Vehicle Inspection Services


How do you know the vehicle is in the condition claimed by the seller?
Don't get the bad news when it's too late! Before you transfer any money to the seller, get a vehicle inspection to ensure the car is in the condition you expect.

Verifying the condition of an out-of-state used vehicle can be the toughest part of an online vehicle purchase. We can help you conduct a car inspection in another state. Our pre-purchase vehicle inspections offer:

What's Included With Vehicle Inspection Services?

The inspection report details problems with the major components of the vehicle.
This is a visual inspection - no diagnostic tests are performed.

Your vehicle inspection will include:

Body Panels
Engine & Engine Compartment
Brakes & Transmission
Window Glass
Wheels & Tires
Vehicle Interior/Seats/Upholstery
Dash/Controls/HVAC/Stereo
Road Test

The above list is just a summary of what is included in our vehicle inspection services.
Many additional items are also checked.

You will receive a complete, multi-page report addressing the condition of the vehicle, together with dozens of photos of the major interior and exterior parts of the vehicle. All conveniently delivered right to your email.

Besides the physical inspection, also consider having the title checked out and using an escrow service such as Buyer Guardian to transfer payment to the seller. This way, you are fully protected from fraud.


Getting a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Saved Me

"I told the seller that one of the biggest concerns I had was rust. In his first e-mail he indicated that there wasn't any. Well, the inspection photos certainly revealed that was not the case. Anyway, I'm back to my search for another BMW 318i, preferably an iS. I'll be sure to give you a call when I find one."

Greg – Crownsville, MD



Pre-Purchase Inspection Questions

What is included in a pre-purchase vehicle inspection?

You receive an inspection report together with detailed photos of the interior and exterior of the car. The inspection report details any problems with the condition of the major components of the vehicle. This is a visual inspection - no diagnostic tests are performed.

What qualifications are held by the inspectors performing these inspections?

Most inspectors are ASE certified (see the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence website for details) and have worked in the industry for years.

How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?

That depends upon the availability of the seller's vehicle. Inspections are typically completed and a report is forwarded to you in 3-4 business days, and often sooner.

Are all inspections the same price?

Older cars (20+ years), exotic or classic cars and cars located in rural areas may all cost more to inspect. We'll contact you to let you know if this is the case for your online order, or you can call us at 1-800-416-8357 to determine if your vehicle will cost more than normal to inspect.

Is the vehicle title or vehicle maintenance paperwork checked as a part of the inspection?

Not usually. The Gold and Platinum Protection plans do include title verification - we verify the title and ownership of the vehicle. Inspections do not include title verification.

Does the inspection include a diagnostic or compression check?

The vehicle is inspected on site - typically at the home of the seller. Detailed diagnostic or compression checks are just not viable. However, inspectors do check for oil pressure (where possible), "blow-by" and fluid leaks. These checks will likely identify any internal engine problems.

Can I speak with the inspector after the inspection is complete?

Schedules can make this very difficult. We try to accommodate such a request when we can. Additional fees may apply (we have to pay the inspector for their time!).

How much is an inspection? Can I get an inspection only?

An inspection is included in the Basic Protection and Platinum Protection plans. You may purchase an inspection only for $277. Older cars (1970 or older), exotic or classic cars and cars located in rural areas may all cost more to inspect. Please call us at 1-800-416-8357 to determine if your vehicle will cost more than normal to inspect.

Is the inspection guaranteed? What if I have problems with the vehicle later?

The inspection is NOT guaranteed. A vehicle contains a large number of parts that an inspector just cannot see or cannot test. Those parts may appear OK during the inspection but may later fail. Because we are not certifying the car and not performing diagnostic tests, we just can't guarantee the inspection. For those interested, more detailed and guaranteed inspections are available - call us at 1-800-416-8357 for details.

In addition, we can help you get quotes on extended warranties for your vehicle. Extended warranties cover most parts on your vehicle and can be a real benefit when you experience a mechanical failure or breakdown.

I am buying a numbers-matching GTO Judge and a 1932 Duesenberg. Will your inspections cover these vehicles?

We do offer an upgraded inspection service for collector vehicles and very expensive vehicles. The upgraded inspection covers dozens of additional points on the car, typically includes around 100 photos (versus about 20 with the standard inspection) and can check for original parts content and/or frame and engine numbers to ensure that they match. The upgraded inspection is $252 plus the cost of the standard inspection. To order an upgraded inspection, or to get more details about these inspections, please call us at 1-800-416-8357.

What is the cancellation policy?

We will refund your inspection fee if you cancel an inspection before the inspector departs for the inspection. The full amount of the inspection is refunded, less a $25 service fee. Sorry, but no refund is available once the inspection is complete. Please also note that the full inspection fee is charged to you if an inspection appointment is scheduled by the inspector but the seller does not show up.


Let us help you protect your vehicle purchase

Enter your zip code:      


Let us help you protect your
vehicle purchase

Enter your zip code:

Other Services:

Our Customers Love Us

Regarding a vehicle inspection for a car that was not in the condition represented by the seller:

"... I did not buy the Jag. Before the bidding closed, you sent me the photos and report so I had a chance to view them. The photos were very revealing; the car was not exactly what the owner stated - your man did a great job."

Allen – Sioux Falls, SD