Pre-Purchase Inspections near Thornton Heath

Mostly by measurement and pattern. A paint depth gauge shows where the finish is far thicker or thinner than the factory range, and we combine that with panel gaps, shut lines, disturbed fixings, overspray and a ramp inspection of the inner structure. None of that proves a repair was poor, but it tells you what was done and where to look harder.

A written report grouping everything into faults now, attention soon and points to note, with photographs of anything significant, plus a conversation where we explain it in plain terms. Measured figures for brakes, tyres and fluids, a full diagnostic scan, a ramp inspection and a road test by someone who drives cars for a living.

Included. We scan every module we can reach for stored and pending codes and check whether the emissions readiness monitors have completed, because monitors sitting incomplete usually mean the codes were cleared shortly before you came to view the car. That one check has changed a lot of buyers' minds.

It cannot see inside a sealed engine or gearbox without dismantling, so internal bearing wear, a marginal head gasket or a gearbox that only misbehaves when hot may not show up. It cannot predict when a healthy component will fail, and it cannot prove that a well-repaired accident car was repaired badly. It is an informed snapshot of one day, not a warranty.

No, and no physical inspection can. Outstanding finance, insurance write-off markers and stolen records live in data held by finance houses and insurers, so you need a separate provenance check from a data provider. We always recommend running one alongside the inspection, because a mechanically excellent car with finance against it is still not safely yours.

Only approximately. We can judge bite point height, whether it slips under load, and listen for dual mass flywheel rattle at idle and on release, which together give a fair indication. Putting a percentage on remaining friction material is guesswork unless the gearbox comes off, and we will not pretend otherwise.

Usually, yes. Measured figures carry far more weight in a conversation than an impression, so a report showing 3mm of pad left, two tyres near the limit and an overdue cambelt is a concrete basis for a price discussion. It is equally useful when it comes back clean and simply confirms the car is what the seller said.

No. The two look at different things. An MOT is a legal pass or fail against a defined standard on the day, while an inspection is broader and judges condition, wear and cost to come, including items an MOT never covers such as engine internals, gearbox behaviour and service history. Many buyers want both.