# Pre-Export Vehicle Inspection Guide — Windward Motor Group
# Source: https://windwardmotorgroup.com
# Updated: 2026-04-21

## Why Pre-Export Inspection Matters

When buying a vehicle for export, you cannot physically see it before purchase. Pre-export inspection is the key trust mechanism. It is conducted by an independent inspector — not Windward Motor Group — at the UK storage location. You receive a written report with photos before you commit to the full payment.

For African destinations requiring PVOC certification, inspection is also a legal requirement.

## Windward Inspection Tiers

### Tier 1 — Standard Inspection (£175–225)
Suitable for lower-value vehicles or buyers who have already reviewed a detailed private listing.

Covers:
- 50-point visual and mechanical check
- Engine start and idle condition
- Gearbox and clutch operation
- Brake check (visual)
- Tyre condition and tread depth
- Interior condition (seats, electrics, screens)
- Bodywork condition (rust, accident damage, paint issues)
- Under-bonnet check (fluid levels, visible leaks, battery)
- 10 dated photographs (exterior, interior, engine bay, tyres)
- Written condition summary

### Tier 2 — Advanced Inspection (£295–375)
Recommended for most purchases above £10,000 and for all Africa-bound vehicles.

Everything in Standard, plus:
- 100-point inspection
- OBD-II diagnostic scan (reads all stored and pending fault codes)
- Underside inspection on ramp (chassis corrosion, subframe condition, exhaust, suspension)
- Paint thickness gauge reading at 20+ points (detects filler/respray work indicating hidden accident damage)
- Fluid sample check (coolant, brake fluid, power steering)
- 30 dated photographs including underside and engine
- Full detailed written report by accredited inspector

### Tier 3 — Premium Inspection (£495–695)
Recommended for vehicles over £30,000, classics, EVs, or any vehicle where you want maximum assurance.

Everything in Advanced, plus:
- Strip-down assessment of key wear components
- Full EV battery health report (for electric vehicles) — range estimate, cell degradation %
- Compression test (petrol and diesel)
- Smoke/emissions test
- Air conditioning system check
- Automatic gearbox fluid condition check
- 60+ dated photographs
- 10-minute video walkthrough with the inspector narrating condition
- Priority 24-hour turnaround

## PVOC (Pre-export Verification of Conformity)

Required by Kenya (KEBS), Ghana (GSA), Tanzania (TBS), Uganda (UNBS), Rwanda (RBS), and several other East African markets. The vehicle must be inspected by a PVOC-authorised body in the country of export (the UK) before it is shipped.

- We arrange the PVOC inspection with an accredited inspection body in the UK
- The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is issued by the authorised body
- Without a valid PVOC certificate, the vehicle cannot be cleared through customs in the destination country
- Cost: £120–250 depending on the inspection body and vehicle type
- Lead time: 5–10 working days

PVOC is included in our Africa packages or quoted separately if adding to an existing order.

## Additional Quality Programmes

### Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
Vehicles that have passed Tier 2 (Advanced) inspection and meet our additional criteria:
- No outstanding finance (HPI clear)
- No written-off history (CAT A, B, C, D — insurance total loss)
- Genuine mileage verified (mileage check)
- Comprehensive service history (at least 2 of last 3 services documented)
- Maximum age 5 years at point of sale

CPO vehicles carry our "WMG Certified" badge and come with a 3-month mechanical warranty valid in the destination country through our partner network.

### HPI Check
Every vehicle listed on our platform has been checked against the HPI database for:
- Outstanding finance (hire purchase, lease)
- Stolen status
- Write-off status
- VIN/plate cloning
- Mileage discrepancy

HPI results are displayed on each listing page.

## What Happens if a Vehicle Fails Inspection?

If a vehicle fails our inspection at any tier, you are notified immediately. You have three options:
1. Cancel the order — full deposit refund
2. Accept the vehicle with a negotiated price reduction
3. Ask us to source a different vehicle

We will not ship a vehicle that fails our minimum safety standards, regardless of buyer instruction.

More: https://windwardmotorgroup.com/how-it-works