A pre-purchase inspection is the single best money you can spend before buying a used car. The cost of one PPI is a small fraction of any repair you might walk into. Here is what we check, what to ask the seller, and what should make you walk away.
What we put eyes on (the lift inspection).
Frame condition. Underbody for accident damage or recent repair. Suspension bushings, ball joints, control arms, struts. CV boots and axles. Exhaust system for damage or aftermarket cuts. Brake lines, fuel lines, transmission pan, differential. Anything dripping, leaking, weeping, or recently painted gets flagged.
What we plug in for.
Full module scan. Not just the engine. We pull stored and pending codes from engine, transmission, ABS, airbag, body control, climate, and any other module the car has. Cleared codes that come back are a tell. Modules that are unreachable are a bigger tell.
What we test on the road.
Cold-start behavior, smooth idle, clean acceleration, brake feel, suspension over bumps, steering centering, AC and heater function, transmission shift quality. About a 15-minute drive on a route that mixes city and highway.
What you ask the seller.
- Why are you selling.
- How long have you owned it.
- Where is the service history (Carfax is not a service history; receipts are).
- Has it been in any accident, even a small one.
- Has the timing belt or timing chain been done (if applicable).
- When was the last brake job, tire change, battery replacement.
- Does it have a salvage or rebuilt title (do not take their word, check the title yourself).
Red flags that mean walk away.
- Seller will not let you take the car to an independent shop.
- Title is in someone else's name.
- Salvage or rebuilt title (drive away unless you specifically know what you're doing).
- VIN sticker on the dash does not match the door jamb.
- Module scan returns “unable to communicate” on key systems.
- Recent paint or body work on a car the seller swears was never in an accident.
- Smell of fuel, exhaust, or burnt oil during the test drive.
What it costs to skip a PPI.
We have seen used-car buyers walk into $4,000 head gasket jobs, $3,000 engine rebuilds, $2,000 transmission replacements, and $1,500 catalytic converter repairs in the first 30 days of ownership. The PPI catches most of these before you sign. Even if the seller refuses to lower the price after you find an issue, knowing what you are buying is worth the inspection cost on its own.
How to schedule.
Bring the car to us, or have the seller meet you here. About 90 minutes to two hours. Written report with photos. We give you our honest opinion, in plain English, and you decide what to do with it. Full PPI service details or call (415) 648-2226.