Mobile across Tampa Bay
Pre-purchase car inspections in Tampa
Buying a used car, especially a used German one? We inspect it where it's parked, scan every module, and send you a written report with photos before you hand over any money.
Or call or text (813) 214-5744 · 9am–9pm · 7 days
Why a used German car is worth inspecting
German cars store faults quietly. A dashboard can look clean while the ABS, airbag or parking brake module has a fault stored, or while codes were cleared the day before the sale.
A full-system scan shows what's stored, and whether the car's self-tests have been reset recently. Add a look at the known weak points for that engine, and you know what you're buying.
A report you can negotiate with
You get a written report with photos. If something needs work, it's documented, and a photo of a leak is hard to argue with.
Plenty of buyers use the report to agree a better price. Others use it to walk away from a car they would have regretted.
Private sellers and dealer lots
We'll inspect in a driveway, an apartment lot or at a dealership, as long as the seller allows it. You don't need to be there. A seller who won't allow an independent inspection has already told you something.
This is a mechanical inspection. Title and ownership history come from a vehicle history report, and it's worth running one alongside.
$150 when you book online
The inspection is $150 when you book online and $175 otherwise. It takes about 45 minutes on site, on any make.
On German cars
- We check the known weak points for the engine. On a BMW six-cylinder that means the oil filter housing gasket. On a VW or Audi 2.0 turbo, the cooling system around the water pump and thermostat.
- Brake wear sensors and service reminders are checked against the actual pads, so you know whether the brakes are close to due.
- Every module gets scanned, including ABS, airbag and parking brake. These are the faults a test drive won't show you.
What's included
- Full-system scan, and a check for codes cleared before the sale
- Fluids, leaks and the known weak points for that engine
- Brakes, tires, suspension and steering
- Road test where the seller allows it
- Signs of accident repair or water exposure
- Written report with photos
German makes
Specialists in
Every make welcome. These are the ones we know best.
Questions
Pre-purchase inspection, answered
How much is a pre-purchase inspection?
$150 when you book online, $175 otherwise. It takes about 45 minutes and you get a written report with photos.
Do I have to be there?
No. Tell us where the car is and how to reach the seller, and we'll send you the report.
Will you inspect a car at a dealership?
Yes, at any dealership that allows it. If a dealer won't allow an independent inspection, that's worth knowing before you sign.
Do you inspect cars that aren't German?
Yes, every make. We just know exactly where to look on the German ones.
Published prices
Everything we price up front
| Service | What's included | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic | Full-system scan, live data and a plain answer | $125Goes toward your repair |
| Pre-purchase inspection | About 45 minutes, written report with photos | $150Booked online · $175 otherwise |
| Battery replacement | Any vehicle, registered to the car where it needs it | $125Labor only |
| Brakes, all four wheels | Pads and rotors, most vehicles | $245Labor only |
| Alternator | Charging system tested before anything is replaced | From$155Labor only |
| Starter | Battery and starting circuit tested first | From$145Labor only |
| Repair prices are labor only. Parts are quoted for your exact car before any work starts. No travel fee, and nothing changes without a call. | ||
Other services
Also at your car
Diagnostic
Every module scanned, the fault tested, and a plain answer on what it will cost.
Details$245 laborBrake repair
Pads and rotors on all four wheels, parking brake service mode and sensors done properly.
Details$125 laborBattery replacement
$125 labor on any vehicle. Tested first, and registered to the car where it needs it.
DetailsBook it, or ask us first
Pick a time online, or tell us what the car is doing and we'll come back with a price.
Or call or text (813) 214-5744 · 9am–9pm · 7 days