black and blue car in a building

Vehicle Appraisal & Sourcing Services

Sell more cars. Save more time.

We believe buying a used car should come with confidence, clarity, and an expert’s peace of mind. Drawing from over a decade in the motor industry, across consumer journalism and motor trade, we combine a buyer’s mind and a dealer’s know-how to every valuation and sourcing assignment.

A second pair of eyes is what you need, which is where Kirby Automotive comes in. We are specialists in assessing condition, provenance, market value, and retail potential. That makes us ideal for dealers, traders, and private clients who want a trustworthy, experienced opinion before committing to purchase.

Whether you’re looking to buy a vehicle for resale, sourcing a used car as a private buyer, or simply seeking an expert second opinion before investing, Kirby Automotive provides clear, honest, and actionable appraisals - and manages the sourcing and acquisition process end-to-end if required.

What We Offer

Vehicle Appraisal & Condition Reports
  • Full cosmetic inspection: bodywork, paint, panels, interior, trim, glass, trim wear, tyres, wheels.

  • Road-test evaluation: assessing ride/handling, suspension feel, transmission/gearbox feedback, braking performance, noises, general driveability (as experienced by a normal driver).

  • Paperwork & history audit: mileage and service book review, documentation, past ownership, consistency check.

  • Market valuation: realistic retail valuation based on current market data, condition, spec and comparable sales — to help you bid or negotiate with full transparency.

  • “Retail potential” rating: advice on whether the vehicle is likely to retail easily, require work, or risk issues — helping traders or buyers make informed decisions.

Vehicle Sourcing & Acquisition (on your behalf)
  • Searching for cars matching your criteria (make/model/specification/price range).

  • Contacting sellers, viewing vehicles, performing appraisal on site.

  • Negotiating purchase price based on appraisal and market data.

  • Handling collection, transport, and delivery (if required) — useful for dealers, traders, or private buyers.

  • Photography and documentation for your records or sale listings.

Classic, Specialist, and Premium Car Expertise

Thanks to a background including classic-car ownership and regular buying/valuing of such vehicles, Kirby Automotive is well placed to appraise and source vehicles with provenance, heritage, and value preservation in mind. We recognise what makes a classic “good value” — bodywork integrity, originality, maintenance history, and long-term resale potential.

Flexible Services for Dealers, Traders & Private Buyers

Whether you’re a dealer evaluating trade stock, a private buyer sourcing “that one perfect car,” or a trader needing frequent valuations — we tailor services to your needs. Packages can be one-off, occasional, or ongoing (retainer) depending on volume and frequency.

Who It’s For

Independent dealers / small traders

Help source and buy stock with minimal risk; improve stock turnover; avoid overpaying.

Private buyers (used, classic, premium)

Independent appraisal + peace of mind before committing; avoid buying a "lemon".

Classic & specialist-car collectors

Expertise in assessing originality, condition, and market value of heritage vehicles.

Exporters / remote buyers

Reliable condition & valuation reports when you cannot view the car personally.

Online-buyers / distance-buying clients

Professional inspection + documentation + transport — turnkey solution for remote purchase.

How It Works — Our Process

  1. Get in touch
    You send your requirements: vehicle type / budget / intended use / special notes (classic, spec, etc.).

  2. Specification & brief
    We discuss criteria, agree scope (appraisal only, sourcing + purchase, delivery, etc.) and provide a quote.

  3. Sourcing / inspection
    For sourcing: we search listings, contact sellers, arrange a viewing.
    For appraisal: we view the car, perform cosmetic and road-test inspection + paperwork & history review.

  4. Report & valuation
    You receive a detailed written report: condition summary, photos, road-test impressions, market value and “retail potential” advisory.

  5. Negotiation & acquisition (if requested)
    We negotiate price with seller based on findings, manage payment collection, collection / transport, handover.

  6. Delivery & handover / resale prep
    Car delivered to you (or to a storage/valet/detailing facility), optionally prepped / detailed for sale or use.

Get in Touch Today

Reach out for enquiries or to book your free call.

A sleek and modern car showroom featuring a line of luxury SUVs. The vehicles are displayed on a glossy white tiled floor under bright lighting, which enhances their metallic finishes. The cars are positioned in a spacious and well-lit environment, possibly indicating a high-end automobile dealership.
A sleek and modern car showroom featuring a line of luxury SUVs. The vehicles are displayed on a glossy white tiled floor under bright lighting, which enhances their metallic finishes. The cars are positioned in a spacious and well-lit environment, possibly indicating a high-end automobile dealership.