby
- History checkOutstanding finance, insurance write-off, stolen and mileage records
- Full diagnostic scan
- Engine, gearbox, brakes, steering, suspension and tyres
- Electric and hybrid fault checksHigh-voltage, charging and battery-management systems, where supported
- Road testExtended in Premium
- Video review, photos and a same-day report
- Personal call and buying advice
Premium also adds
- Paint-depth readings on suitable panels
- Deeper bodywork and condition assessment
- Repair-cost guidance and an action planWhat to fix now, within three months and later
- Seller and logbook (V5C) checksWhere documents and permission are available
- Auction, salvage and previous advert searchesIncluding Copart, where records are available
- Checks for signs of undisclosed motor trading
Optional EV battery State of Health report
+£49.99
The battery's health as a percentage, with its own report. Not included in either inspection. For compatible electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
Standard + report£199.98
Premium + report£249.98
Only need the battery checked? The battery health check on its own is £99.99.
Searches depend on the records available, and electric checks on what the car supports.
What happens after you book?
Choose a package and appointment
Book online and tell us where the vehicle is being sold.
We attend the vehicle
We travel to the seller or dealer in Essex or the surrounding area.
We inspect and test
We carry out the relevant physical, diagnostic, history and road-test checks.
Understand before you decide
Receive your video review, photos and digital report, then talk through the findings and buying decision with us. Keep the evidence for future reference.
See a sample inspection report
See the level of detail, findings and checklist before you book.
View sample reportEV battery health checks
Learn what the optional State of Health assessment checks on compatible electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
EV battery healthCan you inspect a car at a dealership in Essex?
Yes. The inspection is mobile, so we can attend a dealer or private seller as long as access to the vehicle and the required checks can be arranged.
Do I need to be there?
No. We can inspect the vehicle directly with the seller or dealer and send the findings to you afterwards.
Will you tell me whether to buy the car?
We give you the inspection findings, highlight the important issues and talk you through them so you can make your own buying decision.
Inspect it before you buy it.
Independent pre-purchase vehicle inspections in Essex from £149.99.
Book an Inspection