A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a mechanic's independent check of a used car before you buy it. A mobile mechanic can do it at the seller's home or dealer lot, so you don't have to talk the seller into driving the car to a shop. A good inspection covers the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires, electrical systems, fluids, stored fault codes, signs of accident damage and a test drive. It often costs $100 to $250, small money next to a bad purchase.
Why get a pre-purchase inspection?
- Find problems the seller didn't mention, or didn't know about
- Get a list of upcoming repairs to negotiate on price
- Walk away from a bad car before it's yours
- Get peace of mind on a good one
What a thorough inspection covers
Under the hood
- Leaks: oil, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering - Belts, hoses, battery health and charging voltage - Fluid condition and level - Signs of overheating or poor maintenance
Diagnostics
- Scan for stored, pending and recently cleared codes - Check emissions readiness monitors. All "not ready" can mean codes were cleared recently. See check engine light
Underneath
- Brakes: pad and rotor thickness, lines - Suspension and steering: shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints. See worn shocks and struts - Exhaust leaks and rust - Frame and subframe for damage or heavy corrosion
Body and interior
- Paint mismatch, panel gaps and overspray that hint at past repairs - Signs of flood damage: damp carpets, silt, rust in odd places - Lights, windows, locks, AC and heat
Test drive
- Cold start, idle, acceleration, shifting, braking, steering, noises
What it costs
Broadly $100 to $250 depending on the vehicle and depth. Specialty, luxury and diesel vehicles may cost more. See our mobile mechanic cost guide.
How to set one up
Tell the seller you'd like an independent inspection. Serious sellers usually agree.
Book a mobile mechanic who covers the seller's area. On our directory you can search by state, then city.
Share the address, vehicle details and VIN.
Ask for a written or photo report.
Red flags that should make you walk away
- Frame damage or major rust
- Signs of flood damage
- Codes recently cleared before the inspection
- A seller who refuses any inspection
Also check
- Vehicle history report for title problems, accidents and mileage records
- Open recalls, using the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for the inspection?
Usually the buyer.
Can a mobile mechanic inspect a car at a dealership?
Often, yes. Ask the dealer first.
How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?
Typically one to two hours, including a test drive.
Book an inspection
Find a mobile mechanic who covers the seller's area on the locations page.
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