Why You Need a Pre-Purchase Inspection Before Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, and a bad purchase can cost thousands in hidden repairs. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by an independent mechanic is the best $100–$200 you'll spend — it reveals what the seller isn't telling you and gives you negotiating power if there are issues.
At All Motors Center in Spokane, we perform pre-purchase inspections on cars, trucks, SUVs, and even diesel and European vehicles. Here's exactly what we check.
What We Inspect
1. Engine
- Compression and leak-down (on request)
- Oil condition and level — dark, gritty, or milky oil tells a story
- Coolant condition — brown or oily coolant suggests a head gasket issue
- Visible leaks — oil, coolant, power steering, transmission
- Check-engine codes — even cleared codes leave a history in the computer
- Timing belt/chain condition and service history
2. Transmission & Drivetrain
- Fluid condition and level
- Shift quality — harsh, delayed, or slipping shifts
- CV joints, U-joints, axle seals
- 4WD/AWD operation (if applicable)
3. Brakes
- Pad and rotor thickness measurements
- Brake line and hose condition
- Parking brake function
- ABS system check
4. Suspension & Steering
- Struts, shocks, ball joints, tie rods
- Control arm bushings
- Wheel bearing play
- Alignment assessment from tire wear patterns
5. Electrical
- Battery load test
- Alternator output
- All lights, windows, locks, and accessories
- Dashboard warning lights
6. Body & Frame
- Rust — especially frame rust on trucks (common in Spokane due to road salt)
- Signs of accident repair — mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, overspray
- Structural integrity
7. Road Test
- Cold start behavior
- Engine and transmission performance under load
- Braking feel and stopping distance
- Suspension noise and ride quality
- Steering response
What We Report
After the inspection, you get a written report listing everything we found — the good, the bad, and the "plan to address within 6 months." We tell you what's a deal-breaker, what's negotiable, and what's expected wear. We don't have a stake in whether you buy the car — our only interest is giving you the truth.
Tips for Spokane Used-Car Buyers
- Always get an inspection — even from dealers. Dealers aren't required to disclose everything.
- Check for frame rust — Spokane's road salt accelerates frame corrosion on trucks and SUVs. This can be a safety deal-breaker.
- Request the inspection before you fall in love with the car — emotional attachment clouds judgment.
- Use a shop that's NOT the seller — an independent inspection protects your interests, not theirs.
Schedule Your Pre-Purchase Inspection
Buying a car in the Spokane area? Bring it to All Motors Center at 3310 E Trent Ave before you sign. Call (509) 655-7715 to schedule — most inspections take about an hour.