What We Check Before Selling
Transparent pre-sale vehicle inspection process. Every vehicle we sell undergoes comprehensive inspection. Learn what we check, our quality standards, and what we disclose to buyers.
Key Facts
- Multi-point inspection before vehicles enter inventory
- Mechanical, safety, and cosmetic assessment
- Service records verified when available
- Known issues disclosed in vehicle listings
- Basic reconditioning performed: oil change, safety inspection, detailing
- Buyers receive inspection reports
- We don't sell vehicles with undisclosed major problems
- Pre-purchase inspection still recommended for all buyers
Our Inspection Process
Before any vehicle enters our inventory for sale, it undergoes comprehensive inspection by our certified technicians. This ensures we know the vehicle's condition and can disclose issues honestly to buyers.
Inspection covers mechanical systems, safety components, cosmetic condition, and functional features. Findings determine if vehicle meets our standards for sale, needs reconditioning, or is declined for inventory.
Mechanical Inspection Points
- Engine: Starts easily, runs smoothly, no excessive smoke, no major leaks, compression test if concerns
- Transmission: Shifts smoothly, no slipping or harsh engagement, fluid condition
- Brakes: Pad/rotor measurements, brake line condition, parking brake function, no leaks
- Suspension/Steering: Component wear, alignment check, no excessive play, ride quality
- Exhaust: No major leaks, catalytic converter function, muffler condition
- Cooling system: Leaks, hose condition, thermostat function, antifreeze concentration
- Electrical: Battery health, charging system, major electrical functions
- Tires: Tread depth, even wear, age, condition
Safety Systems Inspection
- All lights functioning (headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazards)
- Windshield wipers and washers operational
- Seat belts in good condition and functional
- Airbag system (no warning lights indicating faults)
- Horn operational
- Mirrors intact and adjustable
- Door latches and locks functioning
- Windshield condition (no obstructing cracks)
Cosmetic and Interior Assessment
We document cosmetic issues: dents, scratches, interior wear, stains, odors. Cosmetic issues are normal on used vehicles - we disclose what exists rather than hiding it.
Interior features are tested: windows, locks, climate controls, radio, power seats, etc. Non-critical feature failures (radio, power windows) are noted but don't disqualify vehicles if mechanical condition is good.
Diagnostic Scanning
We scan for diagnostic trouble codes even if warning lights aren't illuminated. Stored codes indicate past or intermittent problems. Significant codes are investigated and disclosed.
See our diagnostic service for more about our diagnostic capabilities.
Reconditioning Standards
Depending on findings, we perform reconditioning: oil and filter change, brake inspection and service if needed, fluid top-up, safety system verification, exterior and interior detailing. Vehicles must meet minimum safety and reliability standards before sale.
Major problems disqualify vehicles from our inventory. We don't sell vehicles with expensive unrepaired issues - it's bad for our reputation and unfair to buyers.
Disclosure Policy
We disclose known issues in vehicle listings and verbally to interested buyers. This includes cosmetic damage, mechanical concerns, needed maintenance, and accident history if known.
We cannot guarantee absence of unknown problems - used vehicles have age-related wear and hidden issues may exist. This is why we recommend buyers get independent pre-purchase inspection even when buying from us.
Frequently Asked Questions
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