172-point pre-purchase inspection

Before you lease any of our cars they must pass our comprehensive 172-point check, which ensures you get a car that’s in top-notch condition.

Manufacturer-trained mechanics and technicians complete all your vehicle checks at our state-of-the-art Preparation Centre – so you can trust your car will perform as soon as you step inside.

As an extra precaution, we test-drive all our vehicles both before and after our checks to ensure it meets our high standards.

Careful preparation

Inspected by our experienced team

“It’s my team’s job to ensure you get your vehicle in pristine condition. There’s nothing worse than receiving a car only to discover it doesn’t live up to your expectations.

We inspect our cars with unrivalled precision – whether it’s petrol, electric or automatic, and we won’t let any car leave unless it passes our thorough testing.

If you want to learn more, here’s a breakdown of our vehicle checks”

– Colin Shaw, Preparation Team Leader

What do we check?

Engine

1	Check engine shield (if fitted)
2	Check fuel pipe hoses for leaks, damage and positioning
3	Check fuel tank for leaks, damage and positioning
4	Check fuel breather for leaks, damage and positioning
5	Check engine for leaks
6	Check cambelt status & replace if required
7	Service/CBS elements as required
8	Check fluid levels in the engine compartment and top up as necessary
9	Check coolant strength
10	Check the coolant service history
11	Check all fuses and pliers are correctly fitted in the front power distribution box
12	Check the strength of the wash reservoir
13	Fill wash reservoir
14	Check and clear all fault memories
15	Following road test, recheck all fault memories
16	Check battery status
17	Start the engine from cold and check for engine noise
18	Check driveline operation and ensure there are no abnormal noises
19	Check accelerator pedal operation

Exhaust

20	Check the exhaust system for leaks
21	Check the exhaust system for security
22	Check the exhaust system function

Brakes

23	Check all brakes for leaks and damage
24	Check all brakes for positioning of lines and hoses
25	Check all brakes for binding corrosion
26	Check all brakes for disc corrosion
27	Check all brake pads for wear
28	Check inner brake pad thickness
29	Check outer brake pad thickness
30	Check brake disc thickness
31	Check brake fluid level
32	Check handbrake operation/balance

Exterior

33	Check the underside of the vehicle for damage and corrosion
34	Check the underseal
35	Check all underside hoses
36	Check all underside clips
37	Check all underside unions
38	Check all underside for residue and clean
39	Check lower paintwork for damage and defects
40	Check all lights for damage
41	Check lower trim for damage
42	Check front grille for damage
43	Check all bumpers for damage
44	Check spoiler for damage
45	Check front lights for positioning
46	Check rear lights for positioning
47	Check lower trim for positioning
48	Check front grille for positioning
49	Check all bumpers positioning
50	Check spoiler for positioning
51	Check all tyre tread depth
52	Check front tyres for cuts, lumps and bulges
53	Check front tyres for any other damage
54	Check rear tyres for cuts, lumps and bulges
55	Check rear tyres for any other damage
56	Check front wheel alignment
57	Check rear wheel alignment
58	Check the condition of any alloys
59	Check the condition of exterior trims
60	Check front door mechanics
61	Check rear door mechanics
62	Check bonnet closure mechanics
63	Check boot closure mechanics
64	Check the condition of side glass
65	Check windscreen for damage
66	Check all the above hoses
67	Check all the above clips
68	Check all the above unions
69	Clean residue on all the above
70	Check front wheel bolt torques
71	Check rear wheel bolt torques
72	Check fuel filler central locking
73	Check mirror operation
74	Check the condition of windscreen wipers (including rain sensor if applicable)
75	Check operation of windscreen wipers (including rain sensor if applicable)
76	Check headlamp including dip and main beam
77	Check headlamp alignment
78	Check operation of headlamp cleaning system
79	Check number plate lights
80	Check fog lamps
81	Check front indicator and side repeaters
82	Check rear indicators
83	Check parking lights
84	Check brake lights
85	Check reversing lights
86	Check front hazard warning lights and side repeaters
87	Check rear hazard warning lights
88	Check operation of windscreen washers/wipers (including rear where applicable), set aim pattern as required

Interior

89	Check the status of spare tyre or mobility kit
90	Check tools
91	Confirm correct locking wheel bolt adapter is in tool tray
92	Check wheel brace
93	Check jack
94	Check chock
95	Check warning triangle
96	Check boot interior illumination
97	Check first aid kit is complete
98	Check tie-down point covers are fitted
99	Install/replace tie-down point covers where necessary
100	Check boot central locking system
101	Check front door central locking system
102	Check rear door central locking system
103	Check function of DWA/alarm
104	Check interior lights operate from all doors, keys and handles
105	Check all seat belts for damage, operation and security
106	Check interior mirror operation
107	Check display monitor
108	Check all interior trims for damage, security, alignment and discolouration
109	Check operation and full travel of all windows
110	Check operation and travel of sunroof/convertible roof
111	Check all heater controls at all speeds
112	Check all air conditioning at all speeds
113	Check all blowers at all speeds
114	Check rear window demister
115	Check heated windscreen
116	Check glove box light operation
117	Check glove box lock operation
118	Check cigar light operation and 12-volt interior accessory points
119	Check horn (all segments)
120	Check/adjust all on-board settings
121	Check all information systems
122	Check all communication systems
123	Check the number of keys supplied with vehicle matches diagnostics
124	Record the key position of each key according to diagnostics
125	Disable any used keys that aren’t present
126	Check airbag status
127	Check CBS data is correct
128	Check emergency phone number is stored
129	Check Bluetooth operation
130	Clear all entries from system navigation
131	Clear all entries from hard drive
132	Clear all entries from Bluetooth
133	Clear all entries from favourite and notepad buttons
134	Check welcome lights
135	Check all parking cameras
136	Check all interior lights switches
137	Check all interior illumination
138	Check all instrument illumination
139	Check all switch illumination
140	Check all general illumination
141	Check all handbooks, supplementary handbooks and that any relevant literature is present in the vehicle
142	List any non-approved accessories or equipment fitted to the vehicle
143	Check operation of all instrumentation
144	Check onboard computer/monitor operation
145	Check for wheel imbalance
146	Check cruise control operation
147	Check for wind noise, rattles and vibrations
148	Check operation of any optional extras fitted to the vehicle

Suspension

149	Check overall condition of front suspension
150	Check overall condition of rear suspension
151	Check shock absorbers for leaks
152	Check shock absorbers for positioning of spring rubbers

Transmission

153	Check clutch hydraulic systems for leaks and damage
154	Check clutch hydraulic systems for positioning of lines and hoses
155	Check prop shaft and couplings
156	Check final drive for damage
157	Check final drive for leaks
158	Check shaft gaiters for damage
159	Check shaft gaiters for leaks
160	Check transmission and inspect for leaks
161	Check clutch fluid level
162	Check clutch operation
163	Check transmission operation including all functions

Steering

164	Check steering box/rack for leaks
165	Check the condition of track rods
166	Check the condition of front axle joints
167	Check PAS pump for damage
168	Check PAS pump for leaks
169	Check PAS hoses for damage
170	Check PAS hoses for leaks
171	Check rear axle operation
172	Check steering operation

Customer Testimonials

How do customers rate our pre-purchase inspection?

I bought my car online and had it delivered. This is where the nerves kicked in. Andy Schofield kindly greeted me. He delivered my car and checked it all with me all while social distancing.
The car was exactly as described and showed in pictures. It’s stunning and perfect, gave me a smile from ear-to-ear, and drives beautifully.
Saul Woods
The car was delivered and it was exactly like the pictures. I was allowed to observe the car in detail and check if there was anything out of the ordinary. All the checks were done properly.
Ezgi Gökhan
Awesome experience all round. Love the security of a multi-point check, coupled with a service and MOT and genuine all-round let-us-take-care-of-you attitude.
Gavin Jacobs

Collection & Delivery

Get your car on your terms

Collect from our showroom

You can arrange to collect your vehicle from our state-of-the-art showroom in Blackburn, Lancashire. Our team follow social distancing measures and we sanitise all our cars to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Contact your account manager to find out what you need to bring on the day.

We deliver to your door

If you want convenience, we can deliver your car to any UK address at a time it suits you. After your paperwork is complete, we aim to deliver your car within 72 hours – if you’ve ordered a new car it’ll come direct from the manufacturer. Contact your account manager to find out what you need to provide when your car is delivered.

Support

Inspection and preparations FAQs

What happens if a car doesn’t pass the inspection?

If a car doesn’t pass our inspection, we don’t sell it. It’s as simple as that. We only advertise Approved Used vehicles which have passed our stringent checks, giving you total peace of mind when choosing Hippo Leasing.

How long does it take to do an inspection?

Our manufacturer-trained technicians take their time when looking over each car, ensuring it meets our high standards before giving it their seal of approval. A full Hippo Leasing pre-purchase inspection takes around four hours.

Is there anything that isn’t covered in a vehicle inspection?

Everything you see above is covered in our pre-purchase vehicle inspection. We also make sure that all our cars have at least six months MOT remaining before being delivered, so you can be confident in the safety and quality of the vehicle you choose.

Do I have to pay for the inspection?

No, there’s no extra charge for the inspection. We only want to sell Approved Used cars we’re proud of and those which we know are safe so you can enjoy your driving experience. That’s why we don’t charge for it.

Are there any additional costs?

No, there are no additional costs. Even if we need to carry out an MOT on the vehicle before it goes on sale – which we do if it’s going to expire within six months – we cover the cost. It’s all to make sure you’re confident and safe behind the wheel of any Hippo vehicle.

Do I need to provide anything for the inspection?

No, we carry out the inspection before the vehicle goes on sale. So, if you can see a car you like on our website, you can lease in the confidence it’s already been approved by our manufacturer-trained technicians.

Do you offer a guarantee or warranty on your inspections?

We provide a complimentary warranty when you lease or purchase any of our Approved Used vehicles to get you going. Though, you can choose to extend your vehicle warranty with us for total peace of mind. Speak to your Account Manager for more information.