What to check before you swap
A short list for each kind of thing people swap. It also shows on the swap handover screen. Not right? Don’t scan: walk away and nothing has moved.
Cars and vans
- The VIN at the base of the windscreen and on the door pillar matches the V5C and the plates.
- Read the MOT history panel for advisories and mileage gaps.
- Start it from cold. Listen for knocks and rattles, and look for smoke.
- Check the oil and coolant levels, and look underneath for leaks.
- Every warning light should go out once it's running.
Motorcycles and scooters
- The frame number on the headstock and the engine number match the V5C.
- Chain and sprockets, tyre tread and date codes, brake pads and discs.
- Fork seals free of oil, and the steering turns smoothly with no notches.
- A cold start, then every light and switch.
Quads and ATVs
- The frame and engine numbers match any paperwork. Road-registered quads have a V5C too.
- CV boots, wheel bearings and steering play.
- Every gear, including reverse, and 4x4 if it has it.
- Cracked plastics or bent racks can mean crash damage.
Boats and jet skis
- The hull ID number matches the paperwork.
- Engine hours, service history, and a start on a flush kit.
- The hull for cracks, soft spots and repairs. On a jet ski, check the impeller and look for water in the hull.
- If a trailer is included: its tyres, lights and wheel bearings.
Caravans and campervans
- On a caravan, the chassis number matches the paperwork and the number etched on the windows.
- Check for damp in the corners, under the windows and around roof lights.
- Test the gas, water, electrics and appliances. Ask for the latest habitation check.
- Tyre date codes, not just tread. Caravan tyres often age out before they wear out.
- For a campervan, use the car and van list as well.
E-bikes and bicycles
- Check the frame number (under the bottom bracket) on BikeRegister.
- E-bikes: the battery's range, and that the charger comes with it.
- Brakes, gears, chain wear, and that the wheels run true.
- Look for cracks around the welds, or anywhere on a carbon frame.
RC cars and drones
- It powers up and pairs with its controller.
- No swollen LiPo batteries.
- Drones: the props and the gimbal, and the flight hours if the app shows them.
- No cracked chassis or stripped gears, and the motors run smoothly.
Parts
- The part number matches the listing and fits your vehicle. Check that before the meet.
- Look for cracks, corrosion, stripped threads and missing fixings.
- Electrical parts: ask for a video of it working before you meet.
Tools
- Run it under load if you can.
- The batteries and charger come with it, and the batteries hold their charge.
- Look for cracked casings, worn chucks and missing parts.
- Torque wrenches and the like: ask when they were last calibrated.