BUYING A USED VEHICLE
Get it checked before you pay.
4A Auto brings an independent used-car inspection, also called a pre-purchase inspection, to qualifying seller, dealer, home, workplace, and approved meeting locations. Get clear mechanical findings before money changes hands.
INSPECTION OPTIONS
Choose the level of detail your decision needs.
Time depends on the vehicle’s age, condition, access, seller cooperation, and findings. Not sure which fits? Choose “Help me choose” in the request form. Prices apply to qualifying core-area locations; we confirm scope, seller access, route, and total price before scheduling.
What both inspections include
Depending on vehicle access and conditions, we review accessible interior and exterior condition, warning indicators, starting and charging behavior, visible leaks, fluid condition, tires, brake concerns, heating and A/C operation, windows, locks, lights, wipers, mirrors, accessible steering or suspension observations, and relevant scan-tool or functional checks. A road test is included only when permitted, insured, and safe.
What the Extended inspection adds
More on-site time for concern-specific testing and explanation. That may include deeper scan-tool review, more functional testing of A/C, electrical, and accessory concerns, additional photos, and clearer context for findings that could affect your decision or negotiation.
What you receive
A written inspection summary; prioritized observed concerns; photos where useful; a record of the accessible systems and functional checks completed; and plain-language context for your decision. We also identify what needs a lift, disassembly, specialist facility, or further evaluation. If a needed repair is identified, we can prepare a repair estimate at your request to document potential repair costs.
Use your report to make the next move
Your report helps you ask better questions, consider potential repair costs, negotiate with facts, or walk away before spending money on the wrong vehicle. We separate urgent concerns from normal wear and explain what needs a shop, lift, disassembly, or further testing. A single overlooked repair can cost more than the inspection, though no inspection can predict every future or hidden problem.
Discounts for the same smart decision
Comparing more than one vehicle at the same location? Save $49 on each additional used-car inspection completed during the same appointment at the same seller or dealership location.
Military & First Responder Thank-You Discount: Active-duty military, veterans, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs receive $25 off one used-car inspection with qualifying identification.
Discounts cannot be combined. Multi-vehicle pricing requires the same buyer, location, and appointment window. Travel or separately approved testing is not discounted.
What to send before we schedule
Vehicle year, make, model, mileage, VIN or listing when available; the seller or dealer location; your purchase timing; any warning lights, noises, A/C concerns, visible leaks, or seller claims you want us to evaluate; and confirmation that the seller can provide vehicle access and permit an inspection.
Independent evidence, not sales coaching
We are not selling the vehicle. We document what the agreed inspection can reasonably observe at that time. The purchase decision, title and vehicle-history review, seller representations, financing, insurance, warranty choices, and negotiation remain yours to evaluate.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Before scheduling an inspection
Can you inspect a vehicle at a dealer or seller's location?
Potentially. The seller, dealer, or property authority must permit the inspection, provide access, and allow a safe practical work area. Send the address first so we can review it.
Does an inspection guarantee the vehicle?
No. An inspection is an informed evaluation at a point in time, not a guarantee, certification, appraisal, emissions inspection, safety certification, or prediction of future reliability. Hidden, intermittent, inaccessible, or future problems can remain.
Can you tell me whether I should buy it?
We provide independent findings and explain the concerns we observe. You decide whether to buy, negotiate, or walk away.
Can I compare two vehicles at one location?
Yes. Save $49 on each additional inspection completed for the same buyer, at the same location, during the same appointment window. We confirm the time required and total before scheduling.