Car Inspection
An hour on our hoist and a straight answer on what it needs. £65 plus VAT, by appointment.
Before You Buy
What We Look At
The car goes up on our hoist for about an hour, so the structure, sills, floors and chassis are looked at from underneath rather than guessed at. We check the engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension, then tell you plainly what the car needs, what can wait and what that is likely to cost you. £65 plus VAT, by appointment.
On the hoist
Structure, sills, floors and chassis looked at from underneath, not guessed at
Mechanical condition
Engine, transmission, brakes and suspension, and what they need now or soon
A straight opinion
What it needs and what that is likely to cost; it is not a valuation
Before you commit
Book it before a sale goes through, or on a car already in your garage
When to Book
Buying, or Already Yours
Book it before the sale goes through and you can decide, or agree a fair price, knowing what is under the paint. On a car you already own, it tells you what to do first and what can safely wait for later. If you then want us to do any of the work, you get an estimate first, and we ask before anything extra.
Buying a classic
Before you pay, so you know what you are taking on
A car you own
What needs doing first, and what can safely wait
By appointment
Ring first, and we will have the hoist free for your car
An estimate next
If you want the work done, you get an estimate before it starts
Common Questions
The things people ask before they book an inspection.
- How long does it take?
- About an hour with the car on the hoist. We look at the structure and the corrosion from underneath first, then at the engine, gearbox, brakes and suspension, and talk you through everything we have found.
- What does it cost?
- £65 plus VAT, whether you are buying the car or already own it. If you then want us to do any of the work it needs, we give you an estimate first, and if we find anything else along the way, we ask you before doing it.
- Is it a valuation?
- No. We tell you what the car needs and roughly what that is likely to cost, not what it is worth. For a value, whether it is for insurance or for an estate, it is best to ask a specialist valuer or the car’s owners’ club.
- Should I book it before I buy?
- If you can, yes. Before the sale goes through you can walk away, or agree a price that allows for the work, knowing what is under the paint rather than guessing at it from what you could see standing on the seller’s drive.
- Where is it done?
- At our workshop at Unit 4 & 5, Langley Park Industrial Estate North, Witton Gilbert, County Durham, DH7 6TX. Inspections are by appointment, so please ring before you travel and we will have the hoist free for you.
- How do I book?
- Ring us on 0191 3730086, or get in touch through the Contact page. Tell us the car, where it is at the moment and whether you are buying it or already own it, and we will find a time for it to go up on the hoist with us.
Ready to Discuss Your Classic Car Project?
Whether you're looking to purchase, restore, or service a classic vehicle, our expert team is here to help you every step of the way.
Weekdays 09:00 to 17:00, Fridays to 14:00. Visits to the workshop are by appointment.Or email classicandretro