General

1. Inspections are prepared from visual and external checks of the Vehicle only and are limited to the parts and/or items identified on the Report. Inspections do not involve dismantling or disturbing any structure, assembly, component or internal mechanism. The Inspector will carry out a road test (depending on type of inspection) of the Vehicle and will produce a Online Report. There are certain parts of the Vehicle which will not be looked at (see clause 5). You should read the Report Checklist and these terms and conditions carefully to see what will not be checked.


2. A copy of all the images and videos will be uploaded to a cloud service and a link to these files will be sent to You by email to the email address You provide when ordering an Inspection.


3. The Report will be uploaded to our website/server and personal link and password sent to You by email to the email address You provide when ordering an Inspection. Due to the nature of the internet and the virus-protection software utilised by your internet service provider or loaded on to your computer, it may not be possible in all cases to guarantee delivery of the Report by email. In the rare event that You do not receive access to Your report within 24 hours of the VE Vehicle Inspection taking place you must notify Us as soon as reasonably possible in order that We can resend Your email to You. We shall not be liable to You for any failure to deliver an email to the extent that nondelivery is outside of Our reasonable control.


4. Items which are listed on the Report Checklist as a part/item to be checked, but which are not reasonably accessible on the Vehicle, will not be inspected. In such circumstances, We will be under no obligation to inspect and/or report on the part/item in question and the Inspector will mark the relevant section of the Report accordingly.


5. The vehicle should be reasonably clean to ensure that the Inspector can clearly see and accurately report on the relevant vehicle parts inspected. Where the vehicle is not clean, the Inspector reserves the right not to comment on those parts and will mark the Report Checklist accordingly. In such case, the Report Fee shall be fully payable.



Exclusions



6. Without prejudice to clauses 1 and 2 above, the items We do not check are:


1. Any parts which require dismantling/ removing/ disconnecting or taking apart for inspection purposes
2. Oil and fuel consumption
3. Source of oil leaks
4. Brake lining material (other than what is immediately visible and can be seen without dismantling anything)
5. Brake lining material (other than what is immediately visible and can be seen without dismantling anything)
6. Brake fluid for contamination. We may however (depending on type of inspection) test Brake Fluid for Water Content. Nevertheless, brake fluid will deteriorate over a period of time and We advise that it be replaced immidately after purchase as recommended by the Vehicle manufacturer
7. Operation of cassette, compact-disc players, TV/DVD/satellite navigation systems, Bluetooth or other in-car entertainment/infortainment
8. Sound or radio reception and alarm systems
9. Cylinder compression, vehicle electrics and electronics which would require specific diagnostic equipment
10. Exhaust emissions and/or catalytic converters. If this is assessed by the Inspector as passing the Inspection it only relates to confirming its external condition, gas tightness and security. The Inspector is unable to confirm its internal condition or effectiveness as this requires exhaust emission testing which is not included in the Inspection
11. The accuracy of in-car computer systems (for example, but in no way restricted to, computers used for route finding, fuel efficiency or otherwise)
12. Exhaust emissions
13. Air conditioning functions and efficiency
14. Vehicle Technical Systems - Many vehicles are fitted or equipped with automatic or computerised operating systems, which may be controlled by microprocessors. These include engine-management systems, fuel systems, ignition systems, air-conditioning systems, lambda-controlled systems, stereo radio, cassettes, amplifiers, compact discs (single and multi), TV/DVD, satellite navigation, active and self-levelling suspensions, gearboxes, turbo-chargers and superchargers, anti-lock braking systems, four-wheel drive and electronic lockable differential units, traction control, alarm and immobiliser systems, catalytic exhaust systems, and variable camshaft timing systems Within the scope of the Inspection it is not possible to check fully the detailed operation of these systems due to the many variations in features and operating modes, and it is not possible to confirm that these systems are functioning fully to the manufacturers design specifications. As a result, the Inspector is unable to confirm the detailed operation of any of these systems other than giving an overall view and opinion on the performances generally inspected or checked. Therefore, We cannot be held in any way liable to You for failing to identify any malfunction or failure of any of these systems to perform to the specification as designed by the manufacturer; and
15. Non-standard accessories as a result of personal modifications or otherwise


7. Furthermore, the Inspection cannot:


1. confirm whether or not the passenger or luggage compartments are watertight; or
2. predict the life expectancy of exhaust systems, clutches or dual-mass flywheels
3. provide any indication of any faults which might have become apparent had the Vehicle been driven in excess of the speed reached or the distance travelled during any road test carried out by the Inspector and depending on type of Inspection
4. confirm that all or any of the components of the Vehicle are original components, or replacement components that have been manufactured by the manufacturer of the vehicle
5. confirm that the Vehicle would pass an MOT test. If the vehicle’s MOT has less than 3 months’ left We strongly recommend that an MOT test be carried out prior to purchase
6. include the inspection of any parts, components or areas of the Vehicle that are not reasonably visible or accessible to the Inspector at the time of the Inspection
7. confirm authenticity of the Vehicle’s V5 Registration Document, the mileage, the MOT certificate, the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the Engine Number, the Registered Number or the Vehicle service history; or
8. check for any recall notices. VE recommends that You check with the Vehicle manufacturer that the Vehicle has not been subject to such notices


8. The Inspection can only describe and/or identify defects actually found and/or which are reasonably capable of being found upon an external visual examination of the Vehicle at the time of Inspection. We cannot be held liable and are not responsible for any latent defects which are later discovered unless We can reasonably have been expected to see them during an Inspection conducted within the parameters of these terms and conditions. We cannot advise of defects if We cannot see them, or they are not apparent during the Inspection of the Vehicle concerned. In particular, please note that (without limiting the foregoing) Vehicles over 5 years old, those that have a high mileage and/or have been subjected to abnormal use may have latent defects. While such defects may, in appropriate circumstances, give rise to a claim against the seller of the Vehicle, they fall outside the scope of the Inspection and the Report is provided on this basis. Neither VE nor the Inspector will have any liability to You as a result of such defects.


9. Types of vehicles we don’t inspect include:


1. Disability controls and modifications – but we can check the vehicle.
2. Any vehicle over 15 years old
3. Commercial refrigeration units fitted to vehicles – but we can check the vehicle
4. Body tipping equipment fitted to a vehicle
5. Tail lifts fitted to any vehicle
6. Horse boxes
7. >American imports
8. Kit cars
9. Limousines
10. Hybrid/dual-fuel cars
11. Motorcycles
12. London Taxis / Hackney Carriages
13. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
14. specific high-performance vehicles (supercars or hypercars)


10. Please note that vehicles over 10 years old may contain serious internal, structural or mechanical defects and/or hidden corrosion, which will not be detectable from an external, visual examination. These vehicles may prove to be less reliable and may need more frequent repairs/servicing than more modern vehicles. While Our Inspectors take care to identify potential problems with the Vehicle from their external visual examination, You accept these and other disadvantages in owning a vehicle over 10 years old and You accept that neither VE nor the Inspector will have any liability to You as a result of such defects.


11. If there is no documentary evidence of a recent engine timing belt (cam belt) replacement, We recommend that the belt of the Vehicle is checked or replaced prior to purchase.


12. If the Vehicle does not have a recent service history or it was not available to the Inspector at the time of the Inspection, then We recommend that a service in accordance with the Vehicle manufacturer’s specifications be undertaken prior to purchase. This may highlight other defects, giving rise to repairs, which were not apparent from the external visual examination undertaken by the Inspector.


13. Please note the life expectancy of an exhaust or clutch system is uncertain and difficult to predict. Without prejudice to clauses 1, 3 and 5 above, the fact that such items have not been identified as faulty on the Report does not and should not be taken to imply that such systems will have a continuing life expectancy from the time of Our check.


14. Road Testing
    
    
    1. In order for our Inspectors to carry out a Road Test on the Vehicle, You must ensure that the vehicle contains sufficient:
    
    
    1. Coolant / Antifreeze
    2. Oil(s)
    3. Fuels
    
    
    2. Road testing is carried out within the immediate area of the Inspection. If:
    
    
    1. the Vehicle is an un-roadworthy condition; and/or
    2. the Vehicle contains insufficient oil(s), coolant/antifreeze and/or required fuels; and/or
    3. the Customer is unable to confirm that the Vehicle has a valid MOT certificate and therefore a road test cannot be carried out at the time of Inspection, the Fee for the Inspection shall remain fully payable
    
    
    3. The carrying out of a road test does not mean that Our Inspector has seen a valid MOT certificate.
    
    
15. Obtaining necessary permissions, access to Vehicle etc


1. It is the Customer’s responsibility to, and the Customer must, ensure that proper provision is made (including the obtaining of any necessary permission from the owner of the Vehicle) for the Inspection to be carried out on garage premises or on an off-road site with an adequate level, hard, dry standing area. Our Inspector needs enough room to be able to walk round the Vehicle and fully open all doors. There must also be enough room for Our Inspector to park his own vehicle close to the Inspection site.
2. Good quality indoor lighting or daylight (if the Vehicle is outside) must be provided in the location where the Inspection is carried out. We are unable to check Vehicles in poor light or darkness.


16. Fees and cancellations


1. The Fee must be paid by credit or debit card at the time of booking the Inspection
2. We reserve the right to refuse to carry out an Inspection or to issue a Report on any vehicle:


1. the Inspector cannot reasonably access; or
2. appears to the Inspector to be:


1. not of standard production (for example, but not limited to, kit cars)
2. or not in regular use (for example, which show signs of excessive corrosion on moving parts associated with being left standing and which may result in the Vehicle being unsafe to drive without rectification)
3. un-roadworthy or unsafe to drive; or


3. any of the circumstances referred to in clauses 10.1 paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above; or
4. where the Customer has failed to ensure that the proper provision has been made for the Inspection to be carried out, as required under clause 11 above; or
5. where the Customer has provided incorrect or incomplete information that has prevented Us from carrying out an Inspection; and You acknowledge that in such circumstances We are entitled to treat the Agreement as terminated and to retain the Fee in full. If You wish Us to carry out new Inspection, You will be required to pay a further Fee for a new inspection.


3. We offer a full risk-free money back guarantee. However this refund policy applies only to a point of where our Engineer has not yet been dispatched. Please keep in mind that even though we offer a full money back guarantee, we will issue a refund for the total cost of selected inspection less £15 if there is a dispute that has to be managed. This is in accordance to current Stripe.com Terms and Conditions and only covers for their fees. Please visit stripe.com/docs/dispute for more information
4. To cancel an Inspection, You must inform Us by sending message via our Contact Form and NOT Chat System or phone! To enable us to find Your order, you will need to provide Your name, address, telephone number and vehicle registration number together with Your cancellation request.


17. Complaints
    
    
    1. If You have a complaint or are dissatisfied with any Inspection carried out, please inform Us by sending message via our Contact Form and NOT Chat System or phone! To enable us to find Your order, you will need to provide Your name, address, telephone number and vehicle registration number together with Your complaint.
    
    
18. Matters outside of Our reasonable control
    
    
    1. We will not be liable for delay to/non-performance of the Inspection due to events or circumstances outside Our reasonable control. We will take steps to minimise the effects of this where possible.
    
    
19. Exclusion of liability for loss
    
    
    1. VE will only be liable to the Customer (and not to any other person) to the extent that VE fails to carry out the Inspection in accordance with these terms and conditions. Without limiting the foregoing, You acknowledge that neither VE or the Inspector will be liable to You or any other person for any liability, loss, damage, claim, proceedings, costs or expenses (together referred to as “Losses”) suffered or incurred by You in circumstances where:
    
    
    1. such Losses are not a reasonably foreseeable result of any such breach (Losses are foreseeable where they could be contemplated by You and Us at the time the Vehicle is inspected)
    2. such Losses were not caused directly by a breach by Us or the Inspector of these terms and conditions
    3. such Losses comprise business losses or other losses to customers who are not consumers; or
    4. such Losses increase as a result of a breach by You of any of these terms and conditions.
    
    
    2. Where an Inspector fails to identify a fault with the Vehicle which should have been identified from an Inspection carried out in accordance with these terms and conditions, VE shall, at its option, either:
    
    
    1. refund the cost of the inspection, or
    2. offer a free inspection at a later date specified by customer
    
    
    3. Inspections are supplied solely for the use of the Customer and are not for the use of, and must not be relied upon by any third party. The Customer shall be responsible for advising any such third party accordingly.
    
    
20. Enforcement of terms
    
    
    1. Each of the clauses of these terms operates separately. If any court of relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful, the remaining clauses will remain in full force and effect
    2. The Agreement is between You and AADL. No other person shall have any rights to enforce any of its terms. Neither of us will need to get the agreement of any person in order to make any changes to these terms
    
    
21. Use of personal information
    
    
    1. Vehicles Expert will use your personal information for the purposes outlined in the fair processing notice in the Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy on this webiste.
    
    
22. Interpretation
    
    
    1. The headings used in these terms and conditions are for convenience only and shall not affect the interpretation of their contents
    
    
23. Restrictions
    
    
    1. Inspections can only be carried out on the Great Britain mainland. We do not carry out inspections in Northern Ireland, some parts of Scotland and Wales, or any of the islands. Please contact us for more information to find out if we can cover a specific region.
24. Report advice
    
    
    1. You are strongly advised to discuss the findings within the Report with the seller prior to making any decision to purchase the Vehicle. If You have not viewed the Vehicle personally, You must ensure that the Vehicle’s cosmetic appearance and specification is satisfactory and suitable for your needs and expectations. We suggest You do so by viewing and driving the Vehicle yourself, prior to making your purchasing decision.

Schedule

Fair Processing Notice

Using your personal information

1. The VE will use your personal information to provide the Inspection You have requested and for administration and research purposes. VE may also use your personal information to prevent and detect fraud. Unless You have asked us not to do so, the VE may contact You by post, email, telephone, SMS or other means about products and services offered by the VE


2. The VE may disclose your information to other people and organisations to enable VE to provide the Inspection You have requested or where legitimately required for legal or regulatory purposes including prospective legal proceedings. By giving us your details You consent to such disclosure. The VE will always use reasonable efforts to ensure sufficient protection is in place to safeguard your personal data as required by the Data Protection Act 1998.


3. The VE may monitor and record communications with You (including phone conversations and emails) for quality assurance and compliance reasons. Where You give us information on behalf of someone else, You confirm You have their consent to do so and that they consent to the use of their personal information in accordance with this fair processing notice.