Pre-Purchase Inspection in San Jose, CA
Buying used? Get a full multi-point report with photos before you hand over a dime.
What a pre-purchase inspection is
A pre-purchase inspection is an independent look at a used car before you buy it, done by a shop with no stake in the sale. The seller knows the car better than you do. An inspection evens that out, so you can decide with facts instead of a test drive and a good feeling.
When you should get one
- You are buying from a private seller.
- The car is sold as-is or is out of its factory warranty.
- It is a higher-mileage car, or a luxury model where a single repair can be expensive.
- There are no service records, or the records have gaps.
- Something on the test drive felt off, or a warning light was on.
It is worth doing on a dealer car too. A second opinion from an independent shop is worth having before you sign.
What we check
We go through the car system by system:
- Engine and transmission: leaks, noises, fluid condition and how it runs
- Stored trouble codes, and whether codes appear to have been cleared recently
- Brakes, tires, suspension and steering
- Cooling system, belts and hoses
- A/C, charging system and the electrical features
- Underbody, and signs of past body or accident repair
Our certified technicians use dealer-level diagnostic equipment, which matters most on Lexus, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the four makes we know best. We inspect all makes and models.
What you get
You get a full multi-point report with photos, so you can see what we saw. We explain what is urgent, what can wait and what is normal wear for the car's age and miles. You can use the report to negotiate, to plan for repairs, or to walk away from the wrong car before you hand over a dime.
What to expect
Agree on a time with the seller, then call us or book online to reserve the slot. A seller who stands behind the car will usually agree to an inspection. If you buy the car and want work done, we give you a written estimate first, and no work begins without your approval.
Related services
- Engine Diagnostics & Repair if the inspection finds a warning light or stored code
- Brakes & Suspension to take care of worn parts after you buy
- Factory Scheduled Maintenance to start your ownership with a known service history
Bring it to our San Jose shop on Keyes St. Book a time online or call (408) 298-7777.
Five minutes from Downtown San Jose.
San Jose, CA 95112
Questions we hear every week.
How do I set up an inspection on a car I do not own yet?
Agree on a time with the seller, then call or text us to reserve the slot. Most sellers who are confident in their car are happy to have it inspected.
What do I get at the end?
A multi-point report with photos showing what we found, and an explanation of what is urgent, what can wait and what is normal wear for the car's age.
Should I get an inspection on a car from a dealer?
Yes, especially if it is sold as-is or is out of factory warranty. An independent inspection gives you a second opinion from a shop with no stake in the sale.
Do you inspect makes other than Lexus, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes-Benz?
Yes. Those four are our specialty, and we inspect all makes and models, foreign and domestic.