Vehicle inspections can add value and profits to a used car dealer's bottom line, according to Phil Lobley of AA Business Services.

Dealers' negative attitudes towards inspections were changing, he said. They were no longer attempting to get rid of vehicles at any cost and were increasingly viewing inspections as a valuable sales aid.

“Dealers are preferring to create positive buying experiences for customers,” said Mr Lobley. “Dealers want, and need, customers for life if they are to maintain profits from the more lucrative aftersales market.”

He believed third party, independent endorsements from companies like AA could “greatly improve buyer confidence”. Vehicle inspections could also have a positive impact on warranty claims, helping to improve customer relations and keep the cost of premiums down.

“Potential benefits are even greater for dealers who are opting out of fully insured schemes to operate their own warranties,” said Mr Lobley. “The introduction of vehicle inspections would help to avoid internal misuse, maintain control and improve profitability.”