The questions people actually ask before booking.
Do you come to the car, or does it have to come to you?
We come to the car. That is the whole point — the most common reason a pre-purchase inspection never happens is that nobody wants to drive the car anywhere.
Does the seller have to agree to anything?
Only access to the vehicle, and ideally a road test. Most private sellers are fine with it. A seller who refuses is telling you something, and we will put that in the report.
Can you inspect a car at a dealership?
Yes, subject to the dealership agreeing. Ask them before you book — most are willing, and the ones that are not are worth noticing.
Do you scan the car electronically?
Not currently. We do not yet own diagnostic equipment we would put our name to, so we do not offer it and we do not charge for it. A workshop will scan a car for a few hundred rand and we will read the results for you free of charge.
Can you tell if the mileage has been rolled back?
We can identify inconsistencies between the service records, the physical condition of the car and the odometer reading — worn pedals and a collapsed seat bolster on a low-mileage car, or service stamps that do not climb in order. We cannot guarantee detection of sophisticated odometer fraud, and we will not claim otherwise.
Do you put the car on a lift?
No. We inspect from ground level with a torch and we do not work underneath a vehicle that is not properly supported. Anything we could not see because of that is listed in the report.
How long does an inspection take?
Around two hours, including the road test. Less on a straightforward car, longer if something needs a closer look.
Can I be there while you inspect it?
Yes, and we would encourage it. You will understand the report far better having watched half of it happen.
What happens if the seller refuses a road test?
We complete everything else and record the refusal in the report as a limitation. It is information in its own right.
What if it rains?
Paint condition and panel alignment cannot be properly assessed on a wet car. We will offer to reschedule rather than hand you half an inspection.
Do you repair cars?
No. Not ever. It is deliberate — if we do not profit from the repair, we have no reason to find a fault that is not there.
Do you take commission from workshops?
No. Nobody pays us to recommend them.
Can you inspect a car outside Johannesburg and Pretoria?
Possibly, by arrangement. Ask us with the location and we will tell you honestly whether it is workable.
When do you do inspections?
Saturdays across Gauteng. If your timing is tighter than that, say so — car deals move fast and we would rather find a way than have you lose the car waiting.
How and when do I pay?
On completion, once the inspection is done and you have the report. Cash or EFT.
What if I am not happy with the report?
Do not pay us. We would rather earn the next job than argue about this one.
What if you cannot complete the inspection?
If we cannot get meaningful access to the car — it is blocked in, the seller will not allow a road test, the weather makes it pointless — we will tell you before we charge you.
Anything not covered here, ask us on WhatsApp: +27 69 696 1070