V.A.M. CHECKS
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in Dublin & Ireland
Know the truth before you buy. Full report in 24 h, at your location.
Avoid costly mistakes — know exactly what you're buying before you commit.
At VAM Checks, we carry out a full 130-point pre-purchase vehicle inspection across Dublin and all of Ireland.Our certified automotive engineers are trained to detect hidden mechanical, electrical, or structural issues that many sellers won’t mention — and that NCT tests usually miss.
Here’s what we check in every used car:
• Paint and bodywork – we use a paint depth gauge to detect repainted panels, accident repairs, rust and hidden damage• Chassis and underbody – we inspect for corrosion, frame alignment, structural weaknesses or crash signs• Suspension and steering – play, leaks, knocking noises and road behaviour• Brakes and tyres – disc wear, pad condition, brake balance and tyre patterns• Powertrain (engine & transmission) – idle, oil levels, leaks, vibration, exhaust smoke• Full ECU scan – using a professional diagnostic tool, we connect to all the vehicle’s electronic control units (ECUs) to detect hidden faults, intermittent errors, cleared fault histories and suspicious resets that standard checks or sellers often overlook.• Mileage fraud detection – we compare mileage from odometer, service logs and internal memory• Road test – if possible, we drive the car up to 15 km to evaluate performanceYou receive a PDF report within 24 hours, including:• High-res photos
• Diagnostic results
• A clear recommendation: Buy it or walk away
We inspect the car for you — whether you're there or not.
Here’s how we work:1. You book your inspection by paying a 20 % deposit (card or Revolut accepted)2. We go to the vehicle’s location — dealer, private seller or auction, anywhere in Dublin or Ireland3. Our engineer inspects the car on-site• If you're there – we show you the issues and answer your questions
• If you're not – no problem. We do everything and send you the full report4. You receive the digital report within 24 hours, with photos, diagnostics and our verdict5. You make the right decision – we tell you what the seller won’tThis is not a quick NCT check.
This is a full, professional used car verification service in Ireland, trusted by over 500 buyers.
| Vehicle type | Price |
|---|---|
| City / Compact | €235 |
| Hatchback / Small | €255 |
| Sedan / Mid-size | €275 |
| SUV / Crossover | €300 |
| Premium SUV / 4×4 | €325 |
| Hybrid / Electric | €350 |
| Luxury / Performance | €400 |
FAQ
How long does a pre-purchase car inspection take?
Most inspections take around 1 to 2 hours on-site. You’ll receive a full digital report — with photos and diagnostics — within 24 hours.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
No. You can relax — we handle everything on your behalf and send you the full report by email. We’ll even call you if there’s anything urgent.
Is your service only in Dublin?
No. We cover all of Ireland. Travel outside Dublin is charged at cost. We go wherever the car is — dealership, private seller or auction.
What happens if the car fails the inspection?
That’s a win. You avoid buying a bad car, or you can use our report to negotiate a better price. Either way, we help you save money.
How much does it cost?
Our service is competitively priced. Most of our inspections fall between €235–€400, depending on the vehicle type and location.
What exactly do you check?
We perform a full 130-point inspection, covering:• Paint depth & body damage
• Undercarriage & chassis
• Suspension, brakes, and steering
• Engine & transmission (powertrain)
• Full ECU scan for hidden faults
• Mileage fraud detection
• 15 km road test (if allowed)
• Plus: you get a detailed PDF report with photos and results
How do I book an inspection?
Very simple — book online or contact us. We just need the car’s location and seller’s info. Inspections can often be arranged within 1–3 days.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept Bank Transfer, Revolut, PayPal, Google Pay, Bizum and cash. Payment is fully secure and confirmed instantly.
The car has NCT — do I still need an inspection?
Yes. The NCT only checks roadworthiness, not hidden problems or long-term reliability. We check much deeper — engine, diagnostics, history and more.
Where do you carry out the inspection?
We go directly to where the car is. You don’t need to move it — we inspect at the seller’s location and send you the report remotely.