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Inspections

Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections

Know What You're Buying Before You Sign — Starting at $160

Digital vehicle inspection report showing detailed findings on smartphone

Don't Buy Problems You Can't See

Thinking about buying a used vehicle? Get it inspected first.

We see it all the time: someone buys a truck, brings it in for service, and we find $2,000 in brake and suspension work that needs to happen now. That 'great deal' suddenly isn't.

A pre-purchase inspection costs $160 for cars and SUVs. Finding hidden problems after you've signed? That costs a lot more.

Why Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection?

The reality of used vehicle shopping

Sellers Aren't Mechanics

Many genuinely don't know about problems with their vehicle.

Some Problems Aren't Obvious

Worn suspension, brake issues, and pending failures don't always make noise—until they do.

Cosmetics Hide a Lot

A detailed interior and fresh wash make any vehicle look great. What's underneath is another story.

Dealership Inspections Vary

Some are thorough. Some are a quick walk-around. You don't know what you got.

What We Check

Comprehensive inspection with detailed report

Safety Systems

Brakes, steering, suspension, tires, lights and signals

Mechanical Condition

Engine, transmission, exhaust, cooling system, belts and hoses

Electrical Systems

Battery, charging system, warning lights, computer scan for codes

Visual Inspection

Previous collision repair, rust, fluid leaks, overall condition

What We Actually Find

These aren't rare catastrophic failures. This is regular stuff that adds up fast:

'It drives fine'
Until you find out the front brakes are metal-on-metal. Rotors, pads, possibly calipers. $600-$800 you didn't budget for.

'Just had the oil changed'
Great, but the lower control arm bushings are shot and it needs an alignment. Another $800-$1,000.

'Runs great'
Sure, but there's a transmission code stored that the seller cleared before you test drove it. That's a $3,000+ problem waiting.

This is a regular Tuesday for us. A $160 inspection saves you thousands—or gives you leverage to negotiate.

When to Get an Inspection

Private Sales
Most critical. No warranty, no recourse. Once you hand over the money, you own whatever problems come with it.

Dealership Purchases
Yes, even from a dealer. Dealership inspections vary in quality. An independent inspection from a shop with no stake in the sale gives you unbiased information.

Out-of-Town Purchases
Buying from Calgary, Edmonton, or elsewhere? Give us a call. Through the NAPA AUTOPRO network, we may be able to recommend a trusted shop near the vehicle who can inspect it for you.

Pricing

Cars and SUVs: $160 (tax included)

2500/3500 trucks and larger: Call for quote

For the cost of a tank of gas, you get professional insight into what you're actually buying.

Think of it this way: If the inspection finds nothing wrong, you bought peace of mind for $160. If it finds problems, you just saved yourself from a bad purchase—or got leverage to negotiate the price down.

Either way, you win.

How It Works

Five simple steps

  • Book the Inspection

    Call (403) 887-0440 or book online. Let us know what vehicle you're looking at.

  • Bring the Vehicle

    Bring it yourself, have the seller bring it, or meet the seller here. We see all scenarios.

  • We Inspect

    Takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Wait in our comfortable waiting room or we'll call when done.

  • Get Your Report

    We walk you through everything—good, needs attention now, might need attention later. Digital report with photos.

  • Make Your Decision

    Armed with real information, decide whether to buy, negotiate, or walk away. No pressure from us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about pre-purchase inspections

Will the seller let me get an inspection?

Most reasonable sellers have no problem with it. A seller who refuses is telling you something—walk away. If they're confident in what they're selling, they'll welcome a professional look.

Can I negotiate based on what you find?

Absolutely. If we find $1,500 in needed repairs, that's legitimate reason to ask for a price reduction—or walk away. Our report gives you documentation.

What if the vehicle is perfect?

That happens! Plenty of people maintain their vehicles well. If it comes back clean, you just confirmed you're making a smart purchase. Worth $160.

Do you inspect vehicles from dealerships?

Yes. A used vehicle is a used vehicle, regardless of source. Our job is unbiased information.

How long does it take?

Plan for 1-1.5 hours. Comfortable waiting room with Wi-Fi, coffee, and snacks if you're staying.

What about trucks and larger vehicles?

Our $160 rate covers cars and SUVs. For 2500/3500 trucks and larger vehicles, call for a quote—they take more time.

Book Your Pre-Purchase Inspection

$160 for cars and SUVs (tax included) • Detailed report with photos