Larger breakdown and motoring organisations, such as the AA and RAC, offer vehicle inspections.
These usually cover major mechanical, body, electrical and interior components, and will be summed up in a written report assessing a car's condition and any work required.
It's a sound basis to start from, but costs vary and the more specialised the car, the less use such reports tend to be.
For
Comprehensive
You'll probably get some comeback if the car's a lemon
Against
Can be costly
Not as useful for specialist models
