Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections by CarVeto
Used car inspection services from £79, in partnership with Clickmechanic.
What Is a Vehicle Inspection?
A vehicle inspection, also known as a pre-purchase car inspection, checks for mechanical, structural, and electrical issues in a used car before you buy.
It’s designed to uncover hidden problems that are costly to repair.
At CarVeto, inspections are carried out by qualified mobile mechanics via our partner, ClickMechanic, trusted across the UK.
What’s Included in the Inspection Report?
- ✅ Full mechanical and structural evaluation
- ✅ Road test and on-site assessment
- ✅ (Premium only) Diagnostic scans, inspection photos, and direct call with your mechanic
Why Book Before You Buy?
If a problem is found after purchase, it’s usually too late to get your money back or request repairs.
A pre-purchase inspection significantly reduces the risk of buying a faulty used vehicle, giving you peace of mind and negotiating power before you commit.
Compare Our Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Packages
Choose an inspection tier based on the level of detail you require.
Each package is completed by a vetted mobile mechanic at the seller’s location, with same or next-day availability across the UK.
See what’s included in each car inspection service below:
Vehicle Inspection Package Comparison Table
Feature | Basic from £79 | Standard from £95 | Premium from £137 |
|---|---|---|---|
Checklist depth | 86-point mechanical inspection | 136-point mechanical inspection | 185-point mechanical inspection |
Mobile mechanic visit | ✔️ At seller’s location | ✔️ At seller’s location | ✔️ At seller’s location |
Road test (5 miles) | ✔️ Included | ✔️ Included | ✔️ Included |
Interior and electrical checks | Basic dashboard & controls | More electrical and bodywork checks | Full interior + electronic assessment |
Bodywork inspection | ❌ Not included | ✔️ Visual exterior review | ✔️ Paint, panels and corrosion check |
Engine and mechanical systems | ✔️ Core systems checked | ✔️ Expanded mechanical checks | ✔️ In-depth inspection + underside access |
Underside inspection | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✔️ Vehicle lifted for underbody check |
Diagnostic scan (OBD)* | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✔️ Vehicle lifted for underbody check |
Photos in report | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✔️ ECU + DPF diagnostics (if applicable) |
Mechanic phone consultation | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✔️ Included in digital report |
Inspection delivery report | ✔️ Email report | ✔️ Email _ mechanic summary | ✔️ Email + photos + phone consultation |
Booking availability | 1 to 2 days UK-wide | 2 to 4 days UK-wide | 2 to 4 days UK-wide |
*Plug-In Diagnostic Scan (OBD)
(Included only in the Premium vehicle inspection)
The diagnostic scan uses OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) technology to access the car’s internal computer systems and detect non-visible issues.
It checks for:
⚠️ Engine fault codes
⚠️ Sensor malfunctions
⚠️ DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) warnings
⚠️ Electronic system alerts are not visible during a visual check
These issues may lead to costly repairs or MOT failure if not identified early. Basic inspections do not include this scan.
✅ Only available in the Premium tier, this tool checks systems beyond what a visual or mechanical review can detect.
Mechanical & Structural Systems
Included in all packages:
- Engine bay condition and fluid levels
- Brake system, steering, and suspension
- Gearbox and drive components (where accessible)
- Underbody corrosion/damage (Premium only if vehicle is lifted)
Interior & Electrical Checks
Systems checked may include:
- Dashboard lights and warnings
- Switches, mirrors, lights, and wipers
- Heating and ventilation controls
- Cabin trim, seatbelts, infotainment, and overall condition
Road Test (All Packages)
Each vehicle is test-driven to assess:
- Engine start-up, idle quality, and acceleration
- Clutch engagement and smooth gear changes
- Braking efficiency and responsiveness
- Steering feel, suspension noise, and vibrations
Premium Package Extras
Exclusive to the Premium pre-purchase car inspection:
- Plug-in diagnostic scan for ECU + DPF issues
- Full underbody check with raised vehicle access
- Photographic evidence added to your report
- Direct phone consultation with your mechanic
- Enhanced assessment of structural and electronic components
How to Get a Vehicle Inspection Quote
To choose the right car and the right level of inspection, follow these two simple steps before booking.
Step 1 – Run a Car History Check First
Before arranging any vehicle inspection, run a CarVeto history check to identify high-risk vehicles.
Your report screens for:
🚫 Outstanding finance or logbook loans
🚫 Insurance write-off categories (Cat A, B, S, N)
🚫 Theft, scrappage, or cloning alerts
🚫 MOT history issues, mileage discrepancies, and export flags
❗ If the vehicle fails this check, it’s not suitable for inspection or purchase.
✅ Run a Full Car Check seconds.
Step 2 – Get an Instant Quote from ClickMechanic
Once the vehicle passes the history check, get an instant quote for a pre-purchase inspection through our partner, ClickMechanic.
You’ll need:
🚗 Vehicle registration number
📍 Postcode of the vehicle’s location
📝 Seller’s permission for the inspection
Booking takes just minutes, with same or next-day availability UK-wide.
✅ Vehicle Inspection Costs ➝ Get a Quote
Why Choose CarVeto Over RAC or AA?
CarVeto inspections are delivered through ClickMechanic, a leading UK platform for mobile vehicle inspections.
Compared to RAC and AA, CarVeto provides:
💷 More competitive pricing
🚗 Faster availability (1–2 days, UK-wide)
📞 Direct access to the inspecting mechanic
You can also use our guide for the Things to Look for When Buying a Used Car.
🔍 Vehicle Inspection Provider Comparison
Feature | CarVeto | RAC | AA |
|---|---|---|---|
Inspection partner | Clickmechanic | RAC engineers | AA engineers |
Prices from | £79 | £116 | £99 |
Premium package | £137 (185-point + diagnostics) | £267 (307-point + diagnostics) | £199 (206-point + diagnostics) |
Road test included | ✔️ All tiers | ✔️ All tiers | ✔️ All tiers |
Diagnostic scan (OBD) | ✔️ Premium tier only | ✔️ Advanced tier only | ✔️ Comprehensive tier only |
Vehicle lifted (underside check) | ✔️ Premium tier | ✔️ Advanced tier | ✔️ Comprehensive tier |
Mechanical consultation | ✔️ Phone call (Standard & Premium) | ✔️ Verbal summary only | ✔️ Verbal summary only |
Photos in report | ✔️ Premium only | ✔️ Advanced tier only | ✔️ Comprehensive tier only |
Same/next-day availability | ✔️ 1-2 days | ❌ 2–4 working days | ❌ 2–4 working days |
💡 Why It Matters
CarVeto delivers a fast, affordable and transparent pre-purchase inspection service, all performed by vetted mobile mechanics at the seller’s location.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, councils do not offer pre-purchase car inspections. Council-run MOT centres only assess roadworthiness, not mechanical condition, wear, or hidden faults.
For a complete used car check, use a service like ClickMechanic, RAC, or AA.
Your first step is to Check Vehicle Details online using CarVeto database.
No, a PCO inspection is not the same as a pre-purchase car inspection. PCO checks are for taxi licensing under TfL and focus on emissions, safety, and compliance.
They do not cover mechanical faults, wear, or driving conditions, which a pre-purchase inspection does.
No, RAC or AA-approved cars are not fully inspected. “Approved” status means the vehicle passed history and MOT Test Checks, but it has not been road tested or mechanically assessed unless you book a separate inspection.
No, Green Flag does not inspect used cars before purchase. They provide breakdown cover only.
For a full pre-purchase check, use an inspection service like ClickMechanic through CarVeto, or book with RAC or AA.
No, a pre-purchase inspection does not include a warranty. It is a one-time evaluation of the vehicle’s condition at the time of inspection.
Future issues are not covered. Consider a separate warranty for added protection.
Yes, you can inspect a car after purchase, but it’s better to examine it before buying. Post-sale checks may help in disputes, but won’t prevent costly problems.
Always check the vehicle’s history and condition before committing to a purchase.
Start with a Free Vehicle Check.