Vehicle Inspections

Comprehensive pre-sale checks and post-purchase options — no nasty surprises.

Pre-Purchase Auction Inspections

While it is not possible to test drive cars before buying from auction, the majority of cars on sale are offered with a mechanical inspection and we heavily recommend favouring these vehicles where possible.

Combined with service history and DVLA (MOT) history, these reports give us greater insight into the condition of the vehicle, helping us to anticipate any potential work that may be desirable and factor in associated costs.

As the largest provider of auction cars in the UK, BCA offers the ‘BCA Essential’ and ‘BCA Assured’ reports. Neither is comprehensive, but a BCA Assured report allows you to claim repair costs if you find a fault that wasn’t noted (provided it is in one of the categories included on the report) within 48 hours or 500 miles of collection from a BCA centre (whichever comes sooner) or after taking delivery of the vehicle if you’ve opted to use BCA transport.

Trade Rate Pricing on Reports

It is noteworthy that many providers charge the public heavily for mechanical reports. We typically pay about half of the public rate and pass all savings directly on to our customers.

  • BCA Essential Check: Available on request.
  • BCA Assured Check: Available at trade rates for standard and electric/hybrid vehicles.

These items will be clearly listed on the auction house invoice issued, which you will be copied into.

BCA Assured Product Brief BCA Assured Overview
Assured Report Example Assured Report Example
Essential Report Example Essential Report Example

Other auction providers offer similar reports and we can discuss the merits of each should we identify a car they are selling which appeals to you.

Post-Purchase Inspection Options

Each of our partner garages can provide a mechanical inspection and road test as part of the mechanical services that we provide. These check for faults before delivery and, if you wish, we can remedy them at our discounted trade rates.

We can also arrange for official AA or RAC inspections to be completed at cost if you would prefer to have the car examined in greater detail by a nationwide provider before taking delivery.