Terms & Conditions

Definitions

The following definitions apply to these conditions:

• Inspector: A vehicle inspector/engineer appointed by us;
• Report: The written report produced by the inspector/engineer;
• Service/Inspection: The vehicle inspection service provided by us;
• We/Us: Scotia vehicle Inspections;
• You: The customer;
• Car Data Check: Experian
• Working days: Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm, excluding Bank Holidays.

General

All orders are accepted by us and carried out by the inspector on the understanding that the conditions set out below apply to the service and that the full vehicle specification including any modifications or performance enhancements have been fully disclosed to us. We will not be held liable for any loss whatsoever arising from any inaccurate information provided by you regarding the identity or description of the vehicle to be inspected and/or in connection with the Car Data Check.

In the event that anyone acts in an abusive or threatening manner to a member of Scotia vehicle Inspections staff or any of our contractors we reserve the right to cease or cancel any conversation/transaction or inspection and, if applicable, the terms of our “short notice cancellation fee” will apply.

The Service (Inclusive)
consists of a visual examination of the vehicle by the inspector covering the 133 point check detailed in the report. This service is restricted to the vehicle structure, mechanical components and roadworthiness only and does not include the cosmetic appearance, exterior or interior fittings, accessories and equipment.

The Service (Inclusive Plus/Extra/Special )

consists of a visual examination of the vehicle by the inspector covering the 166 point check detailed in the report, including vehicle structure, bodywork, mechanical components and roadworthiness. In addition this inspection includes cosmetic appearance, exterior or interior fittings, accessories and equipment unless specifically excluded elsewhere.

All vehicle inspections include an ” Car Data Check” which is subject to its own terms and conditions provided with their separate “Fulfilment Pack.” You should not complete the purchase of the vehicle until you have received and understood the content of the fulfilment pack which you should receive within three working days of the vehicle inspection. If you proceed with the purchase without the benefit of this vital report, we will not accept any liability for any loss whatsoever arising from an adverse vehicle history that is subsequently revealed. 

Both the Inclusive and Inclusive Plus/Extra/Special services include an appropriate road test which will be undertaken subject to local road/traffic conditions. A road test will not be carried out in the event the vehicle does not have a current MOT certificate, or in the opinion of the inspector the vehicle is unsafe or un-roadworthy.

What the service does not include

The service does not provide any fault diagnosis or include any dismantling of the vehicle or any of its components. It does not include the inspection of items not listed on the report , and does not amount to a guarantee against any failure of the vehicle in the future, the serviceability of the vehicle or any indication as to the accuracy of the mileage reading.

The service cannot provide a guarantee that the passenger or luggage compartments are watertight nor does it 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 during the service. The service does not give any guarantee that all or any of the components of the vehicle are original components or replacement components which have been manufactured by the manufacturer of the vehicle, nor does it guarantee that the vehicle would pass an MOT test. The service does not provide for the inspection of any parts and components or areas of the vehicle, which are not reasonably visible or accessible, including hollow components (such as suspension arms which may corrode internally).

No guarantee of authenticity of the vehicle V5 Registration Document, the MOT certificate, the Excise Licence, the VIN Number, the Engine Number, the Registration Number, Mileage or the vehicle service history is provided. If the vehicle has an MOT certificate with less than 3 months before expiry, you are strongly advised to ensure that an MOT test is undertaken prior to purchase.

We will not undertake an inspection under normal terms if the vehicle specification including any modifications has been understated prior to the inspection or until the appropriate additional fee has been agreed, ordered and paid by direct contact with our offices . If this option is not adopted our “short notice cancellation fee” applies

Limit of our responsibilities
The inspection can only describe and/or identify defects actually found which are reasonably capable of being found upon a visual external examination of the vehicle AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION.

We cannot be held responsible for any latent defects. In particular please note that vehicles over 10 years old and those which have a high mileage i.e. over 100,000 miles, or have been subjected to abnormal use may have latent defects, serious internal, structural or mechanical defects and/or hidden corrosion which are not detectable from external, visual assessment. Whilst such defects may in some circumstances give rise to a claim against the vehicle supplier, they fall outside the scope of our report and are accepted by you on this basis. Such vehicles may prove to be less reliable and need more frequent repairs/servicing than more modern vehicles. Whilst every care has been taken to identify potential problems, these and other disadvantages in owning such a vehicle must be accepted by the customer.

The inspection undertaken on your behalf is not a guarantee or warranty as to the condition of the vehicle and cannot under any circumstances be used by the vendor to avoid responsibility imposed by law or under any after sales warranty issued by or on behalf of the vendor.

If there is no documentary evidence of recent ENGINE CAM BELT REPLACEMENT, we recommend that the cam belt is checked or replaced prior to purchase.

If the vehicle does not have a recent SERVICE HISTORY, we strongly recommend that a service in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications be undertaken prior to purchase.

This may highlight other defects, giving rise to repairs, which were not apparent on an external visual inspection. Where practical the vehicle will be started from cold.

It should be noted that the life expectancy of exhaust systems, brake linings and clutches are uncertain and difficult to predict. The fact that such items have not been identified as faulty in the report does not and should not be taken to imply that such a system will have a continuing life expectancy from the time of our check.

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, lambada controlled systems, stereo radio, cassettes, amplifiers, compact discs, alarm and immobiliser systems, GPS systems, active and self levelling suspensions, gearboxes, turbo-chargers and superchargers, anti lock braking systems, cruise control, four wheel drive and electronic lockable differential units, traction control, catalytic exhaust systems, variable camshaft timing systems . Within the defined scope of the inspection it is not possible to check the detailed operation of these systems due to the many variations in features and operating modes. It is not possible for the inspector to confirm that these systems are fully functioning to the manufacturer’s design specifications other than giving an overall view and opinion of their performance. Accordingly we cannot be held in any way liable or responsible for the failure of any of these systems.

The Report
The inspector’s written report will be emailed and/or posted to you. Any statement or advice given to you by the inspector orally and not confirmed in the report cannot be relied upon by you. Neither we nor the inspector shall be liable for any such advice which is not confirmed in the report. Whilst respecting the confidentiality we have to you regarding the vehicle condition report we have a duty of care to inform the vendor of any defects found that would render the vehicle un-roadworthy. You are strongly advised to discuss the findings within the written report with the vendor PRIOR to making any decision to purchase the vehicle.

Please note: Right – Off side (o/s) and Left – Near side (n/s) are viewed from the driver’s seat.

Your Responsibilities
You are responsible at your own expense: To ensure that full and safe access to the vehicle is available in order that the inspector can carry out the service and road test on the date agreed. To obtain the owner’s permission to road test the vehicle and ensuring that the vehicle has a current MOT certificate. To notify the inspector of any un-roadworthy or defective components that to your knowledge the vehicle may have. To ensure that the location of intended inspection is a fit and suitably flat environment and that legal parking facilities are available for the inspector and his equipment. If on attendance the location is found to be unsuitable, we reserve the right not to continue with the inspection. In such cases our “short notice cancellation fee” charge will apply. We will use all reasonable endeavours to provide the service to you at the time and date agreed. However, if for any reason we or the inspector are unable to provide the service as a result of circumstances beyond our or his control, we shall not be deemed to be in breach of our contract with you or have any liability to you and our cancellation charges may apply. In the event that an inspection is scheduled to take place within a congestion charging zone you will be responsible for these charges.

Cancellation Charges
Unless specifically arranged, all inspections are carried out on a normal working day. A charge of £70.00 will apply to a cancelled inspection to cover the cost of the completed AA Car Data Check and administration. In the event that a cancellation is made within 24 hours of the commencement of the date of the arranged inspection your fee will be refunded less £130 to cover the cost of the completed AA Car Data Check, administration and the inspector’s costs. This is referred to elsewhere as our “short notice cancellation fee”. Notification of a cancellation must be made to our Customer Service Team on 01475 521203 available during the hours Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm (Except Bank Holidays) and on Saturdays from 12noon – 4pm.

We will not be liable for the non-performance or non-fulfilment of any part of the service to you due to any circumstances which may be outside our control. In such circumstances we may at our discretion rearrange the inspection and retain the right to charge either the full price of the inspection or the cancellation charge as appropriate.

Complaints
Complaints relating to vehicle inspections must be received in writing within 10 days of the date of the inspection addressed to Scotia vehicle Inspections.

Repairs must not be undertaken or any parts replaced on any vehicle which is the subject of a complaint before we have the opportunity to re-inspect the vehicle.

We will not, under any circumstances, be responsible for the cost of any repairs carried out without our previous agreement in writing. Should emergency repairs be required to make safe any vehicle which is to be the subject of a complaint to us then you must ensure that a complaint is made to us immediately afterwards and that any faulty or worn parts which may have needed to be replaced are retained for future re-examination by us.

We reserve the right to re-inspect any vehicle at our own expense should it be considered necessary to deal with any complaint and an unbiased second opinion will be provided.

Force Majeure
We are not responsible for any loss, damages, costs, claims or expenses which you may incur as a result of our delay in or failure to perform our obligations where such delay or failure is due to causes beyond our control. Causes beyond our control include: fire, flood, earthquake, accident, civil disturbances, war, rationing or embargoes, strikes, labour problems, delays in transportation, inability to secure necessary materials, delay or failure of performance of any supplier or subcontractor, acts of God and acts of Government.

Assignment
a) You shall not assign, subcontract or otherwise transfer your rights and/or obligations under this Agreement without our prior written consent.

b) We will only assign or otherwise transfer the whole or a portion of our rights, duties or obligations under this agreement with your consent. The inspection of the vehicle will be carried out by one of our independent Engineers.

Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of England and any disagreement or claim will be settled by the courts of England, Scotland or Northern Ireland according to your normal place of residence.