Recently bought a car? A vehicle inspection at Llandow Tuning gives you a detailed written report of its condition, with photographs to support the findings. It helps you understand what needs attention and discuss identified issues while the car is still under warranty.
When a condition report is useful
- After buying a car: establish its condition, investigate concerns and document visible issues before discussing them with the seller.
- Before a warranty expires: assess developing noises, leaks, warning lights or other concerns and give yourself time to raise the findings.
- Before purchasing: arrange an assessment at our workshop with the seller's permission.
- Planning maintenance: understand which work is urgent, what can be scheduled and which symptoms need further investigation.
How we assess the vehicle
We start with the registration, mileage, service history and your concerns. Tell us when you purchased the car, what you were told about it and whether a warranty deadline matters. We agree the inspection scope and quote before the visit.
The inspection includes an examination on the ramp, a road test where safe and practical, and a diagnostic scan where the relevant systems communicate. We assess the vehicle as presented and record access limitations.
Mechanical condition and accessible underside
We look at the engine and drivetrain, fluid levels, visible leaks, accessible brakes, steering, suspension, wheels and tyres. The ramp inspection gives access to underside components that cannot be seen from above.
Bodywork, interior and equipment
We assess visible bodywork and interior condition and check the basic operation of accessible controls and equipment. If an accessory does not work, we record the finding and discuss whether a separate investigation is useful.
Road behaviour and electronic information
Where safe, the road test helps us assess starting, running, gear changes, braking and noticeable noises or vibration. A scan records available fault information; a stored code alone does not establish which component needs replacing.
What your detailed report contains
- Vehicle identity, recorded mileage and inspection date.
- Findings organised by the areas assessed.
- Photographs supporting condition issues and observations.
- Measurements and test information where collected.
- Priorities: urgent attention, planned work, monitoring or further diagnosis.
- Inspection limits and components that could not be checked.
We distinguish observed condition, confirmed findings and suspected problems that need further testing. We then discuss the report with you and explain the next useful steps.
Using the report while the vehicle is under warranty
For example, you may have just bought a car that develops a gearbox judder or an oil leak. Documenting what we can establish gives you clear findings to discuss with the seller or warranty provider. Tell us about the symptoms rather than waiting until the warranty is about to expire.
Cover and repair authorisation depend on your warranty terms and provider. The report does not guarantee that a claim will be accepted. Check their authorisation requirements before arranging repairs or dismantling.
Agreeing the scope and any follow-on work
This is a quoted vehicle condition inspection. It is separate from an MOT, a vehicle-history check and the free initial code scan. Hidden or intermittent faults may need a separate investigation; dismantling and repairs are agreed separately.
For an existing running fault, see engine diagnostics. Gearbox symptoms are covered by transmission diagnostics. A tuning inspection assesses an existing remap, while engine check-over prepares for tuning.
What to bring
Bring service records, purchase paperwork, existing scan reports and a list of concerns. Let us know about modifications and previous repairs. All vehicle inspections take place at our Llandow workshop, near Cowbridge and Llantwit Major, serving the Vale, Barry, Bridgend and South Wales.