Save your money & stay clear of the AA vehicle inspection.

I took out my second vehicle inspection in the space of 2 months in October, for a cost of over £200. The report came back positive with no major alerts on it.

When I picked up the vehicle and was driving home, as soon as I got on the motorway the brake warning lights came on.

This started as series of calls to the AA vehicle inspection Centre, who start off the conversation by constantly stating that they are not liable?

I paid over £200 for a check which is not for purpose.

I put the following in writing, explaining my issues;


Good afternoon,

Glad that you finally got to me.

Your initial comments about Mr. Bird, does not put him in good light.

The brake fluid container under the bonnet was empty, therefore I question whether this was checked?


When the car was put onto a ramp there was clearly corrosion to all brake pipes, along with traces of brake fluid.

This was days after the inspection when the car had not been driven.

As a reminder the inspection report stated the following:

10 Brakes 10.1 Master cylinder security: GREEN 10.6 Flexible hoses: GREEN 10.2 Handbrake op/adjustment: GREEN 10.7 Fluid leaks: GREEN 10.3 Pipes/connections: GREEN 10.8 Handbrake mechanism(s): GREEN 10.4 Servo/power system: GREEN 10.9 Discs (if visible): GREEN 10.5 Pedal & pad/linkage: GREEN Inspection Ref: AA278973 06/09/2


This diagnosis by Mr. Bird, meant that I purchased the car in good faith, but have suffered with some large garage bills, along the way. The total is just under £1,000. The car has also spent time off the road as it was too dangerous to go onto the motorway.


I agree that this fault should have been picked up during the MOT, and action is being taken about this. The MOT station is negligent as they should never have passed the vehicle!

When I initially took the car to the garage, the car was put on a ramp. This is where the pictures were taken whilst it was up in the air.

I attached as requested the pictures of the corroded pipes underneath the vehicle. These 7 pictures were taken underneath the vehicle, when it was on the ramp. These pictures were taken just after I purchased the vehicle.


When I first contacted your call Centre, the person who took my call kept saying you are not liable repeatedly? How poor is that without knowing the full details, I found that poor and totally at odds with the promises made when you took my money.


I plan to take this matter further, should I meet a similar response to this official complaint.

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I received a response and was told that they would they would not be taking my complaint any further.

My advice to anyone out there, is if you know a mechanic pay them to check out any vehicle you plan to buy. Should you not know a mechanic I would still try and find one to carry out the checks.

Please void the AA vehicle inspection, it is not fit for purpose!

The customer service is also shocking!