A guide to checking a used car before you buy
Technical Self-Inspection Manual: The Ultimate Shield Against Scams
39,99 € (Instant PDF access)
The same MCM Car Review methodology, simplified so you can check the car yourself before buying. Ideal if the seller is far away, you prefer to carry out an initial assessment or you are not yet ready to book a professional inspection.
Expert tips included
Detecting electronic deception
How to identify bypassed warning lights (Airbag / Check Engine) or instrument cluster tampering.
On-site mechanical screening checks
The magnet trick for detecting body filler in structural areas and checking engines that have been conveniently warmed up.
On-the-ground scam prevention protocol
How to avoid rogue intermediary scams and misleading 'vehicle for parts' clauses in the vehicle sale contract.
Key features
On-site inspection checklist with OK / Warning / Fault tick boxes
Technical tips: spotting resprayed paintwork, chassis damage and misaligned headlights
Advanced negotiation tips to reduce the asking price on the spot
Red Flags guide: streetwise scams, misleading contracts and vehicle attachment orders (embargos)
Dedicated sections for Automatic, Hybrid and Electric vehicles
What does the PDF include?
Cover page with Vehicle and Seller Details
1On-site inspection · 5 consecutive technical sections
- Section 1 · Bodywork, Paint and Chassis Structure (Fasteners and Lights)
- Section 2 · Interior, Dashboard Warning Lights and Electrical Equipment
- Section 3 · Visible Mechanical Components, Leaks and Fluid Assessment ("Mayonnaise")
- Section 4 · Driving Test and Road Handling
- Section 5 · Documentation, Legal History, Mileage Traceability and seamless transition to the Expert's Secret Manual
The Expert's Secret Manual · Tricks and diagnostics
Integrated directly after Section 5, with no page breaks or empty sections:
- Detecting electronic tampering and bypassed instrument clusters
- On-site mechanical screening: magnets, structural filler and conveniently warmed-up engines
- Real-world anti-scam protocol: unauthorised intermediaries, vehicle attachment orders and catch clauses
- Special Focus: Electric Vehicles, Hybrids and Automatic Gearboxes
- Cosmetic cover-ups and deliberate concealment using silicone products
- Access to the Vehicle History Report: external documentation added to the file
Legal Notice setting out the scope of the guide
Important legal notice
- This guide is for guidance only and does not replace a professional technical inspection.
- Some checks require specific equipment (vehicle lift, diagnostic equipment, measuring tools), which is not included with the guide.
- MCM Car Review accepts no responsibility for purchasing decisions made by users after using this guide.
Launch price
39,99 €
VAT included