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Silver Terrace · Pre-Purchase Inspection

Pre-Purchase Inspection near Silver Terrace, San Francisco

We do pre-purchase inspection for Silver Terrace drivers about 5 minutes from Silver Terrace, 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 Silver Terrace.

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 Silver Terrace

From Silver and Bayshore: Silver to Industrial, right on Oakdale. From the Silver Terrace Playground: Thornton to 3rd, left on Oakdale. From the streets along Augusta: Augusta to Industrial, same path. We are the corner building.

Pre-Purchase Inspection questions from Silver Terrace

Real questions, straight answers.

How long is the drive from Silver Terrace?+
About five minutes most of the day, a little longer at evening rush.
Do you work on commuter cars and SUVs?+
Yes. We work on all makes and models. Tell us what you drive and how, and we will tell you what needs the most attention.
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?+
Flat rate per vehicle. Call for current pricing. We will tell you up front whether anything beyond the standard inspection (compression test, paint depth gauge, etc.) makes sense for that specific car.
Can you do a PPI on a Tesla or other EV?+
Yes. EV PPIs include battery health diagnostics on top of the standard inspection. We have done PPIs on Teslas, Bolts, Leafs, Mach-Es, and most of the major EVs.
What if the seller will not let me bring the car to your shop?+
That is a red flag. A reasonable seller, dealer or private, has no reason to refuse a paid inspection at an independent shop. If they refuse, we recommend walking away.

Stop By

A & C Auto Clinic

2800 Oakdale Ave

San Francisco, CA 94124

(415) 648-2226

Mon to Fri, 8am to 5pm. Walk-ins welcome. Closed Sat and Sun.