First we should define what a pre-purchase used car inspection is… A PPI is a thorough inspection of a vehicle before you buy it. Although it sounds simple, there are a few steps involved. A Pre-Purchase Auto Inspection or Pre-Purchase Used Car Inspection as it is also called, tells you the true condition (without all the glamor and gloss that dealer photos provide) of a vehicle so you know what you are about to purchase. There are a few different types of Pre-Purchase Auto Inspections and Inspectors that you should also know about.

There are basic auto inspections which cover just looking at the car as it sits which means it isn’t lifted and the undercarriage is inspected by the auto inspector kneeling down and looking under the car. Often it is dark, photos are not provided and an Auto Inspector can’t really see anything especially on lower profile vehicles. Most of these inspections come with a several shots of the exterior and a few of the interior and any cosmetic damages that maybe found.

Then there is also an advanced auto inspections which include lifting the automobile onsite and removing the pressure from the suspension and steering system and the auto inspector actually sliding under the vehicle to check for any worn or damaged items such as ball-joints, bearings, brakes, tie-rods, CV shafts, drive shafts and the vehicle’s frame. This type of inspection also includes a full body and interior inspection, should include a full inspection of the engine, transmission and all the electricals of the vehicle. Depending on the Auto Inspector Company you will get anywhere from 20 to 75 photos of the vehicle showing all major components and the condition of the vehicle.

But of course there is the High Octane Auto Inspection by Test Drive Technologies which not only provides a full comprehensive inspection of the body, interior, engine, transmission, driveline, suspension, steering, brakes and frame but you also get close to 200 photos detailing each panel with three angles, HD video of the body, interior options, engine running, exhaust starting and if the seller allows a video of the test drive as well. The High Octane Auto Inspection by TDT is the WORLDS most in-depth auto inspection by a trained and certified Auto Inspector.

So what does a Pre-Purchase Auto Inspector Check? EVERYTHING