About our mission
We inspect each car as if it were our own: a full technical check, diagnostics, and a transparent photo report that show exactly what the vehicle is like today and what to expect in the future.
In many cases, our experience also helps secure a better price from the seller — often offsetting the cost of the inspection. More than a service, we offer peace of mind before you buy.
Documentation
• Fluids Idle & test drive
• Fault codes
• Glass
• Condition
• Steering play • Road feel
• Trim condition
• Logbook check
Each vehicle is inspected by a qualified expert — either with you on site or independently on your behalf.
An official HPI check is included in every package.
At the end of every report, we include a professional conclusion: “Recommended” or “Not Recommended for Purchase.”
This includes:
• evidence of any issues found (photos of worn parts, leaks, scratches, etc.);
• a walk-around video of the car — showing how it looks inside and outside;
• if you’re present, a direct verbal summary on site;
• if you’re not, the video serves as proof of condition at the time of inspection.
same depth, precision, and attention to detail.
Choose the level of support that fits your journey best.
Purpose:
A fast, independent assessment of a vehicle’s true condition before purchase.
Process:
✅ 200+ point inspection checklist
✅ Full OBD diagnostic scan (fault codes, sensors, system status)
✅ Paint thickness measurement to detect hidden repairs
✅ Brake, tyre and fluid condition report
✅ Short road test (where possible)
Outcome:
A detailed photo and video report with a clear written verdict — whether the car is worth buying and what potential risks or repair costs to expect.
Purpose:
Spend a full day with a professional inspector who’ll help you compare multiple cars, spot hidden issues, and negotiate the best deal.
Process:
✅ Up to 6 hours of expert support
✅ Two operating modes:
— Targeted Search: shortlist online, then visit sellers
— Showroom Strategy: visit large dealerships to check several cars in one go
✅ Full professional inspection of the final choice (same depth as Single Inspection)
✅ Price negotiation included
Outcome:
Expert guidance from start to finish, with a complete report and confidence in your decision.
Purpose:
A complete, hands-off car-buying solution. We research, shortlist, verify, inspect, and negotiate on your behalf.
Process:
✅ In-depth market research (within 100 miles of Darlington)
✅ 8–10 best-matching cars shortlisted
✅ Deep verification of 2–3 finalists (MOT, HPI, finance, seller contact)
✅ Full professional inspection of the final choice (same depth as Single Inspection)
✅ Photo/video report
✅ Price negotiation included
*from £650 (or 3.5% of vehicle value for cars above £20,000)
Outcome:
A clear written recommendation (“Buy” or “Avoid”) and expert support until your purchase is complete.
Package Details
Detailed Overview of Our Three Inspection Options
🔹 Single Inspection — £200
Perfect for: buyers who already found a specific car and need an honest, independent opinion before making the deal.
What makes it special:
- It’s the fastest and most efficient way to get a professional second opinion before paying.
- Ideal when you’re viewing a car privately, through AutoTrader, or a small local dealer.
- You can attend the inspection or let us handle it entirely for you — the process stays the same.
Why clients choose this package:
- To avoid “hidden” issues missed by quick dealer checks.
- To get real proof of the vehicle’s mechanical and legal condition (HPI, diagnostics, photo/video).
- To negotiate better — our report often helps clients save hundreds on the deal.
Example scenario: You found a 2017 VW Golf listed for £7,500.
The seller says it’s “perfect,” but our inspection shows front repaint, worn brake pads, and minor oil leak — worth £350–£400 in upcoming costs.
After our report, the seller agrees to reduce the price by £500.
🔹 Expert for a Day — £500
Perfect for: buyers who want to explore several options and make the right choice on the spot.
What makes it special:
- You spend up to 6 hours with a professional inspector — visiting multiple sellers or large dealerships (Arnold Clark, Bristol Street Motors, etc.).
- Quick initial checks of all interesting cars, then a deep full inspection of the one you decide to buy.
- You get honest, immediate feedback and price negotiation support.
Why clients choose this package:
- To make the most of one day — compare, decide, and buy with expert guidance.
- To get unbiased help on-site — especially valuable if you’re new to the UK market.
- To have a specialist handle technical talk with sellers, protecting your interests.
Example scenario: A client wanted a used Mercedes C-Class.
We visited two dealerships and three private listings in one day.
Out of five cars, only one was in truly good condition — and after negotiation, we helped him secure it £800 below asking price.
🔹 Full Selection (Complete Search & Inspection) — £650*
Perfect for: busy clients or those unsure which make/model to buy.
What makes it special:
- We manage the entire process — from research to final inspection and negotiation.
- You simply tell us your budget, style, and key preferences (fuel type, gearbox, size, features).
- We handle search, filtering, communication, checks, inspections, and final recommendation.
Why clients choose this package:
- Saves time, stress, and guesswork — you don’t waste evenings scrolling AutoTrader.
- Includes official checks and professional inspection for each shortlisted vehicle.
- Gives you a ready shortlist of real, available cars — not theoretical links.
Example scenario: A client wanted a practical SUV for £9–10k.
We researched over 100 listings, selected 9, verified 3, and inspected 2 in person.
Final recommendation — Kia Sportage 1.7 CRDi (2018).
Car was clean, full history, and we negotiated £400 off the price before he even met the seller.
💡 In summary
All three packages deliver the same technical depth and inspection accuracy.
The only difference is how much of the process we handle for you — from a single check to a complete car-buying solution.
*From £650 (or 3.5% of vehicle value for cars above £20,000)
**A mileage fee applies. Travel within 30 miles of Darlington is free of charge. Beyond 30 miles, the rate is £0.70 per mile.- MikhailLead Inspector & Petrolhead AdvisorA true petrolhead with years of experience dealing with poor-quality used cars. He assists with inspections and helps spot risks others often miss.
- EmmaClient Communication & SupportEmma is the main point of contact for our clients. She helps with questions, explains the process clearly, and makes sure every customer feels supported from start to finish.
- MikhailInspector & Content DirectorMikhail handles all in-person inspections and creates our technical content. He negotiates with sellers, guides clients through the process, and ensures every vehicle is assessed with precision.
Get in touch through our Contact Us form — we’ll reply as quickly as possible and help you choose the right inspection package.
If you’ve booked the Full Selection package, the full process — from market research to final recommendation — typically takes between 3 days and 2 weeks, depending on the car’s availability and market rotation.
You’ll receive a detailed photo and video report with all diagnostics and expert notes.
If you decide to buy, we can also assist remotely with your final checks or in-person visit.
The remaining balance is paid after the service is completed and the report has been delivered.
We accept bank transfers, cards, or invoices — all payments are transparent and fully documented.
For locations beyond a 30-mile radius, a travel fee applies (£0.70 per mile, round trip).
If the car is much further away, we’ll advise on the most cost-effective inspection option.
We treat every client individually and aim to find the best solution for your needs, not just a random car.
We don’t inspect cars that have been written-off, flood-damaged, or fire-damaged, and we don’t work with salvage or category vehicles.
If you’re unsure whether your car qualifies, just contact us — we’ll advise honestly.
We don’t sell cars, don’t receive any commissions or “gifts” from dealers or sellers.
Our reports are based solely on data, diagnostics, and real evidence — never on personal interest.
We make sure the car has no outstanding finance, theft record, or insurance category issue.
If you’d like clarification, we’ll explain every point clearly — no jargon, no pressure.
We stand behind every report we produce.
We speak the technical language that sellers understand — and we use it to protect your interests.
✅ Work only for the buyer — not the seller.
✅ Use top-tier diagnostic technology.
✅ Deliver evidence-based, photo-verified reports.
✅ Provide personal communication and expert advice.
✅ Treat every car as if we were buying it for ourselves.
Based in Darlington, UK.
© 2025 IN-PERSON Car Inspection. All rights reserved.
