Buying a used car means handing over a lot of money based on a short test drive and what the seller tells you. A pre-purchase inspection gives you a second opinion from someone with no stake in the sale. A mobile inspection brings that opinion to the car, wherever it is parked.
Here is how ours works, step by step, and what you get at each level.
What a mobile pre-purchase inspection is
A pre-purchase inspection, or PPI, is an independent check of a used car before you buy it. Mobile means the inspection comes to the car. That can be a dealer lot, a private seller's driveway, a home or a workplace. Nobody has to drive the car anywhere.
You do not have to be there. You get a written report with photos, sent to you by email.
Step by step
1. Get the seller's OK. Let the seller or the dealer know you want the car inspected before you buy.
2. Book online. Tell us about the car, where it is and anything about it that worries you. Based on the car, we recommend a level, and you can step up for more coverage. If you would rather talk it through, call or text 833-644-0800. For the best choice of times, book 1 to 3 days ahead.
3. We set the time with the seller. We handle scheduling with the seller or the dealer, so you are not stuck in the middle.
4. One of our certified technicians inspects the car where it sits. How long that takes depends on the car and the level you chose. More complex cars, and the Enhanced and Elite levels, take longer because there is more to check.
5. You get the report. Essential and Enhanced reports arrive within 24 hours of the inspection, and most go out the same day. Elite reports arrive by 11:59 PM Eastern on inspection day, or we refund $99. Each report is reviewed internally for quality and accuracy before it reaches you.
6. You decide. Buy it, walk away, or use what we found to talk about the price.
What we check on every level
- Mechanical and safety items, including the engine, the transmission and the fluids
- The underbody and the frame
- Brakes, suspension and steering
- Each tire and the spare (here is how to read a tire's age yourself)
- A dealer-level diagnostic scan. How deep it reads depends on the make and year, and some electric cars limit access. Most cars from 1995 or earlier, and most classics, may not scan at all, so the technician checks them mechanically instead.
- A road test, when the seller allows it and it is safe and legal to drive
- Paint, body and interior
- Photos of what the technician saw
What Enhanced and Elite add
- Accident Investigation
- A Panel-by-Panel Repaint & Body Filler Check. The technician takes a paint thickness reading on the hood, roof, trunk, fenders, doors and quarter panels. A reading far off the rest of the car can point to a repaint or body filler.
- More on the road test: driver-assist and on-road A/C checks, where the car has them
- Each scan code explained. On Essential, you get a plain-English summary that names the affected systems and the next steps.
- Repair Cost Range Guidance (non-binding) and a Negotiation Leverage Summary
- Areas of Concern: up to 3 on Enhanced and up to 6 on Elite, each answered in writing in your report
- A video walk-through and more photos
- A call you can request once you have read the report
The three levels
Essential, $259. Everything in the first list above, a basic paint and body review, and at least 30 photos.
Enhanced, $399. Everything in Essential, plus the Enhanced and Elite list above, at least 60 photos, a summary video walk-through and a 15-minute call you can request with your inspector or our lead technician.
Elite, $649. Everything in Enhanced, plus 80+ photos, a detailed video walk-through, a 30-minute priority consultation you can request plus a follow-up from us, priority scheduling, your report by 11:59 PM Eastern on inspection day, and one re-inspection credit valid for 60 days after your inspection.
Fully electric cars (no engine at all, battery only) are inspected on Enhanced or Elite. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids can choose any tier.
If the car might sell fast, you can add Priority Scheduling for $99 on Essential or Enhanced, at checkout or by phone. First in line for our next opening. Your report by 11:59 PM Eastern on inspection day, or your $99 back.
Buying from out of state
You do not have to fly in to see what you are buying. If you live out of state and the car is in the Atlanta or Orlando area, we go to the car, inspect it and send you the report, so you can decide from home.
The photos let you see what the technician saw. On Enhanced and Elite, the video walk-through shows you the car, and the call you can request lets you ask your questions before you buy it.
Buying from a dealer
You can have an independent inspection done on a dealer lot, the same as at a private seller's home. We are independent and unbiased. We specialize in pre-purchase inspections and do not sell vehicles or repairs.
If a seller will not allow an inspection, ask why before you buy.
Where we inspect
We inspect cars across the Atlanta and Orlando metro areas, including Marietta. Not sure about the car's ZIP code? Enter it when you book, or call or text 833-644-0800. Since 2020, we have completed more than 3,000 inspections.
Questions we get
Do I have to be at the inspection? No. You get photos and a detailed report. Enhanced and Elite add a video walk-through and a call you can request once you have read the report.
How long does it take? It depends on the car and the level. More complex cars, and the Enhanced and Elite levels, take longer because there is more to check.
What happens if you find problems? Every issue is documented and explained. Many buyers use the findings to negotiate, or to walk away with confidence.
Is there a guarantee? Yes. If our inspection misses a condition that a careful visual, non-invasive inspection should have found on the day, we refund your inspection fee. The details are in our Terms.
Is an inspection worth it? We wrote a whole post on that question: should you get a car inspected before buying?
Book an inspection
Inspections start at $259. Book an inspection, or text or call 833-644-0800 and we will help you pick the right level for the car.