What this covers
- Computer scan, including recently cleared codes
- Engine and gearbox check
- Suspension, steering, brakes and tyres
- Signs of accident repair or flood damage
- Test drive
- Written list of findings
Signs you need Pre-Purchase Car Inspection
- Found a used car you like and want it checked first
- Seller says no accidents, but you want to be sure
- Service history is missing or the stamps do not add up
- Price looks low for the year and mileage
- Worried the car was caught in a flood
- Buying privately, with no dealer checks or warranty
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection jobs we do
Computer scan and cleared codes
We scan every module for stored faults and check the emissions monitors, which reset when codes are cleared and need some driving to finish their self-tests again. A warning light cleared just before the sale usually shows up this way.
Engine, gearbox and test drive
We check for leaks, smoke and noises and listen to the engine start, then drive the car to feel the gearbox shifts, the brakes and the steering. Some faults, such as a harsh shift once the gearbox is hot or a misfire under load, only show on the road.
Suspension, brakes and tyres
With the car on the lift we check the shocks, bushes, ball joints, steering, brake pads and discs, and the tyre wear and date codes. Uneven tyre wear, or new parts on one side of the car only, can point to a past accident.
Accident and flood damage
Panels that do not match in colour, uneven gaps between panels and welding marks underneath point to accident repair. Silt, rust or a damp smell under the carpets and in the boot point to flood damage, which often turns into electrical faults later.
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection questions
What does a pre-purchase inspection cover?
It covers a computer scan of every module, including codes cleared recently, then the engine, gearbox, suspension, steering, brakes and tyres, a look for accident repair and flood damage, and a test drive. You get a written list on WhatsApp of what is fine and what needs work, with a quote for any repairs if you want one.
What can a pre-purchase inspection not tell me?
It cannot see inside the engine or gearbox without taking them apart, so internal wear that makes no noise and sets no code can be missed. It also cannot always prove the mileage is genuine, so compare it with the service records.
Is a pre-purchase inspection the same as the RTA test?
No. The RTA test is a safety and emissions check done at an RTA-approved test centre, and most used cars need it for Mulkiya renewal or a change of owner. A pre-purchase inspection goes much deeper into the mechanical condition, so you know what you are buying before you pay.
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost in Dubai?
It depends on the car, since a Bentley or a Porsche has more systems to check than a small hatchback. Send us the make, model and year on WhatsApp and we will reply with a price before you book.
What if the inspection finds problems?
Most used cars need something, so we explain on WhatsApp which items affect safety and which can wait. You can use the list to negotiate the price, ask the seller to fix things first or walk away, and if you buy the car, we can quote the repairs.
Do you collect the car?
Yes, free, anywhere in Dubai during working hours. We collect the car from your home or office, from Dubai Marina and JLT to Downtown, Business Bay, Mirdif and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
