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Launching in Surrey

Pre-purchase car inspection quotes

A pre-purchase inspection asks a garage to look over a used car before you buy it, so you know more about what you’re paying for. Start with the free official checks, then choose a level of inspection and say what you want looked at.
Post your inspection job

Post the job free with your registration and postcode. Garages on Matchanic can see it and choose whether to quote, and you only go ahead if you accept one. Matchanic is new and launching in Surrey, so there may be few or no garages on Matchanic near the car yet.

The three levels on Matchanic

  • Basic: usually a look over the bodywork, tyres and fluids, and a short test drive.
  • Intermediate: usually adds a diagnostic scan and a closer look at the brakes, suspension and steering.
  • Advanced: usually a full inspection on a ramp. Want a written report? Ask for it under ‘Anything else’.

Jobs you can ask garages to quote for

The jobs you can choose for this when you post. Pick the one that fits, or the closest, and add the detail under ‘Anything else’.

  • Basic pre-purchase inspection
  • Intermediate pre-purchase inspection
  • Advanced pre-purchase inspection

What affects the price

Each garage sets its own price. These are the things that usually make the difference.

  • The level: basic, intermediate or advanced.
  • Where the car is: at the seller’s home, at a dealer, or taken to the garage.
  • How far the garage has to travel, if it comes to the car.
  • Whether you want a written report or a longer test drive.
  • The type of car. An EV, a hybrid or a performance car may need other checks or equipment.

Free GOV.UK checks to do first

  • Check the MOT history with the registration: whether each test passed or failed, what failed, problems the tester noted, and the mileage recorded at each test. Mileage that goes down, or long gaps, are worth asking the seller about.
  • Get vehicle information from DVLA: whether the car is taxed, when its MOT runs out, when it was first registered, and its engine size and fuel type. Check they match the advert and the log book.

Sources

Checked against GOV.UK in September 2026.

What to tell the garage

Garages see only the name of the level you choose, not our notes on each level. Say what you want checked under ‘Anything else’.

Use the registration of the car you’re thinking of buying, and the postcode where it is. Say when it can be seen, and anything that worries you: an advisory in the MOT history, a noise on your test drive, a warning light. Ask for a written report if you want one.

Questions about pre-purchase inspections

  • Is an inspection a guarantee?

    No. It reports what the garage finds on the day, within the level you chose. It can’t promise how the car will behave later, and any agreement about the car is between you and the seller.

  • Does the seller need to agree?

    Yes. The garage needs access to the car, and a test drive needs the seller’s agreement. Arrange it with the seller before you accept a quote, and tell the garage where the car will be.

  • Which level should I choose?

    It depends on the car and how much you want looked at. Basic is a look-over; advanced usually means a full inspection on a ramp. If you’re unsure, choose the level you think fits, list your concerns, and message garages about their quotes.

  • Can the inspection be done at the seller’s address?

    Say so when you post, with the postcode where the car is. Garages choose whether to quote, including whether they can go to the car.

Related jobs

Guides

Start with your registration

Posting a job is free, and you don’t have to accept a quote.

Post your inspection job

Matchanic is launching in Surrey. How Matchanic works · Matchanic in Surrey