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Vehicle Inspections

If you’re looking to buy a used car, it’s important you know that it's mechanically and structurally sound before parting with your cash. A vehicle inspection from the RAC can help identify any hidden problems you may not be aware of which could lead to costly repairs.

We offer three levels of inspection:

Basic*

From £116^

Find out more

218 point mechanical and structural inspection

Road–test (up to 3 miles)

Engineer fault report sent via email

Comprehensive

From £209^

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307 point mechanical and structural inspection

Main functions and controls check

Full interior, bodywork and paint inspection

Road–test (up to 10 miles)

Engineer fault report sent via email and verbal summary

Advanced

From £267^

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Identical checks to the comprehensive inspection plus;

Diagnostic check of key areas

Road–test (up to 20 miles)

Brake fluid test and analysis

Photos of the vehicles within the report sent via email1

Engineer fault report sent via email and verbal summary

To get a quote or to book a vehicle inspection, you'll need:

  • The vehicle registration number
  • The seller's permission
  • The address where the vehicle is kept

To book your inspection, call the team on 0330 159 0720 or Request a callback

Our opening hours are –
Monday to Friday: 8am – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 2pm
Sunday and Bank Holidays: Closed


Our other inspections

Post-accident inspection – checks repairs made to the vehicle meet the manufacturer standard

Unit and component inspection – performs a detailed inspection of specific vehicle parts

Post purchase inspection – provides a mechanical, structural and component check covering 307 points to confirm problems or mechanical faults after you’ve bought the vehicle

Please call the team on 0330 159 0720 for more information or to book any of our other inspections.


Peace of mind when buying a car...

When buying a new vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that it’s roadworthy, safe to drive and worth the price you’re prepared to pay for it. So why not choose a vehicle inspection from the RAC to give you the peace of mind you need when closing a deal on the vehicle you want.

For additional peace of mind, why not also review our car breakdown cover options here.

From as little as £116 you can book an RAC vehicle inspection where one of our highly experienced engineers will:

  • Inspect the vehicle at an agreed location, usually within 48 hours of your request
  • Conduct a road-test and visual inspection of the vehicle
  • Email your report to you and on request, send you a written copy of the report in the post

And if you’re driving abroad, you can get European breakdown cover too. The RAC offers the best European breakdown cover on the market. See how we compare to our competitors.

RAC Warranty2

  • Protect yourself from unexpected repair bills
  • No excess when you claim
  • We pay the repairer directly
  • 12 months of cover for just £300
Close up of a mechanic looking at the inside of a wheel
Close up of a mechanic looking at the inside of a wheel

RAC Warranty2

  • Protect yourself from unexpected repair bills
  • No excess when you claim
  • We pay the repairer directly
  • 12 months of cover for just £300

2Pre-existing faults, including those raised as part of your inspection, would not be covered unless repaired before purchase. Terms apply.