AUTENICS

Autenics: independent vehicle inspection and buying advice

Autenics is a vehicle consultancy owned and operated by Johnny, presented as an outgrowth of Pemberton Cars. The service is aimed at buyers who want an impartial assessment before committing to a purchase, and at owners who need support during a sale. The site frames the offer around matching cars with people since 2005 and around the idea that buying without professional guidance exposes the buyer to unexpected problems, stress and financial loss.

What the consultancy actually does

The work is organised around three paid services, each described on the site with its own scope:

• Consultancy: a review of a vehicle advertisement plus basic remote checks, priced at £60, with that fee deducted from the total inspection cost if the client goes on to book a full inspection.
• Inspection: attendance at a vehicle viewing, either alongside the client or on the client's behalf, providing an independent in-person assessment of the car.
• Valuation: a professional valuation based on the vehicle's condition, specification, history and current market position.

Beyond the inspection itself, Johnny offers to put the difficult questions to the seller and, if the client prefers, to handle the negotiation, with the stated aim of securing a better deal without pressure. The site also describes a transparency principle: the client receives an honest, unbiased assessment supported by clear evidence, whether the findings are positive or negative, and remains free to proceed with the purchase or walk away.

Travel, collection and additional costs

Travel is charged separately and calculated on the round-trip distance. Standard travel is billed at £0.59 per mile; the site's own example is a vehicle 100 miles away, producing a 200-mile round trip and a charge of £118.00. Where the vehicle needs to be collected or delivered by Johnny using a trailer, the rate rises to £0.99 per mile on the same round-trip basis, so the same 100-mile example becomes £198.00.

The site notes that other charges can apply in certain circumstances and that these are discussed and agreed in advance. The examples given are further investigation into a vehicle's identification, finance, mileage, ownership, provenance or history; toll and road charges incurred during the service; preparation work requested beforehand; and any other additional requirement or service specifically requested by the client.

Payment terms

Because some work involves preparation, research, assessment and administration before it begins, a £150 prepayment is required, with the remaining balance payable on completion. Payments are accepted only by BACS; the site states that cash and card payments are not accepted.

Background: Pemberton Cars and the prestige trade

The consultancy is presented as founded on the heritage of Pemberton Cars and as the product of Johnny's own career, which the site says has centred on cars as life, hobby and business since 2005. Early in that career he spent considerable time at Stratton Motor Company, working with high-performance and prestige brands including Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, Lotus Cars Limited and Morgan Motor Company. The site names the professionals he worked under there: Guy Munday, Charlie Skelton, Kevin Jordan, Tim Reed and company owner Roger Bennington.

The profile describes more than two decades of experience and a perfectionist approach, with an emphasis on sourcing not only good vehicles but interesting ones, including limited editions, special editions and one-off models. Before any purchase is completed, the stated process combines thorough vehicle inspections with detailed verification of paperwork and history.

Client feedback shown on the site

The site reproduces several client accounts. One buyer describes using Johnny at Pemberton Cars to define requirements, shortlist cars, inspect the chosen vehicle and negotiate a better price. Another account covers the sale of a Porsche, described as painless once Johnny was involved. A further testimonial refers to online research and a physical inspection of two cars, plus follow-up work to check that the service history was correct and negotiation of a reduction to cover remedial work. Other clients mention a Range Rover Sport inspected in Canterbury in April 2024, with the seller based abroad and the buyers in the northeast of England, and a Westfield inspected remotely while the buyer was on another continent. The accounts consistently describe photographic evidence, clear communication and negotiation support.