Potrero Hill · Pre-Purchase Inspection
Pre-Purchase Inspection near Potrero Hill, San Francisco
We do pre-purchase inspection for Potrero Hill drivers about 8 minutes from Potrero Hill, San Francisco. Our shop is at 2800 Oakdale Ave in Bayview — family-owned since 1996, walk-ins welcome, written estimate before any work starts. Below is what a pre-purchase inspection visit looks like when you come from Potrero Hill.
Buying a used car in the Bay Area can save thousands or cost thousands. The difference is whether you knew what you were buying. A pre-purchase inspection is the cheapest insurance you can buy on a used car. We put it on the lift, scan all the modules, look for accident damage and frame repair, test every system, and give you a written report with photos. Bring us the car, the seller, or have the seller meet you here.
What we check
We follow a written 100-point inspection. The car goes on the lift, we pull all the modules for stored and pending codes, we test the brakes, steering, suspension, tires, fluids, AC, heater, electrical, body condition, frame and underbody, signs of accident or paint repair, and we road test it. You get a written report with photos and our honest opinion.
- Full multi-point mechanical inspection
- Lift inspection: underbody, frame, suspension, brakes, exhaust
- Module scan (engine, transmission, ABS, airbag, body)
- Compression test (on request or if symptoms warrant)
- Cooling and HVAC system test
- Body and paint inspection for accident repair
- Test drive evaluation
- Written report with photos
What it tells you
What is broken now, what is going to break in the next 12 months, what has been repaired (well or poorly), and what the car is realistically worth based on condition. If we find something major, you can either walk away or use it to negotiate the price down. Either way you have leverage you did not have before.
How long it takes
About 90 minutes to two hours for a standard PPI. Schedule ahead so we can hold a bay for you. If the seller is reasonable, they will agree to bring the car here. If they will not, that is information too.
When to skip it
Honestly? You almost never should. Even at a dealer with a certified pre-owned warranty we find things. The cost of a PPI is a fraction of one repair you might walk into.
Coming from Potrero Hill
From 18th and Connecticut: south on Connecticut, left on Cesar Chavez, right on 3rd Street, right on Oakdale. From 20th and Wisconsin: Wisconsin south, the same path from Cesar Chavez. From Potrero Center / lower Potrero: Pennsylvania Ave south to 25th, then to 3rd. Most of Potrero Hill is 7 to 10 minutes door to door.
Pre-Purchase Inspection questions from Potrero Hill
Real questions, straight answers.
How long is the drive from Potrero Hill?+
Do I need an appointment?+
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?+
Can you do a PPI on a Tesla or other EV?+
What if the seller will not let me bring the car to your shop?+
Stop By
A & C Auto Clinic
2800 Oakdale Ave
San Francisco, CA 94124
(415) 648-2226Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm. Walk-ins welcome. Closed Sat and Sun.
Other services we do for Potrero Hill drivers
Smog Check
Smog inspection and smog repair in Bayview, San Francisco. Walk-in friendly. Honest pricing, no runaround. Call (415) 648-2226 for same-day availability.
Brake Repair
Brake pad replacement, rotor service, caliper repair, and brake fluid flush in Bayview, San Francisco. Free brake inspection with any service. Call (415) 648-2226.
Oil Change
Full-service oil and filter changes for all makes and models in Bayview, San Francisco. Synthetic, blend, and conventional. Free multi-point inspection included. Call (415) 648-2226.