Pre-Purchase Inspections
HomePre-Purchase Inspections

“An inspection is an investment, not a cost”

Even if you’ve read our Buyers guide and completed your own checklist, unless you’re an experienced trained mechanic you will not spot everything that’s sub-standard about the car. Given that you’re buying a high performance car that may have been hard driven, accident damaged and repaired, you need the extra comfort of a professional examination.

This can save you thousands of pounds, wasted by buying the ‘wrong’ car. After all, better to spend a few hundred pounds on an inspection, or several, than on an unexpected engine rebuild, new major components, or buying an accident-damaged car which will be hard to sell on. And you can use your report to negotiate the price down.

We are probably the largest UK inspector of Porsches – a friendly, bespoke service, and you deal with a Porsche owner who can advise you on your purchase.

Inspections are currently available UK-wide for Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati, Lotus/VX220, Caterham-type and TVR cars. We offer a limited service on all other models – we have experts on Americans, E-Types, Lamborghini, Bentley/Rolls Royce, MG, Audi, BMW and many more – call for details.

Our network is different

  • The inspectors are hand-picked specialists, with many years of experience on a single marque – they will not be inspecting a Daewoo next after your car.
  • They almost all run independent specialist servicing businesses for the marque, are factory trained and do not sell cars themselves. They have no vested interest in your intended purchase.
  • They have full workshop facilities, with diagnostics, reference books, ramps and even rolling roads in some cases.
  • Inspectors consider it vital to have a full under body inspection and almost insist on access to a full ramp, for your safety. This is not a ‘quick once over’ service, usually taking around 2 hours, more for Ferraris. We have some inspectors who can come to the car too.

What our clients say – just a selection

‘A very nervous experience buying a car for so much, but thank you both for all your help on this and knowledge, made such a difference, and really appreciated.’

SPG Testimonials – ongoing

I thought Ron’s report was a very professional report too.

Robin Perry, Porsche 911 (996), inspected in Peterborough, January 2006

Thanks for a fantastic service; the comprehensive inspection saved me making a big mistake. I will be booking another inspection once I find a suitable car.

Dave Pritchard, Porsche 944, inspected in Avon, January 2006

Spoke to your inspector – awaiting his report, but I am very impressed with your service so far.

Matt Parkinson, Porsche 964, inspected near Peterborough, January 2006

Thanks a million for letting me know. I'm heading over on Friday morning to see and collect the car. Am very excited about it now! Thank you for all your help and I'd like to compliment you on an excellent and efficient service. Will definitely recommend you to anyone I know who is thinking of going a similar route to buying a car. Thanks again.

Sarah Doody, Lotus Elise, inspected in Warwick, February 2006

I had a long chat with your inspector last night and decided to go back to the seller and negotiate a reduction based on findings.  I have transferred the money today and will pick it up in the next couple of days.  All moved very quickly! Thanks for your help.

Chris Holt, TVR Chimaera, Cheshire, inspected March 2006 (This inspection was arranged same day)

Just a wee note to say thank you for all your assistance.
This service was invaluable in assisting with my recent purchase. I have enjoyed this weekend after collecting the Porsche and traveling back to Scotland, something I would have been wary of without the inspection. Thanks again.
Campbell C Archibald. Porsche 964 C4 Cabriolet, inspected in Suffolk, April 2006

They have agreed to do all repairs that your inspector suggested included in the price the car is offered at. So it looks like it was incredibly worthwhile as its over £1,200 of work I reckon.
 Please pass on my thanks to Mark, for an excellent service. Fast and faultless.
Jeremy Rainbird, Porsche 993 C2S, inspected in Newcastle, May 2006

Stewart T., Porsche 996 inspected January 2006

Thank you very much for organising the pre-inspection for me so well.

Ron was a very knowledgeable gentleman with a great sense of humour who spent a lot of time going through the cars bad and good points finishing with the words I wanted to hear " Yes, I would buy it. Finally, thanks once again, the organisation was wonderful. Yours gratefully".

Craig Stevenson, Suffolk, Porsche 911 (964) inspected December 2005

Thanks for your help, I think this is a great service for people like me who are new to the whole Ferrari scene. I am enjoying being an owner more and more each day.

Steve L., Ferrari F355 inspected February 2004

Price

Prices vary by car and area, but as a guide, £250-300 for most cars and locations. Please call or e-mail for a precise quote. Note that this is cheaper than the RAC (currently £340.95 for cars over 2500cc) and performed by a marque specialist. The AA (now DEKRA for inspections) no longer inspect many sports cars, nor any of these - classics, imported, modified and kit cars. We regularly do.

We’ve seen some rough cars, few as bad as this, but a client was seriously considering buying it before we saw it for him

Porsche 996, for £21,000, known Cat D car, inspected in November 2005.

Note panel gaps – bonnet is closed.   Poorly repaired, rusting already.   Bodged sealant should be.

The service will involve a fully detailed inspection of:

  • Bodywork – outside, underneath and from inside, checking for accident damage, repairs/spraying, chips, dents and loose trim.
  • Wheels, tyres, brake discs and pads.
  • Interior – correct function of all electrical and mechanical items, including switches and trim, checking for wear, scuffs and damage.
  • Hood and screen, plus hardtop if available, if it’s a cabriolet/Spider.
  • Engine and gearbox – full check for oil and fluid condition and leaks, correct operation and general wear level - further tests such as leak down and compression tests are optional but rarely required.
  • Steering, suspension, exhaust/catalyser, transmission and other underside mechanicals, heatshields, undertrays etc
  • A road test, verbal report listing items found as soon as we’ve finished, and typically a guide to rectification costs.
  • A written report within a couple of days.

Terms & Conditions

Your fee is refundable only if the car has been sold or at the discretion of Sportscar Guides Ltd.
We may levy a handling charge of 10% to cover our card processing & administration costs.
Sportscar Guides Ltd accept no liability for any action you may take following or prior to inspection arranged through us. We act solely as a coordinating organisation and do not directly perform inspections ourselves.

Whilst efforts have been made to carefully select an appropriate inspector for your inspection, we cannot be held liable for their actions.
In all cases our liability is limited to the value of our fee.
This service is promoted and managed by Sportscar Guides Ltd and not in conjunction with any car clubs.