Pre-purchase inspection
A used car can look spotless in photos and still hide a badly repaired heavy impact. We inspect it with the eyes of a bodywork and paint shop, so you know exactly what you are buying.
Why inspect before you buy
What you cannot see at a glance
A well-disguised body repair can fool almost anyone. We repair bodywork every day and know where to look.
Arguments to negotiate
If repairs or damage turn up, you have specific facts and photos to discuss the price with the seller, or to walk away.
Buy with peace of mind
You find out whether the car's structure has taken a serious hit and whether the paperwork is in order before you sign anything.
What we check
We focus on what we know inside out: bodywork, paint, structure and paperwork.
Paint, panel by panel
We measure every panel with a paint thickness gauge to spot resprayed parts, filler or extra layers.
Bodywork and structure
Panel gaps, non-factory welds, seam sealer that differs from the original and signs of impacts on chassis rails and reinforcements.
Glass, headlights and plastics
Chips and marks on the glass, cloudy or replaced headlights, bumpers and trims with damage or repairs.
Underbody, rust and interior
Rust on the underbody and hidden areas, common with coastal salt air, plus damp or wear inside the cabin.
Paperwork
We go through the DGT vehicle report, a valid ITV, any charges on the car and ownership with you.
Report with photos
When we finish we talk you through it and give you a report with photos of what we found.
Our inspection focuses on bodywork, paint, structure and paperwork. It is an assessment of the car's condition on the day we see it, not a guarantee about its future.
How it works
The process is simple and we adapt it to each case. The idea is that you do not need to be a car expert to make a good decision.
- Tell us which car and where it is. Make, model, registration if you have it, and whether it is sold privately or by a dealer.
- Bring it in or we arrange it with the seller. Ideally we see it at our premises in Las Chafiras, with good light and a lift.
- We carry out the inspection. We go round the car panel by panel, outside, underneath and inside.
- We explain it when we finish. We tell you what we have seen and how much each point matters.
- You get the report with photos. So you can decide calmly and, if you go ahead, negotiate with facts.
Signs of previous repairs we look for
A car that has been through a body shop is not necessarily a bad car. What matters is knowing what was repaired and how. These are some of the clues we check:
- Differences in paint thickness between neighbouring panels, measured with a gauge rather than by eye.
- Differences in shade between doors, wings or bumpers, sometimes only visible under low-angle light.
- Orange peel texture that differs from the rest of the car, or specks and runs.
- Paint overspray on rubber seals, trims, glass or plastics, a sign it was painted without removing parts.
- Uneven gaps around the bonnet, doors and tailgate.
- Welds and sealer that are not factory-made in door openings, the boot or wheel arches.
- Wing or hinge bolts showing marks from having been undone.
Tenerife has its own quirks
In the south of the island the sun is hard on clear coat and headlights, and the sea air encourages corrosion on the underbody, mounting points and corners where moisture collects. There are also plenty of ex-rental cars around, with a mix of town driving and mountain roads. That is why we pay close attention to the underbody and the lower edges of the doors, as well as the real condition of the paint.
If you are just starting your search, have a look at our guide to buying a used car. And if you would rather see cars we already know, browse our used cars.
What to do with the result
With the report in hand you can buy with confidence, negotiate the price taking into account what needs fixing, or rule the car out. If you decide to buy it and something needs repairing, we can give you an estimate for the work so you know the cost before closing the deal. To book the inspection, request an appointment or message us on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What does the inspection focus on?
Bodywork, paint, structure and paperwork. We are a bodywork and paint shop, and that is what we know inside out.
Do I have to bring the car to your workshop?
It is the best option, because here we have the light, the lift and the tools. If that is not possible, we talk it through and find the best way to arrange it with the seller.
How much does the inspection cost?
It depends on the type of car and where it is. Ask us and we will confirm the price before doing anything.
Does the seller have to agree?
Yes, we need access to the car. A seller with nothing to hide usually agrees without fuss, and if they refuse, that tells you something too.
Can you repair what you find?
Yes. If you buy the car, we can quote for any bodywork or paint repair that came up in the inspection.
More on pre-purchase and pre-sale checks
Pre-sale inspection
We inspect your car before you put it up for sale, so you know its condition and can show it with full transparency.
See serviceBodywork and paint report
A report with photos and paint readings describing the real condition of the bodywork, structure and paperwork.
See servicePre-sale preparation
Polishing, headlights, touch-ups, small dents and cleaning, so your car looks as it is: well looked after.
See serviceWhat people often believe, and what actually happens
Six ideas we often hear at the garage that are worth clearing up.
“A car that's been in an accident is never right again.”
If the structure is brought back to its measurements on a jig and joints, sealing and protection are reproduced as at the factory, the repair is sound and safe.
“My insurer decides where my car is repaired.”
As a rule you can choose the garage. Some policies offer perks at their partner garages: we help you read yours before you decide.
“A small dent can wait.”
A scrape that lifts the paint leaves bare metal exposed. With the sun and salty air in the south of the island, corrosion sets in sooner than you think.
“Eco-friendly paint is lower quality.”
A paint with fewer solvents can give an equally durable finish. What makes the difference is the preparation and the application.
“A used car that looks good has never been in a crash.”
A well-polished respray can go unnoticed at first glance. A paint thickness gauge and a check of panel gaps, sealing and welds give it away.
“It doesn't matter where it's painted: paint is paint.”
What you can't see —surface preparation, anti-corrosion protection and painting in a booth— is what decides how long the repair lasts.
Shall we prepare an estimate?
Tell us what your car needs and we'll reply with a written estimate, with no obligation.
Do the online check-in: your details, the vehicle and photos of the damage, from your phone before you come.
Check your car in online- Written estimateBefore we start you know what will be done and what it costs.
- No obligationWe give you the estimate; you decide.
- Collection & deliveryIf it suits you, we come and pick up the car.
Request an estimate
Tell us what's wrong with the car. For bodywork or paint, photos via WhatsApp help a lot.
Rather talk? Call us on 922 73 64 47 or message us on WhatsApp at 674 06 13 71.