Should You Get a Health Check Before You Buy a Used Car? A Suffolk Dealer's Honest Answer
By Caroline at Simon Shield Cars, Great Bricett, Ipswich, Suffolk
On Saturday, a buyer from Devon drove all the way to Suffolk to collect a Lexus LC 500. Before they set off, they asked for a Lexus health check. It came back fine, they came and picked it up, and everyone went home happy.
We get asked about this more than you might think, and our answer is always the same: yes, please. Here's why we think checks and inspections are a good idea, what they actually cover, and what to look out for.
What is a car health check?
A health check is an independent look at the car's condition by someone who isn't selling it. Depending on the car and who does it, that might be:
A manufacturer or franchised dealer health check. Many main dealers will inspect a car of their own brand and report on what they find. This is what the Lexus buyer chose, and it's particularly useful on specialist or higher-value cars.
An independent inspection. Motoring organisations and independent engineers offer pre-purchase inspections, and some will travel to the car.
A garage you trust. A local garage can put a car on a ramp and tell you what they see.
The scope and the cost vary, so it's worth asking exactly what's included before you book.
What does a check usually look at?
Every inspection is a little different, but you can generally expect it to cover things like:
Tyres, brakes, suspension and steering
Fluid levels and signs of leaks
Lights, electrics and warning lights
Underneath the car, including exhaust and signs of corrosion
Bodywork, panel gaps and evidence of past repairs
A road test
It's a snapshot of the car on the day, not a guarantee of the future, but it's a very good way to spot something you'd never notice on a test drive.
Why we welcome them
Some sellers get nervous when a buyer asks for a check. We don't. We choose our cars carefully and we'd far rather someone feels completely sure than just hopeful.
It's also how we've always worked. Since 1996 we've handpicked our cars, mostly from private owners rather than auctions, and we know where they've come from. Before a car goes on sale it gets a pre-delivery inspection, and we check the history properly, including verifying service records with main dealers where we can. Our cars come with Experian checks and RAC Warranty. And if a car doesn't feel right to us, we walk away from it before it ever reaches the forecourt.
So when a buyer asks for their own check, it's no problem at all. If anything, it's one more reason to trust the car.
Should you always get one?
Honestly, it depends. A check is especially worth considering if:
The car is a specialist, performance or higher-value model, where small faults can be expensive
You're buying from a long way away and can't easily go back and forth
The service history isn't complete, and you want to understand what you're getting
You're a first-time buyer and would like someone experienced to give a second opinion
Something just doesn't feel right, even if you can't say why
For a well-looked-after family car from a dealer you trust, with a clear history and a proper warranty, you may decide it isn't necessary. That's your call, and a good dealer will respect it either way.
Buying from a long way away?
If you're travelling a long way, a health check can save you a wasted journey. Ask the seller for plenty of photos and video, ask for the service history upfront, and have the check done before you set off. That's exactly what our Devon buyer did, and it meant the only trip they had to make was the one to collect the car.
Questions to ask any seller
Are you happy for me to arrange an independent check?
Can I see the service history, and who carried out the work?
Is there anything the car needs in the near future?
What warranty or after-sales support is included?
Where did the car come from?
A seller who answers these openly is usually one worth buying from.
Frequently asked questions
Does a health check mean the car will never have a problem? No. It reports on the condition of the car on the day. Used cars can still develop faults, which is why a warranty is also worth having.
Who pays for a health check? Usually the buyer.
Will a dealer let me bring the car to my own garage? It's always worth asking. We're happy to talk through what's possible, so just give us a call.
Looking for a used car in Suffolk?
We're a family-run independent used car dealership in Great Bricett near Ipswich, and we've served Ipswich, Stowmarket, Needham Market and the surrounding area since 1996. If you'd like to ask us about a car, or have your own check done on one of ours, you're very welcome.
Call Simon on 07702 410254 or visit our used cars for sale here