Pre-Purchase Car Inspection – Buy with Confidence
Comprehensive Used Car Inspections at Your Location
Buying a used car comes with risks. Without a proper inspection, you could end up with a vehicle that has hidden mechanical issues, accident damage, or costly repairs. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) helps you make an informed decision before committing to a purchase. At Lakeside Mobile Mechanic, we bring expert vehicle inspections directly to you—whether the car is at a dealership, private seller’s location, or auction lot.
Why Choose Lakeside Mobile Mechanic for a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
✔ On-Site Convenience – We come to the seller’s location, whether it’s a home, dealership, or auction lot.
✔ Same-Day & Next-Day Service – Fast inspections so you don’t miss out on a great deal.
✔ Comprehensive Reports – A detailed assessment with photos and recommendations.
✔ Certified & Experienced Mechanics – We know what to look for in used vehicles.
✔ Unbiased & Transparent Evaluation – We work for you, not the seller.
You Need a Pre-Purchase Inspection If you are:
🚨 Buying from a private seller without service records.
🚨 Purchasing a car from out of state or online.
🚨 Uncertain about previous accidents or hidden repairs.
🚨 Unsure if the vehicle is worth the asking price.
🚨 The seller refuses to provide a vehicle history report
What’s Included in a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
✔ Engine Diagnostics – Checking for leaks, unusual noises, and warning lights.
✔ Transmission Health – Ensuring smooth shifting and no slipping.
✔ Brake System Check – Examining brake pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid levels.
✔ Suspension & Steering Assessment – Testing control arms, shocks, ball joints, and tie rods.
✔ Electrical System Check – Verifying lights, battery, alternator, and dashboard alerts.
✔ Tire & Wheel Inspection – Checking for uneven wear and proper alignment.
✔ Frame & Exterior Inspection – Looking for rust, dents, or prior accident damage.
✔ Fluid Condition Check – Assessing oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid levels.
✔ OBD-II Computer Diagnostics – Scanning for stored error codes and hidden performance issues.
✔ Road Test (If Permitted) – Evaluating real-world handling, braking, and acceleration.
Benefits of a Pre-Purchase Inspection
🛠 Avoid Costly Repairs – Identify hidden issues before buying.
🛠 Negotiate a Better Deal – Use the inspection report to lower the price.
🛠 Peace of Mind – Know that the car is safe and reliable.
🛠 Ensure Safety & Performance – Avoid breakdowns and future repairs.
How Much Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost?
A PPI typically costs between $99 – $250, depending on the level of detail required. This small investment can save you thousands in unexpected repairs by identifying potential mechanical or safety concerns before purchase.
Schedule Your Pre-Purchase Inspection Today!
Don’t take chances. Get a professional inspection before you buy!
Mobile Pre-Purchase Inspection – Serving North Idaho
Lakeside Mobile Mechanic provides on-site pre-purchase vehicle inspections in Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, Hayden, Rathdrum, Dalton Gardens, and surrounding areas. Whether you’re buying from a dealership, private seller, or online marketplace, we offer an independent, unbiased assessment to help you make the right choice.
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a comprehensive evaluation of a used vehicle before purchase. It helps uncover hidden mechanical issues, previous accident damage, or potential costly repairs. A certified mechanic inspects key areas such as the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, frame, and electrical system to ensure the vehicle is in good condition. A PPI can save you from buying a problematic vehicle.
- Engine diagnostics – Checking for leaks, unusual noises, or warning lights.
- Transmission health – Ensuring smooth gear shifts and no slipping.
- Brake system check – Examining brake pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid levels.
- Suspension and steering – Testing control arms, shocks, ball joints, and tie rods.
- Electrical system check – Verifying lights, battery, alternator, and dashboard alerts.
- Tire and wheel evaluation – Checking for uneven wear and wheel alignment.
- Frame and exterior inspection – Identifying rust, dents, or prior accident damage.
- Fluid condition – Assessing oil, coolant, transmission, and brake fluid levels.
The cost of a PPI varies based on the depth of the inspection, but prices typically range from $99 to $250. This minor cost can save you thousands by avoiding a vehicle with major hidden issues.
Yes, a frame and body inspection can reveal signs of previous accidents, such as uneven panel gaps, repainting, rust, or structural repairs. A vehicle history report can also provide insight into prior accidents or damage.
Absolutely! A mobile pre-purchase inspection allows a certified mechanic to evaluate the vehicle at the dealership, private seller’s home, or auction lot. This service is convenient for buyers who cannot bring the car to a shop.
Yes! Carfax and AutoCheck reports only provide a vehicle’s history based on reported accidents or repairs. Many hidden mechanical issues do not show up on a report, so a professional inspection is still recommended.
Most PPI services take between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the vehicle’s condition and the level of detail required.
If the inspection reveals problems, you have a few options:
- Negotiate a lower price with the seller based on repair costs.
- Request the seller fix major issues before finalizing the sale.
- Walk away if the issues are too significant or costly.
A PPI helps you make an informed decision and avoid buying a car with expensive repairs.
Pre-purchase inspections are available for various vehicles, including:
- Used cars from private sellers
- Dealership-certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles
- Classic cars and restored vehicles
- Trucks, SUVs, and fleet vehicles
- Auction cars before bidding
Yes! Same-day and next-day mobile pre-purchase inspections are available, allowing you to secure a vehicle before someone else buys it.