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Pre-purchase car inspection: costs and inspectors in 2026

What a pre-purchase inspection checks, what it costs at DEKRA, Expert2Go or a garage, and how to negotiate with the report.

Compare pricesInspection checklist

What does a pre-purchase inspection check?

An inspector looks at the mechanical condition, previous damage and repairs, safety and maintenance, often with a test drive and a look underneath on a lift. How thorough it is depends on the package you choose.

  • Mechanical condition of the car
  • Previous damage and the quality of repairs
  • Safety: brakes, tyres and steering
  • The underside of the car on a lift, for example for leaks
  • Maintenance and costs coming up soon
  • A test drive
  • Does the mileage match the condition of the interior?
  • For an EV or plug-in hybrid: a battery test (SoH), if the package includes one

Cheaper inspections check fewer points. Ask in advance which checks the package covers. An inspection never gives 100% certainty.

Is a pre-purchase inspection the same as an APK?

No. A pre-purchase inspection is not an APK, the Dutch periodic roadworthiness test. The APK only checks legal minimum standards for safety and emissions on one day. An inspection looks wider: condition, damage and costs coming up. So a car with a fresh APK can still have expensive faults.

A pre-purchase inspection is not an APK
APKPre-purchase inspection
PurposeCheck that the car meets the legal minimum standards for safety and emissionsA broad check of condition, damage and maintenance before you buy
Mandatory?Yes, a periodic legal requirementNo, voluntary
Who inspects?An RDW-approved garageAn independent inspector or a garage you choose
Cost€19 to €70 (ANWB), sometimes more for a diesel€150 to €350 for a typical car (ANWB)
Who pays?The ownerUsually the buyer
OutcomePass or fail, reported to the RDWA report with findings for you as the buyer
CertaintyMinimum standards on one day only; no 100% certaintyBroader, but also no 100% certainty

How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost in 2026?

According to the ANWB, €150 to €350 for a typical car. Per provider: DEKRA €229–€458, Expert2Go €249–€449, depending on the package. A BOVAG garage or brand dealer charges roughly €100 to €150; ask for a price upfront.

Inspection prices 2026 by provider
ProviderPackagePriceNotes
DEKRA OccasionkeuringBasic (up to 6 cylinders, no 4WD)€229Visual and technical check, test drive
DEKRA OccasionkeuringComplete (up to 6 cylinders, no 4WD)€375Extended inspection with report
DEKRA OccasionkeuringBasic (6+ cylinders or 4WD)€258For larger engines and four-wheel drive
DEKRA OccasionkeuringComplete (6+ cylinders or 4WD)€458Extended inspection with report
Expert2GoCompact€249Basic inspection on location
Expert2GoComplete€349Extended inspection with report
Expert2GoExtra€449Most extensive package
BOVAG-garage of merkdealerWorkshop inspectionOn requestOften between €100 and €150, ask for a price upfront

Prices checked on 21 October 2026 with the providers. ANWB members get 7.5% off at DEKRA. DEKRA needs a vehicle lift at the location.

Compare inspectors

Independent inspectors and garages that carry out pre-purchase inspections. We check prices with the providers themselves; ask what exactly the package includes before you book.

  • DEKRA Occasionkeuring

    Mobile

    Mobile inspection by an independent inspector. A vehicle lift must be available on site, for example at the seller’s garage.

    Coverage
    Nationwide, the inspector comes to the car
    Lift needed
    Yes, on site
    EV battery test (SoH)
    Unknown, ask first
    Member discount
    7.5% discount for ANWB members

    Packages

    • Basic (up to 6 cylinders, no 4WD)€229
    • Complete (up to 6 cylinders, no 4WD)€375
    • Basic (6+ cylinders or 4WD)€258
    • Complete (6+ cylinders or 4WD)€458
    Visit website DEKRA Occasionkeuring

    Prices checked on

  • Expert2Go

    Mobile

    Independent mobile inspection with three packages. According to the provider, its inspectors include former ANWB inspectors.

    Coverage
    Nationwide, mobile
    Lift needed
    Unknown, ask first
    EV battery test (SoH)
    Unknown, ask first

    Packages

    • Compact€249
    • Complete€349
    • Extra€449
    Visit website Expert2Go

    Prices checked on

  • BOVAG-garage of merkdealer

    Garage network

    A brand dealer knows the model’s known weak points and can check the service history in the dealer system. Choose a garage that isn’t linked to the seller.

    Coverage
    Near you
    Lift needed
    No, own workshop
    EV battery test (SoH)
    Unknown, ask first

    Packages

    • Workshop inspectionOn request
    Visit website BOVAG-garage of merkdealer

    Prices checked on

How do you use the report to negotiate?

A report with findings gives you a negotiating position. Here is how to use it, in four steps.

  1. Sort the findings into four groups

    Safety (brakes, tyres, steering), short-term costs (maintenance, leaks), wear that fits the age and mileage, and cosmetic points.

  2. Get repair estimates

    Ask the inspector or a garage what the first two groups will cost. Wear that fits the age and mileage is normal for a used car.

  3. Let the seller choose

    The ANWB suggests letting the seller choose: repair before delivery or lower the price. Back up your offer with the estimates.

  4. Put it in writing

    Put the agreed price and the repairs to be done before the handover in the sale contract. With serious defects or doubts about the mileage, it is better to walk away.

Work out your negotiation rangeRead the step-by-step guide

Become a partner

Are you an inspector or garage? Sign up

Buyers on Sell Your Car look for an independent inspector near the car. If you carry out pre-purchase inspections, sign up for our list of inspectors.

  • A listing in our directory with your packages and prices
  • We check your KvK registration and your prices before you go live
  • Buyers find you through this page and the inspection checklist
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E.g. nationwide, Utrecht area, or postcodes 3500–3599.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost in 2026?

€150 to €350 for a typical car, according to the ANWB. DEKRA charges €229 (Basic) or €375 (Complete) up to 6 cylinders without four-wheel drive, and €258 or €458 above that; ANWB members get 7.5% off. Expert2Go charges €249, €349 or €449. A BOVAG garage or brand dealer roughly €100 to €150.

Can a seller refuse a pre-purchase inspection?

Yes, cooperating is not mandatory. But the ANWB advises you to keep looking: a seller with a good car has little reason to refuse an independent inspection. So agree on the inspection before you make an offer or pay a deposit.

Who pays for the inspection?

Usually the buyer, because they want certainty. A seller can also commission an inspection and share the report in the listing. As a buyer, read such a report critically: check the date and who chose the inspector.

Is the battery of an electric car tested too?

Not always. For the inspectors in our list we cannot confirm that a battery test is included as standard, so ask when booking. The State of Health (SoH) shows how much capacity the battery has left. See also checking a used EV battery.

Is an inspection worth it when buying from a dealer?

Yes, especially for a more expensive car. With a dealer you do have statutory rights: a defect that appears within 1 year of delivery is presumed to have existed at delivery. An inspection beforehand avoids disputes later. With a private seller you must prove the defect existed, so an inspection matters even more there.

Sources

  1. ANWB: Een aankoopkeuring, slim of onzin?
  2. ANWB Ledenvoordeel: Occasionkeuring door DEKRA
  3. DEKRA: Occasionkeuring
  4. Expert2Go: Aankoopkeuring pakketten
  5. Wetten.nl: Burgerlijk Wetboek Boek 7, artikel 18