Pre-purchase Inspections

With instant access to thousands of classic cars across America with a simple internet search, being an enthusiast or collector has never been better. However, it is crucial to be an informed, educated customer. From scams to outright misrepresentation, the classic car
buying process can be daunting. Having a professional pre-purchase inspection is absolutely vital to ensure your investment is a sound one.

In the classic car business there are no warranties or refunds, therefore due diligence must be done prior to purchasing. Don’t depend on the opinions of the current owner or commission-based salesman. We offer an unbiased and comprehensive inspection to ensure you fully
understand the vehicle’s condition before putting your hard-earned money on the table.

A thorough vehicle inspection will almost always uncover cosmetic and/or mechanical flaws that can then be presented to the seller in order to secure a lower price for you, the buyer. An inspection can and will save you money on the purchase of your new vehicle.

 

What we look out for:

Does the car exist?

First and foremost, our pre-purchase inspection ensures the car you’re interested in actually exists. Scammers are all over the internet, posting ads for cars that have already sold or may have never existed in the first place. They will even build fake websites that look legit in every way, often stealing web content directly from an actual business or dealership. You wire transfer money to them and you never hear back. Private party sellers are no exception and it’s very important to get eyes on them and their car they have listed for sale.

Has the car been misrepresented?

Sellers showcase their car in the best possible way to sell it for the most amount of money. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but
let’s face it, some people are more honest and transparent than others. And unfortunately, sellers have no legal obligation whatsoever
to disclose any issues with a classic car they are selling. Some purposefully hide issues; others may not even know about them. Keep in
mind, classic cars are changing hands much faster these days, and flippers are everywhere trying to make a quick buck on a car they know very little about. And don’t expect dealers to be any more accurate in their listings. Mistakes and ignorance in their ads and about their cars can dramatically affect a vehicle’s value.

Who is the seller and is there a title?

Almost as important as the car itself is the vehicle’s owner / seller. This applies to both private parties and dealerships. Is the car stored in a proper garage or warehouse or outside in the weather? Is it kept under a vehicle lift where the car above it drips oil all over the paint? But most importantly, does the seller have the legal right to sell the vehicle in question? We will check that the VIN on
the title matches the VIN on the car and if the title has any liens or brands and if it is actually in the seller’s name (or legal for a dealership to offer for sale).

What you can expect:

  • SAME DAY inspection results. You get the full report the day the inspection is done, guaranteed!

  • Comprehensive 7-page typed out report, never handwritten. No filler, just useful, easy-to-understand information on every page

  • 200+ HD photos and 5+ HD videos (usually around 20 minutes of video in total) including narration pointing out all the good and all the bad

  • Pre and post inspection telephone consultation free of charge to answer all your questions

  • Thorough inspection of drivetrain, undercarriage, steering, suspension, chrome, wheels, tires, exhaust, interior, paint, panel fit and body filler, glass, weatherstripping and so much more

  • Test drive evaluation to see how the engine is running, brakes are braking, transmission is shifting etc.

  • Operations check of all accessories, including lights, wipers, AC, heat, power options like seats and mirrors, windows, all gauges, and more

  • VIN decode

  • Cowl / trim tag decode

  • Engine casting numbers and suffix codes so you know exactly what engine is in the car and if it’s original

  • Verify vehicle title is clear (no liens or brands), the VIN matches the car, and it is in the seller’s name

 

True no-hassle, flat-rate pricing for inspections within main service area (within an hour drive of Tampa)

$499

Inspections can usually be performed within 24 hours of booking, depending on the seller’s schedule. Inspections can be performed outside the main service area anywhere in the state of Florida. Contact for details and pricing.

*No compression tests can be performed on the vehicles / engines as most sellers / dealers do not allow them. The primary focus of the inspection is on overall restoration and build quality, as well as mechanical functionality. No guarantees or warranties can be made on the future reliability of the vehicle and unforeseen mechanical problems can always occur at anytime on any “old” vehicle.