Want to know more about the vehicle you are about to buy?

At George C Ballard Motor Assessors, we know that buying a car is one of the bigger purchases you will make. You want to be sure that everything is working perfectly with no surprises when you purchase. There are a lot of questions to be asked and answered. Knowing the right questions is important too. This is where we come in. Our team of fully qualified professionals are here to uncover everything you need to know. Our main goal is to get a clear picture of the vehicle, determine any past damage or anything that is likely to be a problem in the future.

Once you have decided what car you wish to purchase, we step in and assess and value the car. This is to ensure you are never ripped off when purchasing. We uncover everything you need to know before you buy, so you know exactly what you are getting.

pre inspection

What we do:

A full complete inspection of the vehicle, including:

What we do

  • Engine

  • Bodywork

  • Interior

  • Paintwork

  • Underbody – exhaust, check for water leaks, brake system, steering, suspension, etc.

  • Road Test

  • We report back to you with a verbal report.

  • We provide you with a full written report.

What we check:

What we check

  • Crash history

  • Any defects

  • If there is any finance outstanding on the car (if required)

  • Any future problems that are likely to arise

Advice when purchasing a used car

We know that this can be an important and intimidating purchase. You do not want to buy a car that is on the way out or will require a lot of work to fix up (unless of course this is a hobby of yours).

Where possible avoid side-of-the-road sales. Failing that, have the vehicle professionally inspected before purchase. No reputable seller will object to an independent assessors inspection.

Many publications carry ads offering second-hand cars for sale. Most are genuine but unfortunately there are still unscrupulous dealers posing as private sellers. If you decide to make contact, say that you are asking about 'the car for sale'. If he has to ask you which car then he is a dealer. Having blown his cover, steer clear of his car!

  • Always go and look at the car in daylight – darkness can cover a multitude of sins – No matter whether its from a private individual or from a dealer ask the critical question, preferably in front of a witness “has the car ever been crashed or had any bodywork repairs carried out whatsoever”. The response given has significant legal implications.
  • Check for a valid NCT (National Car Test). This is a certificate that determines the roadworthiness of the car. If the car has no NCT – ask that one be done before you buy. This way you will not end up with a list of problems to fix.
  • Check the tyres – both the inner and outer parts. This will show if there is uneven wear.
  • Always ask if there is a spare set of keys, as people will often forget to pass them on. Try out both keys before you buy. Most keys require a chip in it to actually start the engine – so one that is simply cut will not work.
  • Before you hand over your hard earned money – always call George C Ballard Motor Assessors to get a full pre-inspection carried out.