Visual inspection of the VIN number on multiple areas of the vehicle to make sure they all match. VIN stickers photographed.
We verify the number of keys and key fobs that come with the vehicle. We test the key fobs for functionality. Key fobs photographed front and back.
We check exterior of the car in search of major imperfections such as deep scratches, dents, rust, cracked windows/windshields and overall body quality.
We do not check the functionality of exterior lighting or side mirrors.
This is a scaled down version of the one in our Full Specktion.
We inspect the interior looking out for any damages, cuts, tears, discolorations, stains, etc.
We also check for odors of any kind, specifically looking out for cigarette smoke.
We do not check interior functionality of any items like radio, HVAC system, seats, sunroof, touchscreens etc.
This is a scaled down version of the one in our Full Specktion.
Engine
We do an overall visible inspection, checking for leaks.
We check the drive belt for cracks, tears and/or sounds.
Hoses
We check visible hoses to make sure there are no leaks and hoses are in good condition.
Everything Else
We visibly check everything else under the hood, searching for any leaks and listening for odd sounds.
We do not check the fluids.
We test the battery using an electronic battery tester. We also check the cables and terminals for corrosion.
Vehicle will be lifted.*
We will inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle.
We visibly check for leaks and/or rust on various parts of the underbody.
We do not visually or physically inspect suspension/steering components. These components will only be tested during the test drive.
*Vehicles extremely low to the ground may not be lifted.
Complete inspection of all 4 tires and wheels. We determine if all tires are the same brand, the 'born on date' of each tire, the tread life of each tire, and the wear of each tire.
We do not physically or visually inspect the brake pads or rotors. They are only tested during the test drive.
We connect the vehicle to a standard level OBD2 scanner and do a check for any error codes.
We will take the car on a test drive. We will inspect the overall drive quality, paying close attention to any vibrations, noises and road feedback.
We also take note of vehicle handling, steering feel, braking, acceleration, transmission shifts, as well as suspension.
We do not check the cruise control.
NOTE: We only test drive when the vehicle is street legal and safe to drive. Our inspectors do not exceed the posted speed limit.
Visual inspection of the VIN number on multiple areas of the vehicle to make sure they all match. Electronic check of VIN numbers using the vehicles own computer system (where applicable). VIN stickers photographed.
We verify the number of keys and key fobs that come with the vehicle. We test the key fobs for functionality. Key fobs photographed front and back.
We scour the exterior of the car in search of major imperfections such as deep scratches, dents, rust, cracked windows/windshields and overall body quality.
We check side mirrors to see if they retract (if that is an option on the vehicle).
We check all lights to make sure they function (front headlights, brights, rear tail lights, license plate light and turn signals). We check headlights for any oxidation on the glass.
We take detailed photos of whatever we see.
Extensive inspection of the entire interior from front to back. We check the
We check for any damages, cuts, tears, discolorations, stains, etc.
We also check for odors of any kind, specifically looking out for cigarette smoke.
We take detailed photos of whatever we see.
We test most everything including:
Engine
We do an overall visible inspection, checking for any leaks.
We check the drive belt for cracks, tears and/or sounds.
Hoses
We check visible hoses to make sure there are no leaks and hoses are in good condition.
Everything Else
We visibly check everything else under the hood, searching for any leaks and listening for odd sounds.
We test the battery using an electronic battery tester. We also check the cables and terminals for corrosion.
Vehicle will be lifted.*
We visibly check the suspension system for leaks and/or rust.
We check ball joints and bushings for leaking or cracking. We also verify quality of suspension system during the test drive.
*Vehicles extremely low to the ground may not be lifted.
Vehicle will be lifted.*
We thoroughly inspect the undercarriage of the vehicle.
We visibly check for leaks and/or rust on various parts of the underbody.
*Vehicles extremely low to the ground may not be lifted.
Complete inspection of all 4 tires. We determine if all tires are the same brand, the 'born on date' of each tire, the tread life of each tire, and the wear of each tire.
We also examine the rotors and brake pad wear, giving you an approximate amount of time left before replacing is required.
We check the car for significant rust in places where rust should not normally occur.
We check the carpet and mats for evidence of excessive moisture.
We connect the vehicle to a dealership level OBD scanner and do a computer diagnosis of engine, transmission, ABS, electrical and air-bag systems. Our scanner can detect trouble codes and other various problems other traditional scanners won't pick up.
We'll conduct a live scan on the vehicle to determine its health in real time.
You'll receive a complete PDF report of the scan.
We will check fluids (if possible) from the engine bay, including:
We check the vehicle's body frame for bends, buckling or prior repair work. We visually inspect body panels to see if there are inconsistencies in gaps.
We check for overspray. We check panel spot welds to make sure they are still intact as well as whether or not certain bolts have been turned.
We also use a digital paint meter all around the vehicle to check for inconsistencies in paint thickness, a clear indication of previous repair work having been done.
We will take the car on a test drive. We will inspect the overall drive quality, paying close attention to any vibrations, noises and road feedback.
We also take note of vehicle handling, steering feel, braking, acceleration, transmission shifts, as well as suspension.
We will try, if possible, to get the car on a highway or some other roadway that has a speed limit of at least 55 mph. If possible, we will check the cruise control.
NOTE: We only test drive when the vehicle is street legal and safe to drive. Our inspectors do not exceed the posted speed limit.
We will spend extra time and attention on any two areas of the inspection you would like. If you are concerned about something in particular, we can do a more in-depth examination by prioritizing our inspection and by questioning the vehicle's owner if possible.
If the owner can substantiate any claims of repair having been done to the vehicle, we will photograph those documents.
The inspector will take a roughly 10 minute walk around video of the vehicle from inside and out, including the engine bay.
The inspector will focus in on problem spots as they appear in the video. The inspector will also use this time to record the functionality of any moving parts in action (i.e spoiler, convertible top, door handles, etc.)
The inspector will take a video as he or she is test driving the vehicle.
This add-on tests for engine exhaust in the cooling system, which can mean a leaky head gasket or a damaged (cracked) engine block. This test is highly recommended for vehicles with over 80,000 miles.
Yes we do. It is for the most part the same as our standard inspection except of course there is no engine or fluid inspection.
We test the battery extensively for proper health. We also monitor the battery during test drive to make sure it isn't losing power too fast.
For hybrids, we make sure the engine is switching from the gas systems to the electrical systems (and vice versa) without issue.
You can get more info on our electric vehicle inspection page.
We do not do a compresion check due to the liability of damaging the seller's car. Plus, most sellers will not approve of us taking parts off of their vehicle.
We can not guarantee the inspection report. We make every possible attempt to locate flaws and mechanical failures on a vehicle. Our inspectors can only report on what they observed at the time of inspection.
They do not take parts apart nor do they do a full mechanical examination, therefore can not be held liable if something goes wrong later.
Please bear in mind that our trained inspectors know what to look for when inspecting used vehicles, but if the problem doesn't occur during the inspection or test drive, than they can not report on it. It's sad to say, but some sellers can temporarily hide problems with a vehicle long enough to get it sold.
The good news is, most mechanical or electrical problems don't usually get past one of our inspections because of the advanced OBD scan performed on the vehicle which is considered to be dealership level scanning. Of course, it only works if the seller allows us to do a scan.
If a full inspection and test drive fail to indicate any problems on the vehicle and problems occur later, these were more than likely hidden internal problems which go way beyond the scope of this mostly visual inspection.
We do not check the title of the vehicle in any way. We suggest you should take that up with the seller directly.
Our inspectors are on a tight schedule and need to be efficient at managing their time. Handling incoming phone calls from customers would slow down our inspectors and cause delays. Remember, we're already taking an hour away from the seller, so talking on the phone would only prolong that time and increase the possibility of them stopping the inspection early.
However, if you'd like, the inspector can call you immediately after the inspection to give you a rundown of what they found.
After the inspection of the vehicle, the inspector will upload the information to the company where an ASE certified technician will review it. This review process can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours after the initial inspection. You will receive your report via email immediately after the review process is complete. Reports are sent out 7 days a week.
However, if you'd like, the inspector can call you immediately after the inspection to give you a rundown of what they found.
We are available to do inspections 7 days a week from 8:30AM to 7:30PM or dusk (whichever comes first). We are closed only Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We do not inspect at night or in the rain.