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Buying a Used Car? Get a Professional Pre-Purchase Inspection Before You Buy

  • Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week.
  • 12 months or 12,000 miles warranty*
  • An expert mechanic will come to your home to fix or diagnose your vehicle.

Pre-Purchase Car Inspection

 

Buying a used car can save you thousands of dollars - but it can also become one of the most expensive purchases you'll ever make if hidden problems go unnoticed. Every week our mechanics inspect vehicles that appear perfectly fine during a short test drive but have costly mechanical or safety issues. A professional pre-purchase inspection helps you understand the true condition of the vehicle before handing over your money.

Whether you're buying from a dealership, a private seller, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Carvana, or another online marketplace, our ASE-certified mobile mechanics inspect the vehicle where it's located and provide an independent assessment before you commit to the purchase. Our goal is simple: help you avoid expensive surprises and buy with confidence.

 

What Our Mechanics Inspect

 

Engine & Cooling System

  • Engine oil leaks - Oil leaks are one of the most common issues we discover during used car inspections. While some leaks are minor, others can indicate worn seals, damaged gaskets, or more serious engine problems that become expensive after purchase.

  • Cooling system

  • Head gasket

  • Belts

  • Hoses

  • Engine noises

  • Fluid condition


Transmission & Drivetrain

  • Automatic/manual transmission

  • Transfer case

  • CV axles

  • Driveshaft

  • Differential

  • Transmission leaks


Suspension & Steering

  • Ball joints

  • Tie rods

  • Control arms

  • Bushings

  • Wheel bearings

  • Shocks

  • Struts

  • Steering rack


Brake System

  • Brake pads

  • Rotors

  • Brake fluid

  • Brake hoses

  • Calipers

  • Parking brake


Tires & Wheels

  • Tire tread

  • Uneven wear

  • Previous alignment issues

  • Wheel damage


Electrical System

  • Battery

  • Alternator

  • Starter

  • Charging system

  • Warning lights

  • OBD-II scan


Body & Accident Damage

  • Previous collision repairs - Some vehicles have been involved in previous accidents but repaired well enough that problems aren't immediately obvious. We inspect for signs of previous body repairs, paint inconsistencies, frame damage, and other indicators of collision history.

  • Paint work

  • Rust

  • Frame damage

  • Flood damage

 

Where Can I Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection?

 

Pre-purchase inspections can be performed by independent mechanics, repair shops, dealerships, or mobile inspection companies. At Instant Car Fix, our ASE-certified mobile mechanics inspect vehicles at the seller's location, whether it's a dealership, private residence, workplace, or parking lot, making the process fast and convenient.

 

Why a Test Drive Isn't Enough

 

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming a short test drive tells them everything about a vehicle.

Many expensive problems including oil leaks, suspension wear, transmission issues, previous collision repairs, and hidden diagnostic trouble codes aren't obvious during a 10-minute drive around the block.

A professional inspection provides information that simply cannot be discovered during a typical test drive.

 

Common Problems We Find During Inspections

 

Include

  • Engine oil leaks

  • Transmission leaks

  • Suspension wear

  • Brake wear

  • Weak batteries

  • Hidden accident damage

  • Cooling system leaks

  • Check engine lights

  • Oil consumption

  • Tire wear

 

Thinking about buying a used car?

 

Buying a used vehicle should be exciting - not stressful. Whether you're purchasing your first car, replacing your current vehicle, or buying one for a family member, a professional inspection gives you an objective understanding of the vehicle's condition before you spend your money.

 

One of the Biggest Mistakes We See

 

Every week we inspect vehicles that appear perfectly fine during a short test drive but have hidden problems costing thousands of dollars to repair.

Some have transmission leaks.

Others have hidden accident damage.

Some have worn suspension components or failing cooling systems.

Many buyers never notice these issues until after the sale.

Our goal is to identify them before the vehicle becomes your responsibility.

 

We Inspect Vehicles Purchased From

We regularly inspect vehicles purchased from a variety of sellers and marketplaces, including:

  • Dealerships

  • Private Sellers

  • Facebook Marketplace

  • Craigslist

  • Carvana

  • CarMax

  • AutoNation

  • Auction Vehicles

  • eBay Motors

 

Can We Inspect the Vehicle at the Seller's House?

 

Our mobile mechanics travel directly to the vehicle's location, whether it's parked at a private residence, dealership, office, or another agreed-upon location.

 

What Happens After the Inspection?

 

Customers receive

✔ Photos

✔ Diagnostic scan results

✔ Mechanical findings

✔ Safety concerns

✔ Repair estimates

✔ Professional recommendations

✔ Questions to ask the seller

 

Should I Still Buy the Vehicle?

 

We don't make the decision for you.

Instead, we provide an objective assessment of the vehicle's condition so you can decide whether to proceed, negotiate a better price, request repairs, or walk away. In many cases, the inspection report also gives buyers leverage to negotiate a lower purchase price or request repairs before completing the sale.

 

Recent Pre-Purchase Inspection Jobs

 

Pre-purchase Inspection – 2018 Honda Accord

A customer contacted Instant Car Fix before purchasing a 2018 Honda Accord from a private seller. During our inspection, we discovered a slow engine oil leak, worn front brake pads, and uneven tire wear caused by a previous alignment issue. Although the vehicle was generally in good condition, our report helped the buyer negotiate a lower purchase price to account for the required repairs, ultimately saving them hundreds of dollars.


Pre-purchase Inspection – 2017 Ford F-150

A buyer found a Ford F-150 listed on Facebook Marketplace that appeared to be an excellent deal. Our mobile mechanic inspected the truck at the seller's location and discovered signs of previous collision repairs, excessive rust underneath the vehicle, and diagnostic trouble codes that had recently been cleared. After reviewing our inspection report, the customer decided not to purchase the truck and avoided what could have become a very expensive mistake.


Pre-purchase Inspection – 2021 Toyota Camry

A customer asked us to inspect a certified used Toyota Camry before completing the purchase at a local dealership. Our inspection confirmed that the vehicle was mechanically sound with only minor cosmetic imperfections that did not affect reliability or safety. The customer completed the purchase with confidence, knowing the vehicle had been independently evaluated by an experienced ASE-certified mechanic.

 

Why Choose Instant Car Fix for Your Pre-Purchase Inspection?

 

Buying a used vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions most people make. Our goal is to provide you with an independent, professional assessment of the vehicle's condition before you commit to the purchase. We don't sell cars, and we don't pressure you into unnecessary repairs; we simply give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

ASE-Certified Mobile Mechanics

Our inspections are performed by experienced ASE-certified mechanics who understand what to look for when evaluating used vehicles. From engine performance and transmission operation to suspension, brakes, and electrical systems, we thoroughly inspect the components that matter most.


We Come to the Vehicle

There's no need to arrange transportation or take the vehicle to a repair shop. Our mobile mechanics travel directly to the seller's location, whether it's a private residence, dealership, workplace, office parking lot, or another agreed-upon meeting place, making the inspection convenient for both buyers and sellers.


Comprehensive Photos & Documentation

Every inspection includes detailed documentation of our findings. We provide clear photographs of any visible concerns, helping you understand the vehicle's condition even if you can't be present during the inspection.


Professional Diagnostic Scan

Modern vehicles can hide problems that aren't visible during a short test drive. We perform a diagnostic scan whenever applicable to check for stored or pending trouble codes, charging system issues, emissions-related faults, and other electronic problems that may require future repairs.


Independent, Unbiased Opinion

Unlike a seller or dealership, we have no financial interest in whether you purchase the vehicle. Our recommendations are based solely on the condition of the vehicle, giving you an honest and objective assessment you can trust.


Transparent Inspection Reports

After completing the inspection, we explain exactly what we found in clear, easy-to-understand language. If repairs are needed, we'll identify the issues, discuss their severity, and provide realistic repair recommendations so you know what to expect before purchasing the vehicle.


No Pressure to Purchase Repairs

Our goal is to help you make the right buying decision—not to sell you repairs. If the vehicle is in excellent condition, we'll tell you. If we discover problems, we'll explain them honestly so you can decide whether to negotiate, request repairs, or walk away from the purchase.


Nationwide Mobile Service

Instant Car Fix provides mobile pre-purchase inspections across the United States. Whether you're buying from a dealership, private seller, or online marketplace, our nationwide network of mobile mechanics makes it easy to schedule an inspection where the vehicle is located.

 

Why Buyers Trust Instant Car Fix

 

✔ ASE-certified mobile mechanics

✔ Independent, unbiased inspections

✔ Mobile service at the seller's location

✔ Professional diagnostic scan

✔ Detailed photos and inspection findings

✔ Honest repair recommendations

✔ Transparent reporting with no hidden surprises

✔ No pressure to purchase repairs

✔ Nationwide coverage

✔ Fast scheduling and convenient mobile service

 

Schedule Your Mobile Pre-Purchase Inspection Today

 

Whether you're buying from a dealership, private seller, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Carvana, or another online marketplace, Instant Car Fix makes it easy to understand exactly what you're buying. Our ASE-certified mobile mechanics come directly to the vehicle, perform a comprehensive inspection, and provide an honest assessment before you spend your money.

Don't risk buying someone else's expensive repair bill. Schedule your pre-purchase inspection today and buy your next vehicle with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it?

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Yes. A pre-purchase inspection can save you thousands of dollars by identifying hidden mechanical, safety, or cosmetic issues before you buy the vehicle. Many expensive problems, including engine oil leaks, transmission issues, suspension wear, accident damage, and diagnostic trouble codes, may not be noticeable during a short test drive. A professional inspection gives you the information needed to negotiate a better price, request repairs, or avoid purchasing a vehicle with costly hidden problems.

What does a pre-purchase car inspection include?

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Our pre-purchase inspection includes a comprehensive evaluation of the vehicle's major mechanical and safety components. Depending on the vehicle, this may include the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, cooling system, battery, charging system, tires, exhaust, diagnostic scan, and a visual inspection for accident damage, rust, and previous repairs. After the inspection, you'll receive a detailed explanation of our findings and recommendations.

Can you inspect a vehicle at the seller's location?

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Yes. Our mobile mechanics travel directly to the vehicle's location, whether it's at a private residence, dealership, workplace, office parking lot, or another agreed-upon meeting place. This eliminates the need to transport the vehicle to a repair shop and makes the inspection process convenient for both the buyer and seller.

How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?

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Most pre-purchase inspections take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the vehicle's condition, complexity, and accessibility. Larger trucks, luxury vehicles, or vehicles requiring more extensive evaluation may take slightly longer.

Will I receive a report after the inspection?

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Yes. After completing the inspection, our mechanic will explain the vehicle's condition, discuss any mechanical or safety concerns, provide photographs when appropriate, review diagnostic scan results (when applicable), and recommend any repairs that may be needed before or after purchase.

Can a pre-purchase inspection help me negotiate the price?

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Absolutely. Many buyers use our inspection findings to negotiate a lower purchase price or request that the seller complete repairs before finalizing the sale. Even relatively minor issues identified during the inspection can provide valuable negotiating leverage.

Can you inspect vehicles purchased from dealerships or private sellers?

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Yes. We inspect vehicles from dealerships, independent used car lots, private sellers, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Carvana, CarMax, auction vehicles, and other online marketplaces. Our inspection process remains independent regardless of where the vehicle is being sold.

What happens if you find serious problems?

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If we discover significant mechanical, structural, or safety issues, we'll explain exactly what we found, discuss the potential repair costs, and answer any questions you have. Our goal is to provide an objective assessment so you can decide whether to negotiate with the seller, request repairs, or walk away from the purchase.

Do you inspect hybrid and electric vehicles?

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Yes. Our network includes mechanics experienced in inspecting many hybrid and electric vehicles. During scheduling, we'll confirm the vehicle's make, model, and powertrain so we can assign a mechanic with the appropriate experience whenever possible.

Why should I choose Instant Car Fix for a pre-purchase inspection?

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Instant Car Fix provides convenient mobile pre-purchase inspections performed by experienced ASE-certified mechanics. We come directly to the vehicle, provide an independent evaluation, perform diagnostic scans when applicable, document our findings, and explain the vehicle's condition in clear, easy-to-understand language. Because we have no financial interest in whether you purchase the vehicle, our recommendations are unbiased and focused solely on helping you make an informed buying decision.

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What Our Customers Are Saying

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Star Star Star Star Star

I was alittle skeptical at first because I've never used a service like this before. After speaking with a very nice, respectful, and truly professional, I was so relieved!!! Kivan, you are an amazing young man and I hope the company recognizes that. A huge Thank you for your kindness, helpful tactics, and going the extra mile to help me. May God Bless you with greatness. 😊 Update 7/27: I had the best experience of my life. Jim G. is such an amazing mechanic and did a great job on my vehicle. He was very professional, he also explained things I needed to know about my vehicle. Great mechanic that I highly recommend. Thank you.

Star Star Star Star Star

The technician arrive and begun the work. He knew what had to be done and did it. He was very knowledge of the work. I would have no problem hiring the company and him again. Keep up the good work.

Star Star Star Star Star

The mechanic showed up on time. Removing my O2 sensor was a tough task. He did not give up! I would recommend this service if you do not want to leave the comfort of your home.

Star Star Star Star Star

Mechanics showed up on time and resolved the issue by replacing starter. He was very professional and friendly. He explained what happened and how he fixed the problem. Mechanics was very knowledgeable and I will gladly call again. Thank you to him and the team.

Star Star Star Star Star

Got my van fixed and I can get around again so that’s all that matters. Had a good knowledge mechanic named Greg and he was very helpful and actually got the total job done in good time. Not sure about the price but you have to pay an arm and leg sometimes to get the job done, I’m driving again and that’s all that matters

Star Star Star Star Star

Easy to make appointment. The service was great. Nothing against my local repair shop but I needed help right away and this worked for me.

Star Star Star Star Star

Outstanding service! Knowledgeable and professional staff. The mechanic was ASE certified. Will be back for sure

Star Star Star Star Star

My experience was great. Other than a slight delay due to the weather the service was great. My Mechanic Edi got right to it. Fixed my ball joint and got me back on the road. Thanks Edi and Instant Car Fix.

Star Star Star Star Star

I’m extremely satisfied with the service. The mechanic arrived on time. The whole process was smooth and the repair was completed quicker than I expected. Instant Car Fix definitely earned my trust. The work performed was replacing the HVAC blower motor on my 2008 Lexus RX 400h. Pictures show the broken strut that was replaced,

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