SPECIALTY AUTO ADVISORS
Pre-Purchase Inspections & Auto Appraisals in the St. Louis Area
OUR SERVICES
PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTIONS
Before committing to a vehicle purchase, you need confirmation that it is exactly what it claims to be, in both condition and identity. Our Pre-Purchase Inspection & Asset Verification service is designed to protect your investment and eliminate costly surprises.
We travel directly to the vehicle and conduct a comprehensive evaluation that includes paint depth analysis to identify prior repairs, full VIN and asset verification to confirm authenticity, detailed history report review, advanced diagnostic scanning for hidden fault codes, and a thorough mechanical and visual inspection for leaks, wear, or signs of neglect.
With extensive experience around collector, performance, and specialty vehicles, we understand the details that matter, from originality and documentation to subtle indicators of past repairs or improper restoration. That experience allows us to look beyond surface presentation and focus on long-term value and authenticity.
You receive a clear, photo documented report outlining our findings so you can move forward with confidence, or walk away informed. Whether purchasing a collector car, performance vehicle, or daily driver, we ensure the vehicle is accurately represented before you commit.
AUCTION MANAGEMENT
Selling your enthusiast vehicle on platforms like Bring a Trailer or Cars & Bids requires more than just uploading photos and hoping for strong bids. Presentation, pricing strategy, communication, and timing all directly impact the final result.
Our Auction Management Services handle the entire process from start to finish. We coordinate professional photography, prepare a detailed and accurate listing, manage comments and buyer questions, and position your vehicle to attract serious bidders. Throughout the auction, we monitor activity, engage with potential buyers, and maintain momentum to maximize exposure and confidence.
Once the vehicle is sold, we assist with payment coordination and shipping logistics to ensure a smooth and secure transaction.
You stay in control of the sale, we handle the work.
VEHICLE APPRAISAL
Our automotive appraisal services provide accurate, data-driven vehicle valuations in the St. Louis area, tailored for insurance coverage, resale, estate planning, diminished value claims, and complex legal matters. Each appraisal is backed by real market data, comparable sales, and professional analysis to ensure a clear and defensible value.
As certified auto appraisers, we specialize in evaluating collector, exotic, luxury, and high-performance vehicles, including rare, custom, and specialty automobiles that traditional valuation guides often overlook. Whether you're insuring a classic car, disputing a total loss, or determining fair market value before a sale, our appraisals are designed to provide clarity and confidence.
We proudly serve clients throughout Missouri and Illinois, delivering detailed appraisal reports that are trusted by insurance companies, attorneys, and vehicle owners alike.
Book a Service
Starting at $219
Starting at $350
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Starting at $795
RECENT WORK
ABOUT US
At Specialty Auto Advisors, we provide professional pre-purchase inspections, certified car appraisals, and vehicle valuation services in the St. Louis area. Our mission is simple: help buyers and sellers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes when purchasing or valuing a vehicle.
We specialize in pre-purchase inspections in St. Louis, offering detailed, non-invasive evaluations for everything from daily drivers to exotic and collector cars. Whether you're buying locally or purchasing a vehicle sight-unseen, our inspections are designed to uncover hidden issues, verify condition, and give you complete confidence before you buy.
In addition to inspections, we offer automotive appraisals and vehicle valuation services in Missouri and Illinois.
Our reports are commonly used for insurance, agreed value policies, resale, diminished value claims, and total loss disputes. Every appraisal is backed by real market data and professional analysis.
We proudly serve the greater St. Louis region, including St. Louis City and County, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin, Lincoln, and Warren counties in Missouri, along with Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Clinton, Jersey, Bond, Macoupin, and Calhoun counties in Illinois. For select engagements, Specialty Auto Advisors is available for nationwide travel to support clients with vehicle acquisitions and inspections.
With years of experience in the automotive industry, and over a decade spent analyzing the collector car market at auctions like Barrett-Jackson and Mecum Auctions—we bring real-world insight to every inspection and appraisal. Using professional tools such as paint depth gauges and advanced diagnostic scanners, we deliver thorough reports with photos, videos, and clear recommendations.
We work with all types of vehicles, including exotic, luxury, performance, and collector cars from brands like Porsche, Ferrari, Ford, Chevrolet, and more.
Avoid overpaying. Avoid hidden issues. Know exactly what you're buying.
Contact Specialty Auto Advisors today to schedule your pre-purchase inspection or vehicle appraisal in the St. Louis area.
Call or text 618-979-5278 to schedule your inspection today.
CONTACT US
Reach out to us for automotive appraisal, inspection, and consultation services. Contact us today via email at
info@specialtyautoadvisors.com, by phone at 618-979-5278 or fill out the contact us form.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Have questions about our inspection or appraisal process? Here's what most people want to know before they reach out.
About Specialty Auto Advisors
What does Specialty Auto Advisors do?
We provide pre-purchase inspections, car appraisals, and automotive consulting for buyers, sellers, and collectors in St. Louis and surrounding areas. Whether you're buying your first car or adding to a collection, our job is to make sure you have the full picture before you commit.
Where are you located and what areas do you serve?
We're based in the St. Louis area and serve clients throughout the metro, including St. Charles, Edwardsville, Belleville, and communities on both sides of the river in Missouri and Illinois. We travel to wherever the car is, dealerships, private driveways, auctions, and more.
What kinds of vehicles do you work with?
We work with everything from daily drivers and family vehicles to classic cars, exotic cars, luxury vehicles, and collector automobiles. Whether you need a pre-purchase inspection or car appraisal in the St. Louis area, we have the experience and tools to evaluate all types of vehicles.
Pre-Purchase Inspections (PPI)
What is a pre-purchase inspection and why does it matter?
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is an independent, non-invasive evaluation of a vehicle before you buy it. A good PPI can surface things the seller may not disclose, or may not even know about, including prior accidents, deferred maintenance, hidden fault codes, and signs of poor repair work. It's one of the most cost-effective steps you can take. Finding a $2,000 problem before closing a deal is far better than discovering it a month after you've signed.
What's included in your inspection?
Our inspections cover the vehicle thoroughly from top to bottom. We review the exterior and interior condition, inspect the paint and body for signs of prior repairs or repaints, verify the VIN and cross-check vehicle history, run a full diagnostic scan for fault codes and emissions readiness, check the engine, suspension, and brakes, inspect underneath for leaks and undercarriage damage, and perform a road test when possible. You'll receive a detailed written report with photos and video delivered the same day.
How much does an inspection cost?
Pricing for a pre-purchase inspection start at $219 but can vary depending on the type of vehicle, because not all cars require the same level of evaluation.
A modern vehicle, like a Ford F-150 or even most late-model sports cars, typically involves a more straightforward process. These vehicles rely heavily on electronic diagnostics, visible condition checks, and service history, which allows for an efficient and standardized inspection.
A classic or collector vehicle, such as a numbers-matching K-code fastback Mustang, is a completely different level of work.
How long does an inspection take?
Most inspections take two hours on-site, in most case you'll receive the full written report, photos, and video the same day so you can review everything and make a decision quickly.
Do you inspect cars at dealerships?
Yes, we regularly travel directly to dealerships, private sellers, storage facilities, and auction locations throughout the St. Louis area to perform mobile pre-purchase inspections. We work with a wide range of dealerships from mainstream dealers like Laura Buick GMC in Collinsville Illinois to specialty and exotic dealerships like RP Exotics — helping local and out-of-state buyers make informed purchasing decisions before buying a vehicle.
Whether you are purchasing from a dealership, private seller, Facebook Marketplace, Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, or another online marketplace, our goal is to help buyers purchase with confidence and avoid unexpected surprises after delivery.
Do I need to be there in person?
Not at all. Many of our clients are buying remotely, from out of state or from online platforms like Bring a Trailer or Cars & Bids. We provide a complete report with photos and video so you can evaluate the car confidently from anywhere.
How quickly can you schedule an inspection?
We can usually accommodate appointments depending on availability, generally 1-3 days. If you're on a tight deadline, a seller giving you a short window or an auction ending soon, reach out and we'll do what we can to make it work.
Car Appraisals
What is a car appraisal and when do I need one?
An appraisal establishes the fair market value of a vehicle based on its condition, history, options, and current market data. You might need one for insurance coverage, a legal matter, an estate settlement, or simply to price a car you're planning to sell.
What types of appraisals do you offer?
We provide insurance agreed value appraisals for classic and collector cars, diminished value appraisals after an accident, total loss appraisals, estate and legal vehicle valuations, and market-based resale appraisals. Not sure which applies to your situation? Just ask, we'll point you in the right direction.
Are your appraisals accepted by insurance companies?
Yes. Our appraisal reports are detailed and well-documented, and are commonly accepted by insurance companies and financial institutions. If you have a specific insurer or lender requirement, let us know in advance and we'll make sure the report meets their needs.
How long does an appraisal take?
Most appraisals are completed and delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
Buying & Selling Support
Can you help me find and buy a car?
Yes. Beyond inspections, we offer vehicle consulting and acquisition support. If you know roughly what you're looking for but aren't sure where to start, or want a second opinion before pulling the trigger, we can work alongside you throughout the process.
Can you help me sell my car?
Yes. We assist with vehicle presentation, pricing strategy, and listings on auction platforms including Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids. A well-documented, well-priced listing tends to sell faster and for more, we can help you get there.
Getting Started
How do I schedule an inspection or appraisal?
The easiest way is to call or text us directly. We're responsive and most scheduling takes just a few minutes.
Phone: 618-979-5278 Website: specialtyautoadvisors.com
Why choose Specialty Auto Advisors?
Specialty Auto Advisors was built around a lifelong passion for cars combined with over 10 years of professional experience working in high-performance shops, custom fabrication environments, and luxury automotive dealerships. Cars have been a major part of our life long before entering the industry professionally, and that real-world enthusiast background helps us better understand the vehicles, concerns, and expectations of today’s buyers and collectors.
Professionally, our experience includes working in performance and custom automotive shops as well as high-end dealership environments including Porsche service department. That experience provides firsthand exposure to modern performance vehicles, exotic cars, collector vehicles, modified builds, dealership operations, factory diagnostic systems, and the real-world repair and maintenance costs associated with high-end vehicles.
Unlike a general inspection company, we focus specifically on independent pre-purchase inspections, diminished value appraisals, total loss appraisals, and automotive valuation services. We work with everything from everyday vehicles and trucks to Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McLaren, Corvette, Shelby, BMW M, AMG, classic muscle cars, and collector vehicles. Our inspections are designed to provide buyers with an honest, unbiased evaluation of a vehicle’s condition before purchase.
We use professional diagnostic equipment, extensive photo documentation, market research, and years of hands-on automotive experience to help identify prior repairs, deferred maintenance, hidden issues, aftermarket modifications, and valuation concerns that may not be obvious during a normal walkthrough or short test drive. Because we do not sell vehicles or perform repairs, we have no financial interest in whether you purchase the vehicle, our goal is simply to help you make an informed decision.
Specialty Auto Advisors proudly provides mobile pre-purchase inspections and automotive appraisal services throughout St. Louis, Chesterfield, Clayton, St. Charles, Edwardsville, Belleville, O’Fallon, Glen Carbon, and surrounding Missouri and Illinois communities. We work with local and out-of-state buyers purchasing vehicles from dealerships, private sellers, Bring a Trailer, Cars & Bids, Facebook Marketplace, and other online automotive marketplaces.
