Next time you buy a used car, look at the windscreen before you look under the bonnet. An RAC Inspected vehicle sticker will tell you that the vehicle has been inspected by a qualified RAC Examining Engineer.

RAC Inspected Vehicle dealerships have their vehicles inspected by the RAC before sale - for total peace of mind simply ask to see the inspection report before you make you decision.

What RAC Inspectors look at

Bodywork
Damage, panel alignment, poor previous repairs, major accident damage, paint defects (cosmetic condition will only be commented on if inconsistent with age and mileage). Condition, operation of door catches, hinges, window regulators.

Interior/Trim
Operation of seatbelts. Abnormal damage, wear and tear. Cosmetic condition will only be commented on if inconsistent with age and mileage.

Driveshafts
Universal joints and/or constant velocity joints.

Suspension
Inspection of mountings and body fixings. Examine struts/shock absorbers for leaks. Coil/leaf springs/torsion bars for weakness, damage or breakage.

Gearbox
Transmission mountings, external linkage, visual evidence of lubricant loss.

Wheels/tyres/windscreen
Visual evidence of damage to wheels and tyres i.e. cuts, abrasions, abnormal wear. Checks for cracks and chips to the windscreen and other glass.

Steering
Mechanism, tie bars, track rods and joints

Engine
Mountings for security. Visual evidence of lubricant loss. Power unit for undue noise. Excessive exhaust smoke.

Cooling system
Radiator, water pump (where visible), hoses, external coolant loss. Coolant level. Water pump for undue noise.

Brakes
Pipes and flexible hoses: external damage, corrosion, visual evidence of hydraulic fluid loss.

Clutch
Check for slip, drag, judder. Release mechanism for operation and undue noise.

Electrical
Operation of lights, windscreen wipers, instruments, heater blower, courtesy lights, radio/cassette player, accessories. Battery: cracks, damage, corrosion. Ignition leads, coil, distributor security.

Security
Operation of doors, steering column locks

Underbody
Excessive external corrosion, damage. Exhaust system: damage to mountings, excessive corrosion, leakage. Body jacking points: external damage corrosion.