NORTHERN CA MOBILE RV AND AUTOMOTIVE INSPECTION, RV REPAIR & MAINTENANCE SERVICE
PREMIER PRE-PURCHASE AUTOMOTIVE INSPECTIONS
Pre- Purchase Auto Inspection Services
In today's digital world gone are the days where your used car purchase is limited to local ads or a for sale sign on a roadside auto. Now, your next car or truck search is expanded to regional or even across the nation inventory. But how do you filter out the scams and the lemons and get to the educated, smart buyer choice of a quality, dependable investment you can truly count on without the time, expense , effort and frustration of narrowing your choices to one vehicle that checks all the boxes only to find out it was much less than you expected .
And when you finally arrive to inspect your potential investment do you know what to look for to ensure its safety, mechanical and overall physical condition? Has it been in any accidents? What about floods or salvage?
What about those little details you missed when your thoughts were overwhelmed and distracted with:
1) Why is the seller really selling this?
2) Those tires seem a little worn
3) It looks great, is clean and runs well but its a big investment. Should I trust the seller and my intuition or make a more educated choice based on expert opinion?
4) Will I be able to negotiate a better price? What do I offer?
And what about the time and effort it takes to get the keys, drive to my mechanic, drop off and wait for his inspection to be completed, drive back negotiate a final deal and close it?
Phase 1: Documentation & Administrative Checks
- Title Status: Verify clean title and matching VINs.
- Lien Status: Ensure no active liens.
- VIN Verification: Check history report for mileage, accidents, and ownership records.
- Maintenance Records: Review past service logs.
- Recall Check: Run VIN through the NHTSA database.
- Perform comprehensive scans of the Engine Control Module (ECM) and the Body Control Module (BCM) and obtain an overall vehicle health report detailing active and historical trouble codes.
Phase 2: Exterior & Body
- Body Panels & Alignment: Check for wavy sheet metal and even panel gaps.
- Paint Condition: Look for inconsistent texture, overspray, or tape lines.
- Rust & Corrosion: Inspect wheel arches, rocker panels, door bottoms, and frame rails (use a magnet for hidden body filler).
- Glass & Mirrors: Inspect windshield, windows, and side/rearview mirrors.
- Lights & Lenses: Test all exterior lights and check lenses for cracks or fading.
Phase 3: Tires, Wheels & Undercarriage
- Tire Tread Depth & Age: Measure tread depth and check 4-digit DOT date codes (replace if over 6 years).
- Wheels: Inspect alloy/steel wheels for curbing, cracks, or bends.
- Suspension & Steering: Check shocks/struts, bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends.
- Brakes: Inspect rotor surfaces and pad thickness.
- Exhaust System: Check for rust holes, scaling, and loose hangers.
- Fluid Leaks: Look underneath for oil, transmission, coolant, or brake fluid leaks.
Phase 4: Under-the-Hood Inspection
- Engine Oil: Check level, color, and consistency (milky oil indicates a blown head gasket).
- Coolant Condition: Ensure clean, brightly colored coolant.
- Transmission Fluid: Check level, bright red/translucent color, and smell (burnt odor indicates overheating).
- Drive Belts & Hoses: Inspect for fraying, cracking, or swelling.
- Battery & Charging: Check terminal connections, manufacture date, and wiring.
- Frame Rails & Aprons: Inspect inner fender aprons and core support for collision signs.
Phase 5: Interior & Cabin Electronics
- Dashboard Warning Lights: Verify bulb check on ignition.
- HVAC System: Test A/C, heater, and defroster across all speeds.
- Infotainment & Electronics: Test radio, backup camera, navigation, and controls.
- Power Accessories: Test windows, locks, seats, and sunroof.
- Steering Wheel & Column: Check play, tilt/telescope, and horn.
- Safety Restraints: Check seatbelts and airbag cover panels.
- Interior Condition & Odors: Inspect upholstery, headliner, and carpets.
Phase 6: Dynamic Road Test
- Cold Start Behavior: Listen for lifter tick, timing chain rattle, or belt squeal.
- Transmission Shifting: Ensure smooth automatic shifts or proper clutch engagement for manuals.
- Steering Tracking: Check if vehicle tracks straight.
- Braking Performance: Test firm pedal feel without pulling or pulsation.
- Suspension & Ride Quality: Listen for clunks or excessive bouncing over bumps.
- Engine Power: Check smooth power delivery during acceleration.
- Operational Gauges & Sounds: Monitor temperature/oil pressure and listen for excessive wind noise or bearing whines.