Questions to ask before commissioning an inspection

Before you hand over money for a second-hand car, you'll want an independent inspection. But which questions will actually tell you whether an inspector is thorough, honest and worth their fee? Asking the right things upfront—and listening hard to the answers—is how you weed out inspectors who cut corners or won't dig deep enough to catch real faults.

What inspectors should be able to explain clearly

Start by asking what their inspection actually covers. A solid answer names specific systems: engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electrics, bodywork, interior wear, rust, and accident history checks. They should be able to walk you through their process without sounding defensive or vague. If they say "we check everything" and leave it at that, push back. Ask how they test the brakes—do they use a brake roller? Do they inspect the undercarriage? How do they check for structural repairs or repainting? A confident inspector will explain their method because they do it every day.

Next, ask how they deliver the report and how long it takes. A rushed answer—"Same day, usually"—matters less than clarity about what the report actually contains. Will it flag issues by severity? Will they explain which faults are safety-critical versus wear-and-tear? Will there be photos of problem areas? A good inspector knows that a detailed report, even if it takes a few days, is far more valuable than a quick verbal summary.

Then ask: what happens if they find something serious? Do they stop and contact you, or do they complete the full inspection first? Some issues demand immediate attention (brake failure, structural damage), and you want to know they won't miss the call to tell you. Similarly, ask whether they'll give you a ballpark on repair costs for any faults they uncover. They may not be a mechanic, but they should have a sense of what a suspected gearbox problem or suspension wear might cost to fix.

Questions that reveal independence and honesty

Ask directly: have you inspected this exact car before, or worked on it? The answer should be a clear no. If the same inspector has serviced the car or worked with the seller before, there's a conflict of interest—even if unintentional. Similarly, ask who booked the inspection: you, the seller, or a dealer? Ideally, the buyer (you) initiated it. If the seller arranged it, ask why and whether the inspector answers to the seller or to you, the person paying for it.

Another revealing question: what's your process if the owner or seller wants to be present during the inspection? Some inspectors allow it for transparency; others insist on working alone to avoid pressure or distraction. Both approaches can be legitimate, but the answer shows whether they've thought about independence. Follow up by asking if they've ever had a seller dispute their findings. A seasoned inspector will have a story or two. If they claim they've never had pushback or disagreement, they may not be digging hard enough or they work in an insular circle.

Finally, ask for references from recent buyers—not sellers or dealers—who've used them. A inspector worth hiring will have a list ready. Call one or two and ask: did the report catch problems you later found, or did a mechanic find more? Was the inspector willing to explain findings over the phone? This ground truth beats any marketing promise.

Listen for hesitation, deflection, or impatience in their answers. An inspector who seems rushed, vague about their process, or defensive about independence is sending a clear signal. A good one will answer these questions matter-of-factly and invite follow-up. Once you've found someone who does, you're ready to book with confidence. On Strove, you can compare verified pre-purchase inspectors, read actual buyer reviews, and send them your specific questions before committing—so the vetting happens before the car even goes on the lift.