Buying a Car Sight Unseen? Don't Get Burned! Pre-Purchase Inspections That Come To You
- dougstroud94
- Feb 8
- 3 min read

Buying a car, whether it's a daily driver or a prized collector vehicle, is a significant investment. But what happens when you can't personally inspect the car before you buy? Those online listings and tempting descriptions can hide a multitude of sins. That's where we come in. As specialty auto advisors, we offer comprehensive pre-purchase inspections that come directly to the vehicle, saving you time, money, and potential heartache. We serve the St. Louis metro and Southern Illinois area, and are available for travel further afield with special arrangements.
The Problem with Buying Sight Unseen
Whether it's a new car, a used car, or a classic, traveling to inspect every potential purchase is often impractical. Shipping a vehicle only to discover hidden damage or mechanical issues is a costly mistake. You need expert eyes and ears on the ground before you commit.
Our Solution: Mobile Pre-Purchase Inspections for Any Vehicle
We bring the expertise to you (or to the car). Our mobile pre-purchase inspection service eliminates the hassle and uncertainty of remote car buying, regardless of the make, model, or year. From everyday sedans to rare collector cars, we've got you covered. Here's how it works:
You Identify the Car: You've found a vehicle you're interested in. Share the listing or details with us.
We Schedule the Inspection: We coordinate with the seller to schedule a convenient time for the inspection, wherever the car is located.
Comprehensive Inspection: Our experienced inspectors conduct a thorough assessment of the vehicle, both cosmetically and mechanically. We cover everything, including:
Body and Paint: Checking for prior accidents, repaints, rust, and body filler. We use paint depth gauges and other tools to uncover hidden issues.
Mechanical Condition: Evaluating the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, and other critical systems. We perform road tests when possible and check for leaks, unusual noises, and other red flags.
Interior: Assessing the condition of the upholstery, carpets, dashboard, and other interior components.
Documentation: Verifying the VIN, title, and any available service records. We help ensure the car's provenance is legitimate.
Undercarriage: Inspecting the frame, floors, and other undercarriage components for rust, damage, or repairs.
Detailed Report: We provide you with a comprehensive written report, including photos and videos, outlining our findings. This report gives you a clear and objective assessment of the vehicle's condition.
Benefits of Our Service:
Save Time and Money: Avoid costly travel expenses and shipping fees for cars that aren't what they seem.
Make Informed Decisions: Our detailed reports empower you to make informed decisions about your purchase.
Negotiate with Confidence: Use our inspection report as leverage to negotiate a fair price.
Peace of Mind: Gain peace of mind knowing you've had a professional assessment of the vehicle's condition.
Avoid Costly Surprises: Uncover potential problems before you buy, saving you from unexpected repair bills down the road.
Beyond Inspections: Auction Services
Looking to buy or sell at auction? We also offer auction services to help you navigate the process with confidence. From pre-auction inspections to bidding strategies, we can be your advocate and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise: Our inspectors are experienced automotive professionals with a deep understanding of all types of vehicles, from everyday cars to collector gems.
Thoroughness: We go beyond a superficial inspection, delving into the details to uncover potential issues.
Objectivity: We provide unbiased assessments, giving you a clear picture of the vehicle's condition.
Convenience: We come to you or the car, making the inspection process as easy as possible.
Local Expertise, Flexible Travel: We serve the St. Louis metro and Southern Illinois area, and are available for travel further afield with special arrangements.
Don't leave your car purchase to chance. Contact us today for a pre-purchase inspection or to discuss our auction services, and let us be your expert eyes and ears in the automotive market!