Vehicle Inspection

We're not able to inspect the following vehicles:

• Horse boxes
• American imports
• Kit cars
• Limousines
• Motorcycles
• London taxis or Hackney carriages
• Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes or trolley jacks
• Specific high-performance vehicles (supercars or hypercars)

We also can't inspect:

• Disability controls and modifications – although we can check the vehicle
• Commercial refrigeration units fitted to vehicles – although we can check the vehicle
• Body tipping equipment fitted to a vehicle
• Tail lifts fitted for any vehicle

Each type of Vehicle Inspection doesn’t include:

• Dismantling, removing, disconnecting or taking apart any item on the vehicle (for more details see our Ts&Cs)
• Vehicle data checks, or mileage accuracy – but you can use our vehicle check to get information on this
• Oil and fuel consumption
• Sources of oil leaks
• Multimedia systems or satnavs
• Cylinder compression
• Air-conditioning function and efficiency (using specific diagnostic equipment)
• Vehicle electrics and electronics (requiring the use of specific diagnostic equipment)
• Exhaust emissions and/or catalytic converters (requiring the use of gas analysing equipment)
• Habitation area of motor homes (electrical systems, water or gas fittings and associated appliances; body or caravan area for water ingress or dampness)

Brakes
We’ll inspect the condition of the brake pads and discs to identify wear or damage (removing the wheels if necessary). This helps you understand the true condition of the brakes.

Brake fluid analysis
We check the condition of the brake fluid and measure its moisture level. Too much moisture can reduce braking efficiency, so the check can identify a potential issue.

Diagnostic check
We connect a professional OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) device to the vehicle to scan its systems and identify any recorded fault codes for potential issues.

Digital battery test
We assess the battery’s health and performance using the latest digital testing technology.

Each type of inspection is carried out by one of our engineers or an engineer working on our behalf.

After the inspection and road test, our engineer will report any defects or noteworthy points to you. You can then raise these issues with the seller, and it’s then their responsibility to look at the defects.

• Get the seller’s permission to allow the pre-purchase vehicle inspection.
• Tell the seller that the vehicle needs a road test as part of the inspection.
• For the engineer to do the inspection, ask the seller to confirm the vehicle:
• Has a valid MOT certificate (if applicable)
• Has enough oil, water and fuel for the road test
• Is on an off-road location on a hard, level surface
• Is reasonably clean and dry

You’ll still have to pay the full fee if the engineer refuses or is unable to carry out any part of the inspection because the vehicle wasn’t set up for them. Plus there’ll be an additional fee for any subsequent inspection you ask us to carry out.

• AA Members with an active Breakdown Cover policy will get 10% off a Vehicle Inspection.
• We can carry out inspections in most parts of the UK, but we don’t carry out inspections in Northern Ireland, some parts of Scotland and Wales or any islands.
• The inspection will be carried out between Monday and Friday, 8:30am to 5pm, by 1 of our approved engineers.
• The inspection is based on external and visual checks only and doesn’t involve dismantling or disturbing any parts of the structure. The cost of the inspection depends on the engine size and type of the vehicle.
• See the vehicle inspection Ts&Cs for further information, including specifics of what is excluded.
• The offer can’t be used with any other promotional offer or discount. Any discount must be applied at the time of purchase and can’t be applied after a purchase has been completed.
• This offer is valid until further notice. We may withdraw or change the Ts&Cs, the offer itself, or any part of it, at any time without notice.