HOW TO HIRE · VEHICLES & TRANSPORT

How to hire a pre-purchase vehicle inspector in the UK
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.

The MOT does not judge the engine, clutch or gearbox; an inspection does. Here is what to check first and what the report should cover.

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THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring a pre-purchase vehicle inspector in five steps

  1. Do the free checksDVLA details, MOT history and recalls on gov.uk.
  2. Book the inspection before payingAgree access with the seller.
  3. Agree the scopeBodywork, mechanical, road test, diagnostics, photos.
  4. Get the report in writingWith photos and a clear summary of faults.
  5. Use the findingsWalk away, or negotiate with the report in hand.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check before you book

No register applies

There is no licence for pre-purchase vehicle inspectors, and no register, anywhere in the UK. The inspection must be carried out with reasonable care and skill under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Agree what the inspection covers, and the report format, in writing. citizensadvice.org.uk →

Free gov.uk checks first

gov.uk's used-vehicle steps: check the details match DVLA's record, check the MOT status and history, check for safety recalls, and see the V5C registration certificate — with a DVL watermark — matching the vehicle identification and engine numbers.

Run the registration through the gov.uk checks before paying for an inspection. gov.uk →

The Motor Ombudsman accreditation

Accreditation to The Motor Ombudsman is a voluntary code, not a licence. Its value for a pre-purchase vehicle inspector is the dispute route: the Ombudsman steps in once the accredited business has had eight weeks to put things right, and a final decision you accept is binding on it.

Search the business name on The Motor Ombudsman's Garage Finder. businesses.themotorombudsman.org →

VAT

A pre-purchase inspection is standard-rated at 20%. Pre-purchase vehicle inspectors over the £90,000 registration threshold have to charge VAT and list it separately from the price.

Ask the inspection firm for its VAT number and whether the fee includes the 20%. gov.uk →

“What does the pre-purchase inspection cover?”

A good answer: A written checklist — body, structure, mechanical, electrics, road test.

“Will the inspector road-test the car?”

A good answer: Yes, if insured and the seller agrees.

“Will you scan the vehicle for fault codes?”

A good answer: Yes, all modules.

“Will I get a written inspection report with photos?”

A good answer: Yes, the same day or next.

“Do you check service history and documents?”

A good answer: Yes, against the V5C and MOT history.

“Are you independent of the seller?”

A good answer: Yes — no link to the dealer or seller.

“What will the inspection not cover?”

A good answer: An honest list of limits, such as stripping the engine.

Getting the quote right

  • Inspection scope
  • Road test and diagnostics
  • Report format and timing
  • The inspection firm's VAT number, with VAT under the fee
  • Travel charge
  • Who actually attends to inspect the car, and whether the inspector is employed or subcontracted

Walk away if

  • An inspector suggested by the seller
  • No written report
  • No road test or scan
  • A report with no photos
LOW
£99
TYPICAL
£101
HIGH
£229

What a pre-purchase vehicle inspector costs: £99–£229 per inspection

A pre-purchase inspection is priced per inspection, by depth — a basic check or a full report with road test and photos — with travel sometimes on top. Vehicle Inspection / Pre-Purchase Check price guide →

Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE

Pre-purchase vehicle inspectors near you, with the badges that matter shown

ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.

Or post the job free and let them come to you.

  1. PrepareFree gov.uk checks done; scope agreed.
  2. Exterior and structureBody, panels, rust and accident repair checked.
  3. MechanicalEngine, gearbox, brakes, suspension and tyres inspected.
  4. Road test and scanDriving checks and fault codes.
  5. ReportWritten findings with photos.

V5C
The registration certificate (log book).
VIN
The vehicle identification number.
MOT history
The gov.uk record of past MOT results.
Safety recall
A maker's repair of a known defect.
Fault codes
Stored error codes read by a scan tool.
Accident repair
Previous bodywork after a crash, often found by paint depth.

AFTER

When the job is done

Read the report fullyFaults, estimated costs and safety items.
Check the V5C at viewingWatermark, serial number and matching numbers.
Keep the reportUseful if a fault appears after purchase.
Rate the bookingOnly customers who booked can rate on Locufy. Below four stars, the inspector is asked to put things right before the rating shows.

STEP 1Tell the inspector, in writingSay what the pre-purchase inspection missed, with evidence, and what you want. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the service must be done with reasonable care and skill.
STEP 2Use the make-it-right step on LocufyScore the pre-purchase vehicle inspector under four stars and you are asked whether the inspector should see it first; we follow it through, then your review goes up.
STEP 3Ombudsman or consumer helplineAsk whether the inspector belongs to The Motor Ombudsman; if it does, the Ombudsman can decide the pre-purchase vehicle inspector dispute after eight weeks. Otherwise call the consumer helpline for your nation, which passes cases to Trading Standards: Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 in England and Wales, Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060, and Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 in Northern Ireland.
STEP 4Take it to small claimsWhere money is owed back for the pre-purchase vehicle inspector, you can claim without a solicitor: up to £10,000 in England and Wales, up to £5,000 under Scotland's simple procedure, and up to £5,000 in Northern Ireland.

Hiring a pre-purchase vehicle inspector: questions people ask

No. No UK nation licenses vehicle inspectors. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the pre-purchase vehicle inspector must still work with reasonable care and skill.

A written inspection report; there is no official certificate.

According to gov.uk, the MOT leaves out how worn the engine, clutch and gearbox are; an inspection looks at them.

Typically £101: the range is £99–£229 per inspection. The vehicle inspection / pre-purchase check price guide breaks it down; put in your postcode above to compare pre-purchase vehicle inspectors near you.

DVLA details, MOT history, recalls, and the V5C at viewing.

Tell them in writing with evidence. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the inspection must be done with reasonable care and skill.

MORE GUIDES

More hiring guides in vehicles & transport

How to hire: MOT / NCT ServiceHow to hire: Car DiagnosticsHow to hire: Car ServicingHow to hire: Mobile MechanicHow to hire: Car Bodywork RepairHow to hire: Engine RepairHow to hire: Gearbox RepairHow to hire: Vehicle Recovery & BreakdownAll 701 hiring guides →

Pre-purchase vehicle inspectors near you

Pre-purchase vehicle inspectors in LondonPre-purchase vehicle inspectors in ManchesterPre-purchase vehicle inspectors in BirminghamPre-purchase vehicle inspectors in GlasgowPre-purchase vehicle inspectors in BelfastAll pre-purchase vehicle inspectors on Locufy →

Sources — checked October 2026

  1. Citizens Advice — problems with a car repair
  2. The Motor Ombudsman — Garage Finder
  3. Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 49 — reasonable care and skill
  4. gov.uk — check a used vehicle you're buying
  5. gov.uk — getting an MOT: how the MOT test works
  6. gov.uk — check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled
  7. gov.uk — make a court claim for money: court fees
  8. mygov.scot — make a court claim for money
  9. nidirect — small claims process
  10. VAT rates — VAT rates for goods and services: standard rate 20% on most goods and services
  11. GOV.UK — Register for VAT: when to register