Mechanical Inspection · the full checklist
A local qualified mechanic inspects the van to the SafeBuy checklist: 49 checks on the engine, gearbox, brakes, steering, suspension and everything underneath, with a written report at the end.
Book it on its own, with no travel fee, or add it to a Viewing & Verify or Habitation Check so the paperwork, the living area and the mechanics are all covered before you buy.
Why a local mechanic? We book a qualified mechanic close to the van, so you don’t pay for anyone to travel across the country. They work to our checklist, so every inspection covers the same ground, wherever the van is.
How we mark each check
- OKNothing to worry about.
- AdvisoryWorth knowing or budgeting for, but not a reason to walk away on its own.
- ConcernNeeds explaining, fixing or a price conversation before you buy.
- StopA serious or dangerous fault. We call you on the day, before you go any further.
The mechanical checklist
The engine
Started from cold and listened to properly by someone who works on engines every day.
9 checks
- Cold startThe seller is asked not to start the van beforehand, so the mechanic sees how it starts from cold.
- Running and idleSmooth idle, steady revs and no hunting, stalling or misfiring.
- Engine noisesKnocks, rattles, ticking or whining that point to wear in the engine, injectors or turbo.
- Exhaust smokeBlue, black or white smoke at start-up, at idle and when revved.
- OilLevel and condition, and signs of leaks around the engine.
- Head gasket signsMilky residue under the oil cap, bubbles or oil in the coolant, or loss of coolant.
- Timing belt or chainEvidence of when the belt was last changed, or noise from a worn chain.
- Engine mountsExcess movement or knocking when pulling away and stopping.
- Diagnostic scanStored fault codes read from the engine management system with a code reader.
Cooling, fuel and exhaust
The systems that keep the engine at the right temperature and running cleanly.
5 checks
- Radiator and hosesLeaks, perished hoses and a cooling system that holds its level.
- Cooling fanCuts in as the engine warms up.
- Fuel systemLeaks or a fuel smell around the tank, lines and injectors.
- Exhaust systemCorrosion, blows and broken mountings along its length.
- Emissions partsWarning signs from the DPF, EGR valve or AdBlue system on diesels that have them.
Clutch, gearbox and drive
Some of the most expensive parts to replace, and easy to miss on a short viewing.
5 checks
- ClutchBite point, slipping, judder and pedal feel.
- Gear changesEvery gear, including reverse, selects cleanly without crunching or jumping out.
- Gearbox noiseWhine or rumble that points to worn bearings.
- Automatic gearboxSmooth changes and no slipping or warning lights, where fitted.
- Driveshafts and jointsSplit boots, and clicking from the joints on full lock.
Brakes
Checked by eye, by hand and on the road where possible.
5 checks
- Pads and discsWear, scoring and lips on the discs, as far as can be seen through the wheels.
- Brake fluidLevel and condition.
- Pipes and hosesCorrosion on the metal pipes and cracking on the flexible hoses.
- HandbrakeHolds the van on a slope.
- ABS and brake warningsWarning lights come on with the ignition and go out.
Steering and suspension
Heavy vans work these parts hard, especially motorhomes that sit for long periods.
7 checks
- SteeringFree play, heaviness, knocking or noises when turning.
- Power steeringFluid level and leaks, or faults on electric systems.
- JointsTrack rod ends and ball joints checked for wear.
- Shock absorbersLeaks, and how the van settles after being bounced.
- SpringsCracked or broken coil springs and tired leaf springs, a common fault on heavy motorhomes.
- Bushes and mountsPerished or split rubber in the suspension.
- Wheel bearingsNoise or play in the hubs.
Underneath, wheels and tyres
A careful look underneath from ground level, without lifting the van on a ramp.
5 checks
- Chassis and subframesStructural corrosion, previous repairs and damage.
- Floor and sillsRust or weak metal in the areas that matter for the MOT.
- TyresTread depth, age, cracking and uneven wear that points to alignment or suspension problems.
- WheelsDamage, cracks and secure wheel nuts.
- Spare wheelPresent, inflated and in date, or a repair kit.
Battery, charging and electrics
The vehicle side of the electrics, separate from any leisure battery.
5 checks
- Starter batteryCondition and how well it turns the engine over.
- ChargingThe alternator charges the battery with the engine running.
- Warning lightsEvery light comes on with the ignition and goes out. A light that never comes on can mean a fault is being hidden.
- InstrumentsSpeedometer, temperature and fuel gauges work.
- Lights, wipers and heaterAll lights, wipers, washers, the heater and air conditioning, if fitted.
Road test
Where the van is taxed and MOT’d and the seller agrees, the mechanic takes it for a short drive.
5 checks
- Pulling awayClutch, gearbox and engine under load.
- Through the gearsSmooth changes up and down, with no jumping out of gear.
- BrakingStops straight, without pulling, judder or noise.
- Steering on the roadRuns straight and self-centres, with no wander or vibration.
- TemperatureThe engine reaches normal temperature and stays there.
Your written report
Everything the mechanic finds, in plain English.
3 checks
- Checklist resultsEvery item on this list marked OK, Advisory or Concern, with photos.
- Mechanic’s notesWhat needs doing now, what will need doing soon and what is just worth watching.
- What couldn’t be checkedAnything that couldn’t be tested on the day, and why, so nothing is left as an assumption.
Red flags: we call you straight away if…
- There are signs of head gasket failure or serious engine wear
- The clutch is slipping or the gearbox is failing
- The brakes, steering or suspension have a dangerous fault
- There’s serious corrosion on the chassis or brake pipes
- Warning lights have been hidden, or stored fault codes have been cleared just before the inspection
If the mechanic finds a dangerous fault, the van isn’t driven any further.
What it doesn’t include
The Mechanical Inspection is a thorough check of what can be seen, heard, scanned and tested on the day. The mechanic doesn’t take anything apart or lift the van on a ramp, and it isn’t an MOT. Some faults only show up now and then, so no inspection can promise to find everything. It doesn’t cover the living area: for damp, gas and leisure electrics, add the Habitation Check.
Viewing & Verify
£149 + travel
- The seller, the V5C and the history
- Live video walk-round and photo report
- See all 40 checks
Viewing + Habitation Check
£299 + travel
- Everything in Viewing & Verify
- Damp, gas, electrics and water
- See all 77 checks
Drive It Home
By mileage
- If you buy, we drive it to your door
- Priced instantly in the booking form
- Van must be taxed, MOT’d and insured
Every report describes what was found on the day. It isn’t a warranty or a guarantee of the van’s condition.
Questions about the Mechanical Inspection
Who does the inspection?
A qualified mechanic local to the van, booked by us. They work to the SafeBuy checklist on this page and send their findings to us, and we send you the written report.
Can I book it without a viewing?
Yes. Choose “Mechanical Inspection only” in the booking form. There’s no travel fee because the mechanic is local to the van.
Why does it cost more over 3,500 kg?
Larger motorhomes take longer to inspect properly, with more to check underneath and heavier running gear. You’ll find the weight in box F1 on the V5C or on the weight plate.
Will the mechanic drive the van?
If it’s taxed and MOT’d and the seller agrees, yes, on a short road test. If not, they check everything they can with the van standing and list anything that couldn’t be tested.
Free email guide
Buying a campervan you can’t get to? Read this first.
Five short emails, one every two days, with the checks we make on every viewing:
- How the scams work
- The paperwork that proves a van is real
- Finding damp
- Mechanical warning signs
- Paying safely
Know what you’re driving away
Book a Mechanical Inspection on its own or add it to a viewing. The booking form shows the exact price before you pay, and we arrange the mechanic within one working day.