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Pre-delivery inspection

Buying a used vehicle is a big decision, and a great-looking car can still hide expensive faults. Griffin Auto’s independent pre-delivery and pre-purchase inspections give you an honest, professional assessment of a vehicle’s mechanical condition before you hand over your money. We come to the seller’s location anywhere in Derby and Derbyshire, inspect the vehicle thoroughly and report back in plain English – giving you the confidence to buy, or the leverage to negotiate.

Mechanic in blue overalls inspecting engine components under a car hood.

What we check

Diagnostic fault-code scan – revealing hidden electronic faults and warning lights that may have been cleared
Engine condition – checking for leaks, noises, smoke and signs of poor maintenance
Cooling system and head gasket indicators – including combustion-gas checks where appropriate
Brakes, suspension and steering – assessing wear, safety and play
Tyres and wheels – tread depth, condition and uneven wear that hints at alignment or suspension issues
Man lying on ground working under a car elevated on a metal stand, with a can of WD-40 and tools nearby.
Clutch, gearbox and drivetrain – checking operation and signs of slip or wear
Bodywork and structure – looking for signs of accident damage or repairs
Electrics and electronics – lights, warning lamps and key functions
Service history and mileage plausibility – sanity-checking the vehicle’s story
Road test where possible – assessing how the vehicle drives, brakes and handles
Man lying on ground working under a car elevated on a metal stand, with a can of WD-40 and tools nearby.