Buying advice
A pre-purchase inspection uncovers the expensive issues you cannot see on a test drive: corrosion on load-bearing parts, accident damage, the condition of engine, gearbox and suspension. It costs a fraction of what an overlooked defect causes later.
Check whether the panel gaps at doors, bonnet and wings are even, whether the shades of adjacent panels match and whether the tyres are evenly worn. Look in the boot under the mat — that is where damp shows first.
Ask to see the service book, the last inspection report and any invoices. A service book kept without gaps is a strong sign; conspicuous gaps are a reason to look more closely.
Set off with a cold engine — many issues only show on a cold start. Listen for rattling in the first seconds, note the gear changes, the noises when driving over bumps and whether the vehicle tracks straight.
With a private purchase, because warranty is usually excluded there. And with high-mileage vehicles, where upcoming major servicing significantly affects what a fair price is.
In brief
Yes. Bring the vehicle at the agreed time — ideally together with the seller, so that any questions can be settled straight away.
The vehicle inspection assesses roadworthiness on a given date. A pre-purchase inspection looks further: at the condition and at what is coming up in the foreseeable future.
The condition of the traction battery. Many vehicles can produce a report on it — that says more about the value than the odometer.
Matching service
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