Pre-sale inspection
Selling a car is easier when the buyer trusts you. We check your car's bodywork, paint, structure and paperwork and give you a report you can show.
Why inspect before you sell
You build trust
A report from a bodywork and paint shop answers many of the buyer's questions before they ask.
No surprises when negotiating
You know what a buyer could find if they have it checked, and you can set a realistic price.
You choose what to fix
We tell you what is worth repairing before selling and what is better left as it is and explained.
What it includes
It is the same inspection we carry out for buyers, but designed for you as the seller.
Measured paint
We measure every panel with a paint thickness gauge and note what is original and what is not.
Bodywork and structure
We check dents, panel gaps, welds and signs of earlier repairs, including ones you may not know about.
Glass, headlights and plastics
We note chips, yellowed headlights and scuffed bumpers the buyer is going to notice.
Underbody and interior
We look for corrosion underneath and at the cosmetic condition of the cabin.
Paperwork in order
We remind you what to check: the DGT vehicle report, a valid ITV, charges and ownership.
A report you can show
You get a report with photos you can share with interested buyers.
The report describes the car's real condition, including any earlier repairs we find. We do not hide anything: that is exactly what gives it value in the buyer's eyes.
How it works
- Tell us which car you are selling and where you are: already advertised or not yet.
- Bring it in, or we arrange collection if that suits you better and it is possible.
- We inspect it outside, underneath and inside, with a paint gauge and good light.
- We explain it when we finish: what is fine, what shows and what is worth fixing.
- You get the report with photos, ready to show buyers.
Transparency sells
Many buyers turn up wary, especially if they have read stories about cars with hidden damage. When you show them a report from a bodywork and paint shop, with photos and paint readings, the conversation changes. You are no longer arguing about suspicions but talking about facts.
If your car had a knock and it was repaired properly, the report shows that. That often reassures buyers more than claiming it has never had anything. And if something was not repaired well, it is better that you find out before the buyer does in the middle of negotiating.
The inspection also helps with the paperwork. Before selling it is worth having the car's DGT vehicle report to hand, checking the ITV is valid and making sure there are no outstanding charges. These are the first things an informed buyer will ask for, and having them ready makes a serious impression.
What is usually worth fixing
It does not always pay to repair everything before selling. We give you our honest opinion, case by case. What helps most is what shows in the advert photos and in the first few minutes of a viewing:
- Dull paint or wash marks: polishing makes a big difference to first impressions.
- Yellowed headlights: headlight restoration improves both looks and visibility.
- Small dents in doors or wings: they often have a simple fix.
- Scratches on bumpers and paint touch-ups in visible areas.
If you want everything ready, have a look at our pre-sale preparation. Before any work, we give you a written estimate so you can decide.
Book the inspection
Ideally, have it done before you publish the advert, so you can include the report from day one. Request an appointment or message us on WhatsApp and we will arrange it.
Frequently asked questions
Will the report say my car had an accident?
If we find an earlier repair, yes. The report is honest; if the repair was done well, we will say that too.
Do I have to fix what you find?
No. It is your decision. We tell you what we think is worth it and what is not, and quote for whatever you want.
Is the report useful if I sell to a dealer?
It can help you know your car's real condition before it is valued, but every buyer makes their own assessment.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the car. We confirm the price before carrying out the inspection.
More on pre-purchase and pre-sale checks
Pre-purchase inspection
Before you pay, we check the bodywork, paint, structure and paperwork of the car you are interested in.
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.