A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) at our Beaverton shop is a 60 to 90 minute check of a used car by an ASE-certified technician with no stake in the sale. It costs $107.95. We road test the car, scan it for trouble codes, and check every major system from the engine and brakes to the underside. You get a written report in plain English with estimated repair costs, so you know what you are buying before you pay for it.
Why get a used car inspected before you buy?
A good used car and one with hidden problems can feel exactly the same on a short test drive. An inspection tells them apart before you pay.
You’ve found what seems like the perfect used car. The price is fair, the photos look great, and the seller seems honest. But that nagging feeling in your gut won’t go away.
Some used cars are excellent value, and some are carrying problems their owners never mentioned. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) puts the car in front of a technician who has no stake in the sale, so you know what you are buying before you pay for it.
Where can I get a pre-purchase inspection in Beaverton?
At MotorCar Doctors Auto Repair in Beaverton, we inspect used cars for buyers from Beaverton, Portland, Tigard, Hillsboro and the surrounding areas. Our goal is to give you certainty, not guesswork, about the vehicle you’re considering.
Even vehicles with clean titles and attractive appearances can harbor serious mechanical issues that won’t become apparent until after you’ve signed the paperwork. That’s why we’ve developed a comprehensive inspection process that leaves no stone unturned.
What do you check in a used car inspection?
We road test the car, scan it for trouble codes, and check every major system from the engine and brakes to the underside. The full list is below.
When you bring a vehicle to MotorCar Doctors Auto Repair at 13203 SW Canyon Rd, Ste C, Beaverton, Oregon 97005, you’re getting a thorough evaluation by ASE-certified technicians with no stake in whether you buy the car or walk away.
Our technicians work for you, not the seller. We have no relationship with the seller, no commission on the sale, and no reason to sugarcoat our findings.
Our inspection includes:
- Engine performance evaluation and diagnostics: we perform comprehensive diagnostics, check for trouble codes, and assess engine performance under various conditions.
- Transmission assessment: we evaluate fluid condition, check for signs of neglect, and test shifting during a road test.
- Brake system inspection: we measure brake pad thickness, inspect rotors, and check for leaks or damage.
- Suspension and steering evaluation: we inspect shocks, struts, control arms, and look for signs of accident damage.
- Exhaust system check: we inspect for rust, leaks, and failing catalytic converters.
- Cooling system assessment: we check coolant levels, inspect hoses, and look for signs of overheating.
- Electrical system testing: we test the battery, alternator, and starter, ensuring all components function properly.
- Tire condition analysis: we measure tread depth and check for uneven wear patterns.
- Fluid level and condition checks: we inspect all fluids for contamination or neglect.
- Undercarriage examination: we look for rust, frame damage, and fluid leaks.
- Computer diagnostic scan: we identify stored or pending trouble codes.
- Road test: we evaluate acceleration, braking, steering, and overall drivability.
This isn’t a quick safety check. It’s a full evaluation designed to find hidden problems before you buy.
Why use an independent shop for a pre-purchase inspection?
Because an independent shop works only for you, not the seller. We have no stake in whether you buy the car.
The used car market is full of vehicles that look great in photos but hide serious issues. Sellers may not disclose problems, and even honest ones might not know their car’s true condition.
When you schedule an inspection with us, you’re hiring an advocate who works exclusively for your interests. We don’t care if you buy the car or not. Our only job is to provide you with the unvarnished truth.
Our inspections reveal:
- Immediate safety concerns: problems like brake failures, steering issues, or suspension damage.
- Expensive repairs the seller hasn’t disclosed: issues like oil-burning engines.
- Deferred maintenance: overdue oil changes, worn brake pads, or neglected fluid services.
- Evidence of past accidents: signs of collision repairs or frame damage.
- Fluid leaks: oil, coolant, or transmission fluid leaks that could lead to major failures.
- Wear items needing replacement soon: tires, brake pads, or other components nearing the end of their lifespan.
- Whether the asking price is fair: we help you determine if the price reflects the vehicle’s true condition.
- Red flags suggesting you should walk away: sometimes the best decision is to walk away from a bad deal.
Every inspection concludes with a detailed written report in plain English, explaining what we found, what it means, and what repairs might cost.
Is a Carfax report enough when buying a used car?
No. A Carfax report only shows reported accidents and title issues. It doesn’t show mechanical problems, overdue maintenance or hidden damage.
A clean Carfax is reassuring, but it’s not a substitute for a vehicle’s mechanical inspection.
A professional inspection protects you from:
- Buying a car with undisclosed damage: sellers don’t always disclose problems, whether through dishonesty or ignorance.
- Inheriting someone else’s deferred maintenance: neglected maintenance often leads to costly repairs.
- Overpaying for a vehicle needing costly repairs: our inspection gives you leverage to negotiate a fair price.
For a reasonable investment, you can avoid these pitfalls and buy with confidence.
How does a pre-purchase inspection work?
You book the inspection and bring the car to our shop. We spend 60 to 90 minutes on it, then give you a written report so you can decide.
We’ve made the process simple and stress-free for buyers in Beaverton, Portland, Hillsboro, Tigard, and beyond.
Step 1: Schedule your inspection. Call us at 503-626-4810 or visit our shop to book your inspection.
Step 2: Bring the vehicle to our shop. We do every inspection here. Coordinate with the seller to bring the car to MotorCar Doctors Auto Repair at 13203 SW Canyon Rd, Ste C, Beaverton, Oregon 97005. If you can’t bring it yourself, the seller or dealer can arrange to drop it off. Honest sellers will accommodate this request.
Step 3: Inspection. Our ASE-certified technicians will spend 60-90 minutes thoroughly inspecting the vehicle, documenting findings, and taking notes about any concerns.
Step 4: Get a detailed report. We’ll provide a written report explaining our findings, including descriptions of problems, their severity, and estimated repair costs.
Step 5: Make your decision. Armed with the facts, you can negotiate a fair price, ask the seller to address issues, or walk away from a bad deal.
Why choose MotorCar Doctors for a used car inspection?
Our ASE-certified technicians have no financial incentive to influence your decision, and we have worked on cars in Beaverton since 1995.
We’ve built our reputation on honesty and transparency.
What sets us apart:
- ASE-certified technicians with extensive experience: we have been working on cars in Beaverton since 1995 and know what to look for.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic tools: we use professional-grade equipment to evaluate modern vehicles.
- Detailed, unbiased reports: our written reports provide comprehensive documentation of our findings.
- Plain-English explanations: we explain our findings clearly, without confusing jargon.
- Convenient Beaverton location: our shop is easily accessible from throughout the Portland metro area.
How do I book a pre-purchase inspection?
Call 503-626-4810 to schedule your pre-purchase inspection, or visit MotorCar Doctors Auto Repair, 13203 SW Canyon Rd, Ste C, Beaverton, Oregon 97005.
A professional pre-purchase inspection provides the information and confidence you need to make a smart buying decision.