You found the car. The photos look clean, the seller says "no issues," and the price feels right. But here's the thing — every used car seller says "no issues." A pre-purchase inspection is the only way to know what you're actually buying.
We do mobile pre-purchase inspections across the GTA. We come to the seller's location — their house, the dealership, wherever the car is — and go through it thoroughly. Here's exactly what that looks like.
What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost?
Our 150-point mobile inspection starts at $180. That's the cost of not finding out the car needs $3,000 in suspension work after you've already handed over the money.
The average used car in the GTA costs $15,000-$30,000. Spending $180 to verify what you're buying is the easiest math you'll ever do.
Our 150-Point Inspection Checklist
🔧 Engine & Drivetrain
- Visual inspection for oil leaks, coolant leaks, power steering leaks
- Check engine oil condition and level
- Coolant condition (looking for rust, oil contamination — signs of a head gasket issue)
- Transmission fluid condition (burnt smell = trouble)
- Belt and hose condition
- Listen for engine noises (knock, tick, whine)
- Check engine mounts
- Exhaust smoke analysis (white, blue, black — each means something different)
🛞 Brakes
- Brake pad thickness remaining
- Rotor condition (scored, warped, rusted)
- Caliper condition (leaks, seized)
- Brake line inspection
- Brake fluid condition
- Parking brake function
🏎️ Suspension & Steering
- Strut/shock condition (bounce test + visual)
- Control arm bushings
- Tie rod ends (play check)
- Sway bar links
- Ball joints
- Wheel bearings (noise + play)
- Steering rack (play, leaks)
⚡ Electrical
- Battery load test
- Alternator output
- All lights (headlights, taillights, signals, brake lights)
- Power windows, locks, mirrors
- A/C operation
- Heater operation
- Dashboard warning lights (and OBD2 code scan)
🚗 Body & Frame
- Paint thickness measurement (detects previous body work/accidents)
- Panel gap alignment
- Undercarriage rust inspection
- Frame damage indicators
- Windshield and glass condition
- Tire condition and tread depth (all 4 + spare)
🛣️ Road Test
- Cold start behavior
- Transmission shift quality (hard shifts, slipping, delayed engagement)
- Brake performance
- Steering feel and alignment
- Suspension noise over bumps
- Engine performance under load
- Highway behavior (vibration, noise, stability)
💡 The OBD2 Scan Matters: We plug in a diagnostic scanner and pull all stored and pending codes. Some sellers clear the check engine light right before showing the car — pending codes reveal what they tried to hide.
What We've Caught for Buyers
Real examples from recent inspections in the GTA:
- 2018 BMW 330i — Seller said "no issues." We found a cracked valve cover gasket leaking onto the exhaust manifold, worn rear brakes, and 3 stored misfire codes. Estimated repair cost: $2,400.
- 2019 Honda CR-V — Paint thickness on the front fender was 3x the rest of the car. Previous accident — never disclosed. Buyer walked.
- 2017 VW Golf R — Transmission fluid was dark and burnt at 80,000 km. DSG service was overdue by 40,000 km. Buyer negotiated $1,500 off the price.
When Should You Get a PPI?
Before you hand over any money. Not after. Not "I'll get it checked out later." Before.
This applies whether you're buying from:
- A private seller on Kijiji or Facebook Marketplace
- A used car dealership
- A friend or family member (yes, even them)
- An auction
If the seller refuses to let a mechanic inspect the car, that's your answer. Walk away.
How to Book a Mobile PPI
Call 647-450-0406 and tell us:
- The year, make, and model
- Where the car is located
- When you want us there
We come to the seller's location — you don't have to move anything. Results discussed on-site and sent to you in writing. Same-day availability across the GTA.
Buying a used car?
Don't inherit someone else's problems. $180 now saves thousands later.
Book a PPI — 647-450-0406