The AA and Manheim have joined together to launch a new inspection scheme offered to vendors selling vehicles at Manheim’s Auction sites throughout the UK. The aim is to remove some of the uncertainty from car buying at auctions.

Under the new scheme, AA Vehicle Inspections’ engineers will work with Manheim inspectors to provide on-site inspections of cars about to go under the auctioneer’s hammer. The 40-point mechanical check will be carried out by Manheim’s AA-trained team of vehicle assessors with all inspections given final approval by the AA.

The scheme allows vendors to have their vehicles inspected prior to entering the auction. Each inspected vehicle will carry the certificate of inspection to inform potential purchasers that it has been through the AA/Manheim Certified scheme.

Jack Janikowski, AA Vehicle Inspections business manager, says: ''Buying vehicles at auctions has traditionally carried an element of risk. By providing independent AA inspections, both vendors and purchasers will benefit from fully assessed vehicles.''

Teaming up with Manheim Auctions is not the only new initiative recently introduced by AA Vehicle Inspections.

The introduction of VIEW (Vehicle Inspection Electronic Writer) will see AA inspectors equipped with hand-held computers allowing electronically-written reports to be transferred in seconds to a customer internet website.

This will not only help speed up the buying process allowing buyers instant access to their reports rather than waiting for delivery by post, but will also enable AA Vehicle Inspectors to assist fleet managers with de-fleeting.

Says Janikowski: “AA Vehicle Inspections constantly strives to assist car buyers with their purchase. Schemes such as our link with Manheim will hopefully lead to all cars on dealer forecourts being inspected before sale. The new electronically delivered inspection reports will also assist in making the buying process faster and safer.”