Use the findings to decide what happens next
Whether you found the vehicle through Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, a private referral, or a dealership, a polished listing cannot show you everything happening underneath it. We document the condition we can inspect so you can make the purchase decision with evidence instead of appearances alone.
Buy with confidence
Understand the vehicle's observed condition before you commit.
Discuss the price
Decide whether the documented findings support asking the seller about the price.
Request repairs
Ask the seller to address specific concerns before the purchase.
Walk away
Avoid a vehicle whose condition or repair needs do not fit your plans.
Your Digital Vehicle Inspection goes with you
Your Digital Vehicle Inspection records visible findings with photos where useful, plain-language notes, and items to discuss or plan for. It gives you a report to revisit after the counter conversation.
The report can be shared with both buyer and seller when the necessary contact and sharing details are provided at the shop. We can text the report link or provide a printed copy.
Fluid Leaks
A proper in-shop inspection, not a parking-lot glance
The vehicle comes to our Torrance shop so our technicians can inspect it on a lift and review available diagnostic information where its systems allow. Findings are limited to the condition we can observe at the time of inspection.
- Body, frame, and undercarriage condition visible while the vehicle is on the lift
- Brake and tire condition and visible wear
- Steering, suspension, belts, hoses, and visible leaks
- Fluid condition where it can be inspected
- Computer scan for available diagnostic information where the vehicle's systems allow
Deal-breaker or bargaining chip?
A finding can matter differently to each buyer. Worn tires, aging brakes, or due-soon service may belong in a price discussion or repair plan. Frame rust, flood-style corrosion, evidence of a hard hit, or stored trouble codes may deserve more caution. The report documents what technicians observe; the purchase decision remains yours.
A $199 adjustment would match the inspection cost
You can use documented findings to decide whether to ask the seller about the price or specific repairs. A $199 price adjustment would equal the inspection fee, but the findings do not set the vehicle's value and the seller does not have to change the price.
No discount, price adjustment, or savings is guaranteed. The value is having specific evidence for your purchase decision.
Break-even example only. The seller decides whether to change the price, and inspection findings vary by vehicle. No adjustment is guaranteed.
Independent of the seller, dealer, and vehicle listing
We document the conditions our technicians observe for your purchase decision. If the inspection identifies needed work, we can prepare a separate repair estimate at your request. That estimate is optional.
Separate repair estimate available
Requesting an estimate does not require repairs or change the inspection price. Any repair approval and pricing remain separate from the inspection.
Buyer and seller can stay while we do the work
Buyer and seller can ask to remain on site during the appointment. We have a customer waiting area, and the report can be reviewed after the inspection.
Four steps from listing to informed decision
Coordinate the vehicle
Confirm that the seller or dealership will allow the vehicle to come to our Torrance shop.
Schedule the PPI
Request the $199 inspection and share the vehicle details with the front desk.
Let us inspect it
Plan on 60-90 minutes for the in-shop inspection.
Review and decide
Receive the DVI by text or print, discuss the findings, and choose your next step.
“I'd like to have the car inspected at Hillside Auto Repair in Torrance before I buy it. I'll cover the $199, it takes about 60-90 minutes, and you're welcome to wait there with me and see the same report. Could you bring it there at a scheduled time?”
Before you bring the vehicle in
Is the inspection really a flat $199?
Yes. Our pre-purchase inspection is $199 for any car.
What if the vehicle is an EV or has dealer-locked scan systems?
The flat $199 price still applies. Some EVs and other vehicles limit scan-tool access or keep certain information behind manufacturer or dealer systems. We review the diagnostic information the vehicle makes available and document the inspection scope. We cannot promise access to every electronic system.
Can both buyer and seller receive the Digital Vehicle Inspection?
The report can be shared with both parties when the necessary contact and sharing details are provided at the shop. We can text the report link or provide a printed copy.
Can we wait at the shop?
Buyer and seller may wait in the customer area during the appointment. Plan on 60-90 minutes for the inspection.
Does the seller or dealer have to agree?
Yes. The seller or dealer must allow the vehicle to be brought to our Torrance shop for the scheduled in-shop inspection. Confirm that permission and the vehicle's arrival plan before requesting a time.
Do you perform the inspection at the seller's location?
No. This is an in-shop inspection so we can use our lift and shop equipment.
Does the $199 include repairs?
No. If the inspection identifies needed work, we can prepare a separate repair estimate at your request. Repairs are optional and require separate approval.
How can I use the findings in a price discussion?
You can decide whether to ask for a lower price, request repairs, proceed, or walk away based on the documented findings. The seller decides whether to accept any request. No discount, price adjustment, or savings is guaranteed.
Is a buyer's inspection the same as a PPI?
Yes. We use “buyer's inspection” and “used-car pre-purchase inspection” to describe the same flat $199 in-shop service. The name may vary in a listing or conversation, but the inspection scope and report are the same.
Bring the vehicle to our Torrance shop
Bring the vehicle in for documented findings you can review before the purchase decision.