Our Vehicle Inspection CHECKLIST

Here's a detailed description of what we look for when inspecting any vehicle for purchase.

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Vehicle inspection checklist
At Specktion, we believe every used vehicle has something wrong with it. A dent here, scratches there, leaks and failing parts.

But the real question is... how bad is it? That's what we aim to answer.

With our know-how and specialized tools, we can give you a plethora of information on the vehicle you're interested in buying, which you can then use to make a purchasing decision.

See below just how efficient we are at pre-purchase inspections in Florida.

Kwick Specktion
A scaled down version of our Full Specktion. Best for vehicles with low mileage or that still have a warranty.
Verification/VIN Check

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.

Inspect Exterior

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.

Inspect Interior

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.

Inspect Interior Functions
Inspect Engine Bay

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.

Test Battery

We test the battery using an electronic battery tester. We also check the cables and terminals for corrosion.

Inspect Suspension
Inspect Undercarriage

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.

Inspect Tires

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.

Check for Flood Damage
Standard Diagnostics

We connect the vehicle to a standard level OBD2 scanner and do a check for any error codes.

Check Fluids (When Possible)
Prior Accident Check
Test Drive (When Possible)

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.

Inspect Up to TWO Specific Concerns
*Kwick Specktion vehicles must not have more than 80,000 miles and must be less than 10 years old.
Full Specktion
Our signature bumper to bumper 175+ point inspection. Pick this inspection when you want a full and detailed report.
Verification/VIN Check

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.

Inspect Exterior

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.

Inspect Interior

Extensive inspection of the entire interior from front to back. We check the

  • floorboards
  • carpet
  • mats
  • seats
  • door panels
  • dashboard
  • headliner
  • steering wheel
  • middle console
  • gear shift
  • moldings
  • seatbelts
  • and more

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.

Inspect Interior Functions

We test most everything including:

  • side mirrors
  • windows
  • sun/moon roof
  • door locks
  • radio functionality and speakers
  • hood and trunk release
  • front seat functionality (we do not check heating and cooling functions)
  • heater and AC system
  • interior lights
  • visor lights
  • and more
Inspect Engine Bay

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.

Test Battery

We test the battery using an electronic battery tester. We also check the cables and terminals for corrosion.

Inspect Suspension

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.

Inspect Undercarriage

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.

Inspect Tires/Brakes

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.

Check for Flood Damage

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.

Advanced Diagnostics

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.

Check Fluids (When Possible)

We will check fluids (if possible) from the engine bay, including:

  • brake fluid
  • power steering fluid
  • engine oil
  • transmission fluid
  • engine coolant
We check the levels and take a sample of each one to examine for color, smell, and cleanliness.
Prior Accident Check

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.

Test Drive (When Possible)

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.

Inspect Up to TWO Specific Concerns

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.

Full Specktion
PLUS
Our Full Specktion inspection, with video.
Video (Overall)

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.)

Video (Test Drive)

The inspector will take a video as he or she is test driving the vehicle.

Add-On
Extra service we offer. Can be added on to any package.
Engine Block Test

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.

Introducing
Scam Specktion
Our newest weapon against the car buying con game.
Car verification services
If you don't get it inspected, at least make sure the vehicle even exists. Online scams are running rampant in Florida, so we now offer our vehicle verification services to combat against scammers.

Before you send anyone any money, we can go out to the location of the vehicle and verify its existence so you can buy with confidence.

What's included:
Visually determine if vehicle exists
Compare if listing photos visually similar to actual vehicle
3 to 4 pictures of the vehicle from different angles
24 hour turnaround time (most cases)
PEACE OF MIND
Most scams involve cars that don't exist. So, if we can verify a vehicle being at the location the seller gives you, it makes it much less likely you are dealing with a scammer.
SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION
OR CALL 772-774-7978
DID YOU KNOW?
WE UTILIZE THE MOST ADVANCED INSPECTION EQUIPMENT IN THE BUSINESS
Our eyes can only see so much, which is why every one of our inspectors is equipped with the latest imaging and diagnostic tools to make this the most detailed and thorough vehicle inspection on the market. Our inspectors can see things most others can not.
Dealership Level OBD Diagnosis
Used vehicle diagnostics florida
Sure, most vehicle inspectors in Florida will have an OBD scanner to spit out some error codes, but that's about it. Here at Specktion, we go above and beyond that by giving you a complete engine diagnosis of the vehicle, just like a mechanic shop would.

Our full system diagnostic scanner can scan all available car systems to read and interpret codes, can tell us if error codes have been recently deleted, can view live data stream, perform active tests and provide special functions to check the status of vehicle modules.

This gives you accurate and in-depth diagnosis over ALL automotive systems of the vehicle! Something many of our competitors cannot claim. This alone should make you want to choose us to inspect your next vehicle.

But if that wasn't enough...
Advanced Undercarriage Inspection
Pre purchase under carriage inspection
One of the most important places to inspect on a vehicle is the undercarriage. It can often times tell you everything you need to know. Unfortunately, most PPI inspections occur on location without the convenience of a car lift.

As a result, most mobile vehicle inspections do not include the undercarriage.

However, with Specktion every inspector is equipped with a vehicle jack to lift the car off the ground and allow the inspector to see everything in crystal clear detail.

We take photos of any problem spots such as rust or oil leaks. We check if OEM parts have been replaced as well as their condition.

We also check the suspension parts like tie rods, springs, struts, sway bars, ball joints, lower and upper control arms, and protective boot covers, unlike most other mobile vehicle inspectors.

No one in Florida will give you a more detailed and accurate vehicle inspection than us.

*Vehicles extremely low to the ground may not be lifted.
SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION
OR CALL 772-774-7978

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you inspect Teslas, hybrids and other electric vehicles?

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.

Do you do a compression check?

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.

How long does an inspection take?

For most vehicles, our inspections take just over an hour. Sometimes longer if many issues are found.

Do you guarantee the inspection?

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.

Do you check the title of the vehicle?

We do not check the title of the vehicle in any way. We suggest you should take that up with the seller directly.

Can I call during the inspection?

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.

How long does it take to get the inspection report?

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.

When are you available to do an inspection?

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.

OR CALL 772-774-7978
Get Your Used Vehicle Inspection Today!
Call Or Text Us At
772-774-7978
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SERVING SOUTH FLORIDA AND BEYOND
LICENSED AND INSURED
Customer Service Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM Eastern Time
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