Know What You're Buying Before You Sign
Buying a used car is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make — and it's one of the riskiest. A car can look perfect on the outside while hiding thousands of dollars in mechanical problems underneath. Sellers (both private and dealers) aren't always forthcoming about a vehicle's true condition.
A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic is your insurance policy against buying someone else's problem. Our mobile mechanics travel to the seller's location, the dealership, or wherever the car is in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and surrounding areas to perform a comprehensive evaluation — so you don't have to ask the seller to bring it to a shop (which most won't do).
What Our Inspection Covers
Our pre-purchase inspection is thorough — typically taking 60–90 minutes. Here's what we check:
Engine & Drivetrain
- Engine compression and running condition
- Oil condition and level (checking for metal flakes, coolant contamination, or sludge)
- All fluid conditions — transmission, coolant, brake, power steering
- Engine leaks — oil, coolant, fuel
- Belt and hose condition
- Exhaust smoke analysis (white, blue, or black smoke = problems)
- Transmission shift quality (automatic and manual)
Computer Diagnostics
- Full OBD-II scan — active codes, pending codes, and stored history
- Readiness monitors — were codes recently cleared to hide problems?
- Module communication check
- ABS, airbag, and transmission module scan
Brakes, Suspension & Steering
- Brake pad/rotor thickness measurement
- Suspension component inspection — shocks, struts, ball joints, tie rods
- Steering play and alignment indicators
- CV joints and boots
Electrical & Interior
- Battery and charging system test
- All lights — headlights, turn signals, brake lights
- AC system operation and vent temperature
- Power windows, locks, mirrors, seats
- Radio, backup camera, infotainment
Exterior & Undercarriage
- Tire condition, tread depth, and matching
- Body panel gaps (accident indicators)
- Paint condition — checking for respray (different textures, overspray)
- Frame and structural inspection for accident damage or rust
- Undercarriage corrosion check — critical in Florida's salt-air environment
- Flood damage indicators — water lines, mud deposits, musty smells, corroded connectors
Test Drive
- Engine performance under acceleration
- Transmission shifting behavior
- Brake feel and stopping performance
- Suspension noise and handling
- Unusual sounds at speed
Why Florida Cars Need Extra Scrutiny
South Florida's environment creates unique risks for used car buyers:
- Flood damage: Florida is the #1 state for hurricane-damaged vehicles being resold. We check for hidden water damage that a title wash may have concealed.
- Salt air corrosion: Coastal vehicles in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa Bay develop undercarriage corrosion that's invisible from the surface.
- Heat damage: Extreme heat degrades rubber components, batteries, and interior materials faster than cooler climates.
- UV damage: Florida's intense sun fades paint, cracks dashboards, and deteriorates weather stripping.
What You Get After the Inspection
- Detailed written report covering every system inspected with condition ratings
- Estimated repair costs for any issues found
- Photo documentation of any problems discovered
- Honest buy/don't-buy recommendation — we're working for you, not the seller
- Negotiation leverage — use our findings to negotiate a fair price
Mobile Inspection Is the Only Way That Makes Sense
- Go to the car — you don't need to convince the seller to take it to a shop
- Check it where it sits — we can inspect at a private seller's home, a dealership, even an auction lot
- No pressure — you get an unbiased report before you commit to anything
- Save thousands — catching a single hidden problem can save you 10x the cost of the inspection
Pre-Purchase Inspection Pricing
- Standard inspection (most vehicles): $150–$200
- Luxury/European vehicle inspection: $175–$250
- Diesel truck/RV inspection: $200–$300
The cost of an inspection is a fraction of what you'd spend fixing an undiscovered problem. Consider it the best insurance money can buy when purchasing a used vehicle.
Service Areas
Fort Lauderdale area: Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Plantation, Sunrise, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach, Davie, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Boca Raton
Tampa area: Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Temple Terrace, Carrollwood, Lutz, Plant City