Pre-Purchase Car Inspection San Francisco
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection San Francisco – Make Your Next Car Purchase with Confidence
A car might look perfect on the outside but still hide expensive problems underneath. With CarInspect’s pre-purchase car inspection in San Francisco, you’ll know the vehicle’s true condition before you buy. Our certified inspectors perform a detailed evaluation and test drive, giving you the clarity and confidence to make a smart, informed decision.
Book Your Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in San Francisco Today
Scheduling is easy. Our mobile pre-purchase car inspection service in San Francisco meets you wherever the car is located — at a dealership, private sale, or auction. Book your inspection today to protect yourself from hidden issues and avoid costly surprises.
Easy and Stress-Free Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in San Francisco
CarInspect | BMW | Firestone Complete Auto Care | Local repair shops | Other mobile companies | |
Pricing | $199 | $220 | $140-$200 | $70-$130 | $169-$329 |
Certified mechanics | depends | ||||
You stay at home | |||||
Unbiased opinion (don't sell repairs) | depends | ||||
Service under 24h (48h if not possible) | depends | ||||
90-day warranty see conditions* | |||||
Repairs to plan and their costs |
What Is a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A pre-purchase vehicle 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 Inspection in San Francisco
Buying a car in San Francisco can move quickly, with sellers pushing for fast decisions and buyers feeling pressure to act. A pre-purchase inspection gives you the time, clarity, and confidence you need to make an informed choice without the rush.
When you book with CarInspect, you gain:
- Negotiation leverage with a professional inspection report showing the vehicle’s true condition.
- Confidence in your purchase, knowing the car has been thoroughly evaluated beyond a simple test drive.
- Protection from hidden problems like rust, flood or moisture damage, or undisclosed mechanical issues.
- The convenience of mobile service — our certified inspectors travel throughout San Francisco, including the Mission District, SoMa, Pacific Heights, the Marina, Sunset, and surrounding Bay Area locations.
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 San Francisco Buyers Trust Our Pre-Purchase Inspections
Car buyers across San Francisco count on CarInspect for reliable, transparent evaluations. We’ve built a strong reputation for protecting local drivers from costly mistakes and helping them make confident, informed purchase decisions.
Independent and Unbiased Evaluations
With a pre-purchase car inspection in San Francisco, you get facts — not sales pitches. Our inspectors operate independently from dealerships and repair shops, ensuring that their only focus is providing you with an honest, professional assessment of the vehicle’s condition.
Professional Reports with Photos & Notes
Within 24–48 hours, you’ll receive a detailed digital inspection report featuring clear photos, notes, and a full breakdown of findings. Instead of vague statements, you’ll get real, documented proof you can use to negotiate a better deal or confidently walk away if needed.
Every inspection includes a 90-day limited warranty. If an issue arises shortly after purchase, you’re still covered. This added protection gives you peace of mind before and after you buy, knowing that CarInspect stands behind every report.
Trusted Pre-Purchase Car Inspections in San Francisco Neighborhoods Near You
Searching for a “pre-purchase car inspection near me” in San Francisco? CarInspect provides trusted, professional pre-purchase inspections throughout the city — from SoMa and the Mission to Pacific Heights and the Sunset — giving you confidence before you buy.
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 in San Francisco
CarInspect delivers expert inspections right at your location—whether at home, a dealership, or elsewhere. With fast service and trusted professionals, we simplify the process, helping you steer clear of hidden problems and purchase the right car at the right price.
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 in San Francisco and Beyond
Our inspectors are based throughout San Francisco and provide convenient mobile car inspections wherever the vehicle is located. CarInspect covers the entire SF area and also serves cities across California and the rest of the country. Check availability in your area and schedule your inspection today.
Other 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 San Francisco
Avoid the risk of buying a car with hidden or costly issues. CarInspect gives San Francisco drivers the confidence and clarity they need to make the right decision. Schedule your pre-purchase inspection today and take the stress out of car shopping — before you buy.
Reserve Your Pre-Purchase Car Inspection in San Francisco and Buy with Confidence
Customer Reviews
Learn More About Pre-Purchase Car Inspections in San Francisco
How Much Is a Pre-Purchase Inspection in San Francisco?
CarInspect keeps pricing straightforward with a flat rate of $199 for most vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, pickups, and hybrids. Each inspection includes a 170-point checklist, photos, a detailed digital report, and a 90-day warranty. Electric and plug-in hybrids are covered at the same price, while rare or classic cars may require a custom quote. With no hidden fees, you’ll know the cost upfront — whether you’re buying from a dealership, private seller, or auction in San Francisco.
What Areas of San Francisco Do You Cover for PPIs?
CarInspect makes it simple to book a pre-purchase car inspection anywhere in San Francisco, regardless of where you’re buying. Instead of bringing the vehicle to a shop, our certified inspectors come to you — at a dealership, private seller’s driveway, or auction lot. This convenience saves you time and ensures you can make your decision with confidence and accurate information.
We commonly serve neighborhoods and surrounding areas such as:
- Downtown San Francisco
- SoMa (South of Market)
- Mission District
- Pacific Heights
- Nob Hill & Russian Hill
- Marina District & North Beach
- Richmond & Sunset Districts
- Bernal Heights & Noe Valley
- Potrero Hill & Dogpatch
- Daly City & South San Francisco
- Oakland & Berkeley (by request)
How Long Does a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Take in San Francisco?
Most pre-purchase car inspections in San Francisco take about an hour, although the exact time can vary depending on the vehicle’s age, mileage, and condition. During this time, CarInspect’s certified inspectors conduct a full evaluation that goes far beyond a simple visual check. Each inspection includes a road test, computer diagnostics, and a detailed review to uncover any hidden issues that could cost you later. The goal is simple — to give you a clear, reliable understanding of the car’s condition before you buy.
Do You Inspect Cars at Dealerships?
Yes. CarInspect performs pre-purchase car inspections in San Francisco directly at dealerships. Many buyers assume dealership vehicles have already been thoroughly checked, but that’s often not the case — especially for cars coming from auctions or trade-ins. Our inspectors provide independent, unbiased evaluations either on-site at the dealership or at an auction lot, so you know the vehicle’s true condition before making a decision.
