Pre-Purchase & Pre-Trip Inspection

Thinking about buying a used Toyota, Lexus, Subaru, or Honda? Before you hand over your money, let our ASE Certified Master Mechanics give it a thorough, independent inspection. You’ll get a written report on the car’s condition, so you can buy with confidence, negotiate for needed repairs, or walk away.

Planning a long road trip? The same inspection is a smart way to make sure your car is ready.

This inspection is currently $250.

Call (503) 408-6385 or schedule your inspection online.

What’s in the Report

• Computer scan: warning light systems, including check engine, ABS, traction control, airbag, and tire pressure
• Emissions readiness: whether the car’s emissions monitors are ready (see below)
• Road test: steering, acceleration, braking feel, and noises
• Engine and transmission: power, sounds, acceleration, shifting, and clutch performance
• Under the hood: belts, hoses, timing belt or chain, air filter, and a sample spark plug checked for wear or oil fouling
• Battery and charging: battery strength tested against its rating, and the alternator tested with and without a load
• Fluids: condition, level, and leaks for engine oil, transmission, differentials, transfer case, power steering, brake, clutch, and coolant
• Cooling system: a pressure test and a check of the coolant’s freeze protection
• Brakes, front and rear: pad or shoe life remaining, rotors or drums, calipers, brake lines and hoses, and wheel bearings
• Steering and suspension: ball joints, control arms, tie rods, steering rack boots, and struts or shocks
• Drivetrain and exhaust: CV axles and boots, driveline and U-joints, and the exhaust system
• Outside the car: tires, wipers, washers, exterior lights, mirrors, and registration tags
• History clues: signs of past accident damage, and maintenance coming due for the mileage

Why Emissions Readiness Matters

Your car’s computer runs a set of self-tests, called monitors, as it’s driven. If the monitors show “not ready,” the computer’s memory, including any stored trouble codes, was recently cleared, either with a scan tool or by disconnecting the battery. Sometimes there’s an innocent reason, like a battery that went dead or was just replaced. But it can also mean someone erased the codes to turn off a warning light shortly before the sale. That hides the problem, and the light may not come back until the car has been driven for several days, often after the sale is final. Also, a car that isn’t ready can’t pass DEQ testing until it is.

Drop It Off If You Can

The inspection usually takes one to two hours, depending on the vehicle and how much we find that needs a closer look. We strongly prefer that you drop the car off. It gives us time to do a careful inspection and price out anything that needs attention, so you know what the car will really cost you. If you need to wait, let us know when you schedule and we’ll do our best.

You’ll need to arrange with the seller to bring the car to us. If a seller won’t allow an independent inspection, consider that a red flag. It may mean they aren’t dealing in good faith.

A Quick Test You Can Do First

Here’s a trick you can try yourself before paying for an inspection. Many engines that burn oil only smoke under certain conditions, such as accelerating after a long idle. Warm the car up, then let it idle for about ten more minutes. Then accelerate hard and watch the exhaust. If you see a lot of blue smoke, the engine burns oil, and you probably don’t want the car. You’ve just saved yourself the cost of an inspection.

One caution: thicker-than-normal oil can hide the problem. I once inspected a car that passed everything, including this test. The customer bought it and had us change the oil right away. As soon as we put in the standard oil, the engine started smoking. The seller had apparently used heavier oil to hide it. Most sellers are honest, but some aren’t, and even honest sellers may not know the true condition of their car. Protect yourself before you buy.

Duke Bishop, Owner

Good to Know

No inspection can promise a used car will be trouble-free. What it gives you is a clear, broad picture of the car’s condition, so you can make a sound decision.

A compression check isn’t part of the standard inspection. We’ll do one if you’d like to cover all the bases, or suggest one if something about the car calls for it. Either way, it’s an additional cost, and we’ll tell you what it is first.

The same inspection is also useful for a car you already own, to plan upcoming maintenance and repairs. For a quicker look at no charge, see our complimentary vehicle service inspection.

New to Integrity Auto? Take advantage of our first-time customer coupon.

Ready to schedule? Call (503) 408-6385 or request an appointment online.