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Frequently Asked Questions

Question:  How many photos are included with the inspection report?

Answer: We include at least sixty photos of the vehicle that we are inspecting.  Depending on our findings we often add many more photos to provide additional detail for you.

Question:  What do you check on the tires that are on the vehicle?

 

Answer: We check each tire, including the spare, for sidewall integrity, meaning no visible  cracks, bulges, gashes, damage or rot.  Next we check the tread depth and also check for uneven wear, which could indicate suspension, steering or other issues.   We also check the tire's date of manufacture.

Question:  Are the pre-purchase inspections completed only at dealers or private sales too?

Answer: We complete our pre-purchase inspections at motor vehicle dealers and private sales.  For private sales, we can meet the seller at their home or place of work.

Question:  Do you test drive the vehicle?

 

Answer: Yes, we test drive the vehicle unless it is dangerous to do so, or if it fails to start.  The test drive is vital in any pre-purchase inspection as it allows our inspector to ascertain the condition and safety of the motor vehicle.

Question:  What are the other inspection services that you provide besides pre-purchase inspections?

Answer: We also do pre-sales inspections for sellers of motor vehicles, this helps the seller by providing a completely unbiased inspection report to a potential buyer, and gives the buyer confidence in the vehicle they are considering buying.  Another valuable inspection we provide is our End of Warranty motor vehicle inspection, this ensures that whether you have a used car warranty or a new car warranty you can request the dealer to complete any repairs before the warranty expiration.

Question:  How much notice do you need before I can get my pre-purchase inspection completed?

Answer: We can usually complete your motor vehicle inspection the next day, if the dealer or private seller is available.

Question:  If the Check Engine light is on do you clear the codes after your inspection?

Answer: We DO NOT clear any OBD codes during our inspection.  We have often encountered vehicles that have a check engine light on and we advise against purchasing those vehicles that have had their OBD codes cleared without completing the necessary repairs. 

Question:  Why should I pay for a pre-purchase inspection when the car looks fine to me?

Answer: Even cars that look perfect can have hidden mechanical issues that only a trained professional can identify. Our inspection provides peace of mind and could save you thousands in unexpected repairs.

Question:   The seller already provided a vehicle history report. Isn't that enough?

Answer: History reports only show reported incidents and maintenance. They can't reveal current mechanical conditions, unreported accidents, or developing issues that our hands-on inspection can identify.

Question:  How much money could a pre-purchase inspection save me?

Answer: Our customers typically save 3-10 times the cost of the inspection by either negotiating price reductions based on our findings or avoiding problematic vehicles altogether. Major hidden issues can cost thousands to repair.

Question:  Do you check the Title for the vehicle?

 

Answer: Yes, we check a number of points on the Title, including whether there is any 'Branding' or 'Salvage' shown on the Title, if the person selling the vehicle is in fact the owner, if a re-assignment has been completed by someone other than the person selling the vehicle.​  

Question:  Do you check for Recalls completed and not completed?

 

Answer: Yes, we check for recalls.  If there is a manufacturers recall then it has to be remedied by an Authorized Dealer, and there is no charge to the consumer, it is paid by the vehicle manufacturer. Sometimes, the remedy is not available but the dealer will advise you when it is available.

Question:  Do you do pre-purchase for Classic cars?

 

Answer: Yes, we can complete inspections on Classic and Exotic cars.  Import cars or American.  Whether they are pre-OBD, OBD1 or OBD2.  Classic and Exotic cars can be very expensive to repair, so getting an inspection completed may save you significant amounts of money and let you enjoy your dream car.

Question:  What if the seller won't allow an inspection?

 

Answer: This is a major red flag. Reluctance to allow an inspection often indicates the seller is hiding something. We recommend walking away from any deal where inspection is refused.

Question:  I'm buying from a dealership with a warranty. Do I still need an inspection?

 

Answer: Yes, absolutely. Many dealership warranties are limited and may not cover existing issues. Our inspection helps you understand exactly what you're buying before signing any paperwork.

Question:  What if the car is being sold "as-is"?

 

Answer: "As-is" sales are exactly why you need an inspection. With no recourse after purchase, knowing exactly what issues exist before buying is crucial to making an informed decision.

Question: Can't I just take it to my regular mechanic?

 

Answer: While that's an option, we specialize exclusively in pre-purchase inspections with standardized reports and no conflict of interest. Unlike repair shops, we don't benefit from finding problems we could fix later.

Question:  I'm buying from a private seller who seems honest. Do I still need an inspection?

Answer: Even honest sellers may not know about mechanical issues with their vehicles. Many problems develop gradually and aren't noticeable during regular driving.

Question:  The car is certified pre-owned. Is an inspection still necessary?

 

Answer: Yes. CPO programs vary widely in thoroughness, and some issues may still be overlooked or deemed "within acceptable limits" by the selling dealer. We provide an unbiased, comprehensive assessment.

Question:  How can an inspection help me negotiate a better price?

Answer: Our detailed inspection report provides documented evidence of any issues, giving you concrete figures for repair costs that can be used to negotiate the purchase price down accordingly.

Question:  What if I'm buying the car from out of state?

Answer: Remote purchases have even greater risk. We cover all New England States. Our inspection service can be your eyes and hands on the ground, ensuring you don't travel only to discover deal-breaking issues with the vehicle.

Question:  What makes your inspection better than a casual look by my car-savvy friend?

 

Answer: We use professional diagnostic equipment, have extensive training across all vehicle types, and follow a comprehensive inspection checklist that examines over 150 points on the vehicle.

Question:  What if the inspection finds nothing wrong?

 

Answer: That's the best outcome! You'll drive away with confidence and peace of mind knowing your investment is sound. Consider it insurance for your car purchase.

Question:  The car is still under manufacturer warranty. Is an inspection still worth it?

Answer: Yes. Warranties don't cover everything, and having documentation of the car's condition at purchase can help with warranty claims. Plus, some issues might not be covered but could affect your satisfaction.

Question:   The seller claims the car was "babied" and well-maintained. Why not take their word?

 

Answer: Personal assessments are subjective. Our objective inspection provides factual evidence of the vehicle's condition beyond service records or owner claims.

Question:  How much does your inspection cost compared to potential repair costs?

Answer: Our inspection fee is typically less than the cost of even a minor repair. Identifying just one significant issue could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Question:  Can't I just check for problems during a test drive?

Answer: Many serious issues won't be apparent during a brief test drive. We check systems that only show problems over time or under specific conditions that may not occur during your test drive.

Question:  How many keys does the car have?

Answer: This is a serious question.  You are buying your late model dream car and the seller states that he has two keys to give to you, but during our inspection we discover that there are actually four keys!  This is a security issue not to be trivialized.

Question:  What makes your inspection worth the money compared to other purchase expenses?

 

Answer: Consider this: you'll likely spend on insurance, registration, and taxes when buying a car. An inspection is the only expense that can potentially save you money and prevent future headaches.

Question:   Can I get a pre-purchase inspection done on the weekend?

 

Answer: Yes, we usually have inspectors available weekends, as well as weekdays.

Question:   I'm looking to buy a car from Carvana or CarMax, they already have multipoint inspections done, why should I get yours?

 

Answer: Both of these used car dealers use their own staff to complete their multipoint inspections for their website.

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