Buyer's Guide

Pre-Purchase Car Inspection: What We Check & Why It Matters

Updated March 2026 · 7 min read

You found the car. The photos look clean, the seller says "no issues," and the price feels right. But here's the thing, every used car seller says "no issues." A pre-purchase inspection is the only way to know what you're actually buying.

We do mobile pre-purchase inspections across Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Brampton and Etobicoke. We come to the seller's location, their house, the dealership, wherever the car is, and go through it thoroughly. Here's exactly what that looks like.

Got a quote, or not sure what's wrong? Drop a shop's price into the free quote checker to see if it's low, in range, or high for your car, then get an honest on-site second opinion. Not sure what it even is? The free AI car diagnosis names the likely cause in seconds. Either way, Fares comes to you, 647-450-0406.

What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost?

Our 150-point mobile inspection starts at $120. That's the cost of not finding out the car needs $3,000 in suspension work after you've already handed over the money.

The average used car in the costs $15,000-$30,000. Spending $120 to verify what you're buying is the easiest math you'll ever do.

Our 150-Point Inspection Checklist

Engine & Drivetrain

Brakes

Suspension & Steering

Electrical

Body & Frame

Road Test

The OBD2 Scan Matters: We plug in a diagnostic scanner and pull all stored and pending codes. Some sellers clear the check engine light right before showing the car, pending codes reveal what they tried to hide.

What We've Caught for Buyers

Real examples from recent inspections in the GTA:

When Should You Get a PPI?

Before you hand over any money. Not after. Not "I'll get it checked out later." Before.

This applies whether you're buying from:

If the seller refuses to let a mechanic inspect the car, that's your answer. Walk away.

How to Book a Mobile PPI

Call 647-450-0406 and tell us:

  1. The year, make, and model
  2. Where the car is located
  3. When you want us there

We come to the seller's location, you don't have to move anything. Results discussed on-site and sent to you in writing. Same-day availability across Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Brampton and Etobicoke.

Buying a used car?

Don't inherit someone else's problems. $120 now saves thousands later.

Book a PPI, 647-450-0406

Three Google reviews, all five stars, quoted in full.

Plus three real jobs written up with the actual price paid.

“Fares did some major repairs on my GTI, including brakes, rear main seal and transmission fluid change. He is professional, capable and courteous. Despite the terrible weather he persevered, and got the job done. Very happy with his work.”Google review, five stars, August 2026
“Fares came by and did the brakes on my 2021 Lexus RX350. I got quoted way more at a shop so I decided to try a mobile mechanic instead. He showed up on time, did the work in my driveway, and everything went smoothly.”Google review, five stars, 2021 Lexus RX350
“Wonderful and quick experience, charged me way less than the dealer and he did the work in my driveway in the cold. I really appreciate all the hard work.”Google review, five stars

Mobile mechanic, we come to you

Have this problem?

I'll fix it at your driveway. One flat price before any work, old parts handed back, and you pick the time. Mississauga, Oakville, Milton, Brampton and Etobicoke.

5.0 on Google. Real jobs written up with the actual price paid, read them.

Prefer to text? 647-450-0406. I read them between jobs.

Get a flat quote

Thirty seconds. Price range right away, then real time slots you can book yourself.

No spam, no sales call. You get a price range right away and real time slots you can book yourself.

More on pre-purchase inspections