Used Car Pre-Purchase Inspection: What It Covers and What It Costs

A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is the single best investment you can make when buying a used car. For $100-$200, an independent mechanic examines the vehicle thoroughly and identifies current problems and upcoming repairs.

A thorough PPI covers: engine compression and leak testing, transmission operation, brake condition and measurements, suspension and steering components, exhaust system, cooling system, electrical systems, tire condition, and a test drive.

The mechanic should also check for signs of accident damage: misaligned body panels, paint thickness variations, weld marks in the trunk and under the hood, and frame damage. A visual inspection catches things Carfax misses.

Cost varies by vehicle type. Standard car PPI: $100-$200. Luxury or European car PPI: $150-$300. Classic car PPI: $200-$500. Some shops offer different tiers — basic visual versus comprehensive with diagnostic scanning.

The ideal PPI workflow: find a car you like, negotiate a tentative price, tell the seller you want a PPI (reputable sellers welcome this), take it to YOUR mechanic (not the seller's), get a written report, then renegotiate based on findings.

Red flags that should kill the deal: engine oil mixed with coolant (head gasket failure, $1,500-$3,000), transmission slipping or harsh shifts ($2,000-$5,000), significant frame damage, active check engine light for major systems, flood damage signs.

Yellow flags that warrant price renegotiation: worn brake pads ($300-$600), aging tires ($500-$1,000), minor oil leaks ($200-$800), worn suspension bushings ($400-$1,000), needed fluid flushes ($300-$500 total).

For cars under $10,000, the PPI often reveals $1,000-$3,000 in upcoming repairs. Use this to negotiate the price down. For cars over $20,000, the PPI protects a larger investment and is even more critical.

Dealerships sometimes resist PPIs. If a dealer won't let you take a car to an independent mechanic, walk away. Every reputable dealer allows inspections. Private sellers who refuse are also a red flag.

Mobile PPI services are growing. Companies like Lemon Squad and YourMechanic send mechanics to the car's location for $150-$250. This is convenient for long-distance purchases or when the car can't easily be moved.