Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Visual inspection of exterior, bodywork, glass, chassis and underbody for damage, corrosion and previous repairs

• Check VIN/chassis plate and cross‑reference with V5 and service history

• Inspect engine bay, belts, hoses, fluid levels and battery condition without major dismantling

• On‑vehicle checks including start/idle, gearbox operation, steering, brakes and suspension feel

• Road test up to 10–20 miles to assess drivability, noises and transmission behaviour where safe and permitted

• OBD diagnostic scan for stored fault codes, basic emissions check and short written report with photos and rough repair estimates

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Most pre‑purchase inspections take 45–120 minutes on site including a short written and photo report; extended diagnostics, structural checks or vehicles requiring a ramp can extend this to 3–4 hours

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Are you a qualified vehicle inspector or technician and can you show ID

• What exactly is included in the report and can I see a sample report

• Do you perform an OBD diagnostic scan and road test as standard or is that extra

• Have you inspected this make and model before and do you have experience with common faults

• What additional charges could apply for ramp hire, specialist diagnostics or towing

• Are you insured for test drives and do you offer any limited assurance on the inspection findings

How to Avoid Surprises

• Arrange off‑street parking or clear roadside space and let the inspector know of any access restrictions

• Make sure the vehicle has sufficient fuel and that you can provide keys, V5 and service history documents

• Tell the inspector about outstanding faults, recent repairs or previous accidents to save time on site

• Agree whether a road test is permitted and provide written permission if owner or seller requires it

• Expect the inspector to use basic PPE and to avoid contamination when handling oily components

• Check for any site rules, permits or time restrictions at flats, garages or private estates before booking