Don't buy the story.
Inspect the car.

Found the car you want? We review the ad and records, arrange an in-person inspection, and give you a clear report to help you decide: buy, negotiate, or walk away.

Request an inspection

Opens an email draft · In beta and testing · launching soon

Read the sample report
  • ASE-certified reviewers
  • Photo-documented findings
  • Buy, Negotiate or Walk verdict

The expensive problems are the ones photos hide.

Photos can leave damage out of view. We compare what the seller shows you with the records and arrange an in-person check of the car.

Listing photo: the coupe staged in a polished showroom under professional lighting with no visible defects.

Listing photo

Photo supplied on request: the same coupe in a workshop with the front bumper detached and impact damage around the left headlamp.
  • 1Front bumper detached
  • 2Hood/bonnet gap

Photo the seller sent on request

Staged example. Drag the handle, then read the finding it produced.Switch between the two photos, then read the finding it produced.

Constructed example

Sample report.

Sample report · illustrative

Illustrative coupe

L1 listing · P1 to P10 photos · D1 title copy · D2 history report · D3 to D5 invoices

Based only on material supplied as of 21 Sep 2026. Anything not supplied was not reviewed.

  • MileageChecks outCompare against the title record
  • Accident historyDoesn't matchRequest repair documentation
  • Front-end conditionDoesn't matchAsk for dated repair invoices
  • Service historyNot confirmedAsk for the 2022 and 2023 invoices
  • Recall completionNot confirmedCheck with a dealer using the VIN
  • Mechanical conditionOn-site inspectionInspector, with test drive
  • Frame and underbodyOn-site inspectionInspector, on the lift

7 claims read · 1 checks out · 2 don't match · 2 not confirmed · 2 for the inspector

The finding behind the photo comparison, in full.

Front-end conditionDoesn't match
Seller claim
“Immaculate. Never damaged.”
Evidence compared
Listing photo 1 shows the car staged in a showroom with no visible defects. The photo the seller sent when you asked for a front three-quarter view shows the front bumper detached and impact damage around the left headlamp. P1 listing photo · P10 photo supplied on request
Finding
The photo supplied on request conflicts with the claim and with the listing photo.
Still unknown
When the damage happened and whether it has since been repaired. Repair invoices dated after P10 would settle it.
Next action
Ask for dated repair invoices and current photos of the same angle. Our inspector measures paint depth on the affected panels before you pay a deposit.

A mismatch is a reason to ask, not a finding about the vehicle's condition.

Sample report

What comes back.

See which claims match the evidence, which don't, and what still needs checking.

  • Checks outthe record backs what you were told
  • Doesn't matchthe record disagrees with what you were told
  • Not confirmednothing you sent settles it

Illustrative report excerpt. These marks apply to individual claims, not the overall condition of the car.

Constructed example

Sample report.

Sample report · illustrative

Illustrative coupe

L1 listing · P1 to P10 photos · D1 title copy · D2 history report · D3 to D5 invoices

Based only on material supplied as of 21 Sep 2026. Anything not supplied was not reviewed.

  • MileageChecks outCompare against the title record
  • Accident historyDoesn't matchRequest repair documentation
  • Front-end conditionDoesn't matchAsk for dated repair invoices
  • Service historyNot confirmedAsk for the 2022 and 2023 invoices
  • Recall completionNot confirmedCheck with a dealer using the VIN
  • Mechanical conditionOn-site inspectionInspector, with test drive
  • Frame and underbodyOn-site inspectionInspector, on the lift

7 claims read · 1 checks out · 2 don't match · 2 not confirmed · 2 for the inspector

The finding behind the photo comparison, in full.

Front-end conditionDoesn't match
Seller claim
“Immaculate. Never damaged.”
Evidence compared
Listing photo 1 shows the car staged in a showroom with no visible defects. The photo the seller sent when you asked for a front three-quarter view shows the front bumper detached and impact damage around the left headlamp. P1 listing photo · P10 photo supplied on request
Finding
The photo supplied on request conflicts with the claim and with the listing photo.
Still unknown
When the damage happened and whether it has since been repaired. Repair invoices dated after P10 would settle it.
Next action
Ask for dated repair invoices and current photos of the same angle. Our inspector measures paint depth on the affected panels before you pay a deposit.

A mismatch is a reason to ask, not a finding about the vehicle's condition.

How it works

From your chosen car to a clear report.

Records first. Inspection next. One report to help you decide whether to buy, negotiate, or walk away.

  1. 01

    Send the car details

    Email us the ad, the car's location, your deadline, and any photos or records you have. Tell us what you want checked.

  2. 02

    We review the records

    Your reviewer compares the seller's claims with the photos and documents, flags anything that doesn't match, and prepares the inspection checklist.

  3. 03

    We arrange the inspection

    The seller takes the car to an agreed shop. Auction cars are checked at the yard. You receive the findings, photos, and our recommendation in one report.

Request an inspection

The inspection

What we check.

We agree the checks for your car before work starts. Your report includes the findings, supporting evidence, and anything that could not be checked.

  • A used-car listing photo: a coupe staged under showroom lighting

    The ad and photos

    • Vehicle identification number (VIN) matches the records
    • Photos show the same car
    • Mileage and condition match what you were told
    • A service booklet and repair invoices being checked inside a car.

      Title, history and records

      • Salvage or rebuilt title history
      • Outstanding loans shown on the documents
      • Service history, mileage, and missing records
    • A handheld paint-depth gauge checking a car's front fender.

      The car itself

      • Visible condition and signs of previous repairs
      • Mechanical and electrical checks agreed for your car
      • Road test only where access and permission allow

Who it is for

For buyers who have picked the car.

  • Private or dealer sale: you have discussed the price and an independent inspection with the seller.
  • Remote purchase: you want the car checked before paying a deposit or traveling to see it.
  • Auction car: you have chosen a lot, know the sale date, and have a funded bidding account or broker.

Haven't asked the seller about an inspection yet? Use the message template below. We confirm everyone's agreement before work starts.

Request an inspection
A reviewer comparing vehicle photographs and records.

Your reviewer

Our reviewers are ASE-certified technicians and independent appraisers. One reviewer handles your case from start to finish and gives the shop or auction-yard representative a checklist for your car.

FAQ

Common questions.

Questions about your car or the inspection? Include them in your email.

A buyer photographing a car's tyre before purchase.
Is this a physical inspection?

Yes. We review the records first, then arrange an in-person check. Shop inspections and auction-yard checks have different limits; we confirm what can be checked before you agree to the work.

What does it cost?

We quote each case during beta. The written quote covers the records review and the agreed shop or auction-yard checks. You approve the price before work starts.

How long does it take?

We reply within one business day. The records review takes up to two business days after we receive your documents. We confirm the inspection date by email, based on access and availability. For auction cars, we confirm whether we can meet your sale deadline before accepting the job.

Where does the car get checked?

For private and dealer sales, the seller takes the car to an agreed local shop or service center. Auction cars stay at the yard, where an authorized representative checks them. We do not visit private homes.

What gets checked?

We agree a checklist for your car, including any specific concerns. The report separates problems found from checks that could not be completed and explains why. Road tests depend on permission and access.

What do I send?

The ad link or screenshots, the VIN, the car's location, your deadline, and any records or photos you have. For auctions, include the lot number and sale date. The email draft has prompts to guide you.

What if I haven't spoken to the seller yet?

Use the seller message in the Get started section to ask about an inspection. We begin once you, the seller, and the inspection provider have agreed on the arrangements.

Why not just get a vehicle history report?

A history report only shows what was reported. We compare it with the other records and arrange a physical check for problems the paperwork may not show.

Who reviews and inspects the car?

An ASE-certified technician or independent appraiser reviews your case. Shop technicians carry out the shop inspection; an authorized local representative handles the agreed auction-yard checks.

What happens to my documents?

We use them only for your report, do not share them with the seller, and delete them 30 days after your case closes. See our privacy page for details.

Get started

Check the car before the money moves.

We are testing with a small number of buyers before launch. Email us to confirm availability for your car. We agree the checks, price, and timing with you in writing before work starts.

Request an inspection

Opens an email draft with a few questions about the car. Nothing is sent until you send it.

Or email support@prepurchasepro.com

We reply within one business day. How we handle your documents

What to put in the email
THE CAR
Link to the ad (or screenshots attached):
Year, make, model:
VIN (17 characters, from the ad or the seller):
Where the car is (city and state):

THE DEAL
Private seller, dealership, or auction:
Price agreed or asking, and any deposit already paid:
Have you told the seller you want an independent check? (yes / not yet):
Seller's name and phone, if they have agreed:
When do you need to decide by:

IF IT IS AN AUCTION CAR
Which auction (Copart, IAA, Manheim, other):
Lot number:
Yard location (city, state):
Sale date and time:
Bidding yourself or through a broker:
What the auction says about keys and starting (their words):

WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHAT YOU WANT
What the seller has given you:
  history report / service invoices / extra photos / title details / nothing yet
Things you were told that you want checked (e.g. "one owner", "no accidents", "runs and drives"):
Anything specific you want looked at, beyond the standard check:
What worries you most:

YOU
Your name, phone, and state:
What to say to the seller
I'd like to buy the car at the price we discussed, subject to an independent inspection. I'll pay for the check through Pre Purchase Pro. Would you be willing to take the car to an agreed local shop? They'll contact you to confirm the location, timing, and checks before anything is booked.