How a Pre-Purchase Inspection Works
You book online. We assign an ASE-certified inspector near the vehicle and coordinate scheduling with the seller directly. The inspector goes to wherever the car is and performs a 200+ point inspection. You receive a photo report within 1–2 business days — and you do not need to be there.
The five steps
- 1
You book online
Enter the vehicle details and location, the seller's contact information, and anything you want the inspector to focus on. Payment is authorized but not charged.
Before ordering, confirm with the seller that they are willing to allow an independent inspection. Without their permission we physically cannot perform one.
- 2
We assign a certified inspector
An ASE-certified mechanic near the vehicle is assigned. Most are ASE-certified with 2+ years as a mechanic, or have 7+ years as a dealership master technician.
- 3
We coordinate with the seller
We contact the seller directly using the details you provided and arrange a time that works for them. You do not need to arrange anything yourself.
If the seller is flexible on timing but slow to commit, that is normal and we will work with them. Indefinite delay with no time ever confirmed is usually a soft refusal.
- 4
The inspector visits the vehicle
The inspector travels to wherever the car is — a private seller's home, a dealership, anywhere else — and performs a 200+ point inspection including a road test and an OBD-II scan.
We ask that you do not attend. It lets the inspector work without distraction and keeps the evaluation unbiased.
- 5
You receive the report
A detailed digital report arrives by email with photos, findings across every system, and a free VIN vehicle history report — within 1–2 business days of your order.
What you need to book
- The address where the vehicle is located
- The seller's contact information, so we can coordinate directly
- The VIN or stock number, if the car is at a dealership
- Any specific concerns you want the inspector to address
- The seller's agreement that an independent inspection can happen
The one thing only you can do: get the seller’s agreement before you order. Everything else we handle. But our entire service depends on the seller granting access to the vehicle — if they refuse, there is no workaround, and we would rather you know that before paying. If a seller does refuse, that is worth reading as a signal in itself: what it means when a seller won’t allow an inspection.
Common questions
How long does the whole process take?
You receive the report within 1–2 business days of placing your order. That window covers scheduling with the seller, performing the inspection and delivering the report. We operate Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm Central, and do not perform weekend inspections. We do not offer same-day, rush or expedited service.
Do I need to be there for the inspection?
No — and we ask that you are not. It lets the inspector work without distractions and keeps the evaluation focused and unbiased. Everything is documented in the report with photos.
Do I have to arrange anything with the seller?
Only one thing: confirm before you order that the seller is willing to allow an independent inspection. After that we handle all scheduling and coordination directly with them. Our service depends entirely on the seller granting access — if they refuse, we cannot perform the inspection, which is why we ask you to check first rather than pay for something that cannot be delivered.
What if the seller refuses an inspection?
Practically, there is no workaround — without access the inspection cannot happen. It is also one of the strongest warning signs in a used-car purchase: a seller confident in their vehicle has nothing to lose from an independent mechanic looking at it. Refusal commonly means undisclosed mechanical, accident or title problems.
Can you inspect a car at a dealership?
Yes, at the same price. Have the VIN or stock number ready when you book. Reputable dealers generally allow independent inspections — a refusal from a dealer is as informative as one from a private seller.
Can you inspect a car at an auction?
Contact us at info@carinspections.com before placing an order. Some auction houses do not permit independent mechanics on site, and we would rather confirm access is possible than take payment for an inspection that cannot happen.
Can I talk to the inspector directly?
Direct communication with inspectors is not available, for privacy and logistical reasons. You can add notes and specific instructions for the inspector during checkout — areas of concern, details to focus on — and those reach them before the inspection.
What happens if the car sells before you inspect it?
You receive a full refund, or if your card was only pre-authorized, we release the hold and no charge ever occurs. You are never charged for an inspection that could not be completed.
Ready to book?
Confirm the seller is happy for an inspection to happen, then we take it from there.