Pre-Purchase Car Inspection California
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in California – Buy with Confidence Anywhere in the State
A vehicle can appear to be in great condition while still hiding costly mechanical or safety issues. With CarInspect’s pre-purchase car inspection services across California, you gain a clear understanding of a vehicle’s true condition before committing to a purchase. Our certified inspectors carry out a thorough evaluation, including key system checks and a road test, so you can move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Schedule Your Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in California Today
Booking an inspection is quick and convenient. Our mobile pre-purchase inspection service in California comes to the vehicle’s location, whether it is at a dealership, a private seller’s address, or an auction site. Schedule your inspection today to uncover potential issues early and avoid unexpected repair costs after purchase.
Easy and Stress-Free Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in California
CarInspect | BMW | National repair shops | Local repair shops | Other mobile companies | |
Pricing | $199 | $220 | $140-$200 | $70-$130 | $169-$329 |
90-day warranty see conditions* | |||||
Certified mechanics | depends | ||||
You stay at home | |||||
Unbiased opinion (don't sell repairs) | depends | ||||
Service under 24h (48h if not possible) | depends | ||||
Repairs to plan and their costs |
What Is a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection is a thorough evaluation of a car’s condition before you finalize the purchase. It goes beyond a basic visual check or quick test drive, covering all key mechanical systems, diagnostics, and overall performance. With CarInspect, you’ll receive an unbiased, expert assessment that gives you peace of mind and protects you from unexpected repair costs before making your purchase.
Benefits of a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in California
The used car market in California can move quickly, with buyers often expected to make decisions on short notice. A pre-purchase inspection gives you the time and clarity needed to evaluate a vehicle properly before committing, helping you move forward with confidence instead of pressure.
When you choose CarInspect, you benefit from:
- Stronger negotiating power, supported by a professional inspection report that clearly outlines the vehicle’s actual condition.
- Greater confidence in your purchase, knowing the car has been evaluated in detail beyond a brief test drive.
- Protection against hidden issues, including corrosion, moisture or flood damage, and undisclosed mechanical concerns.
- The convenience of mobile service, with certified inspectors traveling throughout California to inspect vehicles at dealerships, private sellers, and other locations statewide.
How much is a car inspection at CarInspect?
All our inspections include appointment management with the owner, a trip to the vehicle, a 170-point inspection, a phone call for an assessment and to answer your questions, a digital report and a 90-day warranty (see conditions).
Gas and non-plug-in hybrids
Eligible: sedan, SUV, pickup, RV* (class B and C – doesn’t include inspection of the cell like heating or water system).
$199
Why Buyers Across California Trust Our Pre-Purchase Inspections
Car buyers throughout California rely on CarInspect for accurate, transparent vehicle evaluations. Our inspection process is designed to help buyers avoid costly mistakes and move forward with confidence, supported by clear information and professional insight before completing a purchase.
Independent and Objective Vehicle Assessments
A pre-purchase car inspection in California provides facts rather than sales pressure. Our inspectors work independently from dealerships and repair facilities, allowing them to focus solely on delivering an honest, professional assessment of the vehicle’s condition.
Detailed Inspection Reports with Photos and Clear Findings
Within 24 to 48 hours, you receive a comprehensive digital inspection report that includes detailed photos, notes, and a full summary of findings. Instead of vague descriptions, you get documented evidence that can help with negotiations or confirm when it is best to walk away from a deal.
Every inspection includes a 90-day limited warranty for added peace of mind. If an issue appears shortly after purchase, coverage remains in place. This extra layer of protection helps buyers feel confident both before and after completing their transaction.
Trusted Pre-Purchase Car Inspections Available Throughout California
Looking for a pre-purchase car inspection near you in California? CarInspect provides professional mobile inspections across major cities and surrounding regions statewide. Our inspectors come to the vehicle’s location, helping you make an informed decision before buying.
A comprehensive car inspection report
A detailed 170-point report that covers mechanical, functional, aesthetics, road test, potential repairs, and inspector’s feedback.
Meet Our Mobile Car Inspectors Serving California
CarInspect provides professional vehicle inspections at the location that works best for you, whether that is your home, a dealership, or another agreed location. Our statewide network of experienced inspectors delivers timely service and reliable evaluations, helping you avoid hidden issues and make confident decisions when purchasing a vehicle.
Steve
Steve is an accomplished technician with over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. He is currently a master technician for a Korean brand dealership. He is in charge of all car diagnostics and shares his results directly with the brand’s engineers. Absolutely passionate, he was also a technician for several NASCAR teams. He knows how hard it can be to buy a car and that’s why he joined the CarInspect network.
Eric
Due to a devouring passion for motorsport, Eric could not do anything else but make it his job. With his degree in hand, Eric specialized in several automotive Japanese brands. The rest of his time is devoted to pickup trucks and motocross works. A passionate automotive expert who likes to help above all.
Service Areas Across California and Nearby Regions
Our mobile inspectors operate throughout California, providing on-site vehicle inspections wherever the car is located. CarInspect offers coverage across major cities, surrounding regions, and communities nation-wide. Check availability in your area and schedule a mobile inspection at a time and location that works for you.
U.S. areas we are available to inspect
How CarInspect’s Pre-Purchase Inspections Work
1. Book in 2 clicks
Then, we take care of everything: we communicate with your seller and the inspector to arrange the appointment.
2. Mobile inspection
Same-day on-site inspection, or within 48 hours if it's not possible.
3. Purchase decision
You receive the digital report and ask your certified inspector any questions.
Schedule Your Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in California
Reduce the risk of purchasing a vehicle with hidden or costly issues. CarInspect helps buyers across California gain the clarity and confidence needed to make informed decisions. Schedule your pre-purchase inspection today and simplify the car buying process before you commit.
Reserve Your Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in California and Buy with Confidence
Customer Reviews
Learn More About Pre-Purchase Car Inspections in California
How Much Does a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Cost in California?
CarInspect offers clear and consistent pricing across California, with a flat rate of $199 for most vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and hybrids. Each inspection includes a comprehensive 170-point checklist, detailed photos, a digital inspection report, and a 90-day warranty. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are inspected at the same price, while rare or classic vehicles may require a custom quote due to specialized components. Pricing is transparent, so you know the cost before booking, no matter where the vehicle is located.
Which Areas in California Do You Cover for Pre-Purchase Inspections?
CarInspect makes it easy to schedule a pre-purchase car inspection anywhere in California. Instead of bringing the vehicle to a shop, our certified inspectors travel directly to the car’s location, whether it is at a dealership, a private seller’s home, or an auction site. This mobile service saves time and helps you make confident decisions with accurate, unbiased information.
We commonly provide pre-purchase inspections in cities and regions across California, including:
Service availability may vary by location, so checking your address during booking helps ensure the fastest scheduling.
How Long Does a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Take in California?
Most pre-purchase car inspections in California take approximately one hour, though the total time can vary based on the vehicle’s age, mileage, and overall condition. During the inspection, CarInspect’s certified inspectors complete a thorough evaluation that goes beyond a basic visual check. This process can include a road test, diagnostic scans, and a detailed review of key systems to identify potential issues before you buy. The goal is to provide a clear and reliable picture of the vehicle’s condition so you can make an informed decision.
Do You Inspect Vehicles at Dealerships in California?
Yes. CarInspect performs pre-purchase car inspections at dealerships throughout California. While dealership vehicles are often assumed to be fully checked, that is not always the case, particularly for cars acquired through trade-ins or auctions. Our inspectors provide independent and unbiased evaluations either on-site at the dealership or at an auction location, helping you understand the vehicle’s true condition before committing to a purchase.