Frequently Asked Questions

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The Doctor Has Answers

Here you can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions. If your question is not addressed here, please Contact Us to ask directly. We will be happy to get back to you with an answer. 

When will my report be ready?

Your report will be ready within 24 hours. We understand that this is often a time sensitive matter, so we do our best to provide your report as soon as possible.

If the vehicle is sold before we arrive, and the seller has not instructed our inspector to proceed, we will place your order on hold while you search for another vehicle. Once you find another vehicle for inspection, we’ll transfer the details and dispatch an inspector promptly. However, if the seller allows our inspector to view the vehicle before selling it to someone else, we cannot place your order on hold. In this case, you will receive a report for the vehicle originally inspected. To avoid this, please coordinate with the seller to hold the vehicle until you receive your report.

We prioritize getting inspectors on-site as quickly as possible, so we begin processing your order immediately. As a result, we are unable to offer refunds once your order is placed. Please ensure you are certain about your vehicle before placing an order. If the vehicle is sold before we dispatch an inspector, your order will be placed on hold, and the payment can be applied to another vehicle inspection. However, if you purchase the vehicle before we can inspect it, cancellations for refunds will not be provided.

Absolutely not. You are paying for the inspection for your benefit, so we treat it as confidential. Even if the seller is present during the inspection, we do not communicate our findings to them. That would be a conflict of interest. We work for you.

Yes. Other companies provide a valuation as an add-on but we include this service as a part of our inspection. There is no additional fee.

Yes! We believe a compression test is the most important part of our inspections. We perform what is called a relative compression test which helps to assess the health of an engine’s cylinders. By comparing the compression values of each cylinder relative to one another, the test can identify discrepancies that indicate issues such as worn piston rings, valves, or cylinder head problems. Unlike a standard compression test, which measures absolute pressure, a relative compression test provides a more accurate reflection of engine performance and potential mechanical failures, making it an effective method for detecting underlying issues before they lead to major engine damage. Besides, standard compression tests are more invasive and most sellers would not allow them.

Many auto repair businesses will do a pre-purchase inspection. However, their time is more valuable making repairs, so they are not motivated to conduct a thorough inspection. There is an inherent conflict of interest. Lemon Squad is our major competitor. They are national, we are local. Their pricing is much higher for the same service. We conduct what we consider the most important kind of test, a relative compression test, Lemon Squad does not according to their own website. The results of this test alone can be a deal breaker, prompting us to recommend walking away and finding another vehicle.

We operate as a pre-pay service, meaning payment for the inspection is required when you place your order. If the vehicle is sold before we dispatch an inspector, your order will be placed on hold, and the payment can be applied to the inspection of another vehicle.

Your report will be emailed to you as a PDF file. It will include comments about issues that are found. It will include our judgement whether you should or should not consider buying the vehicle and why. It will include our estimated value of the vehicle at no additional cost.

You should read the entire report and look at all of the pictures. Most importantly, read our final recommendation as to whether we believe it’s a good buy.

No, customers are not permitted to be present during the inspection. This policy ensures our inspectors can focus fully on their work without distractions, allowing them to deliver the highest quality results in the most honest and objective way possible. Our service is designed to save you time and eliminate stress—so sit back and let us handle it.

If you are unsure if you want us to inspect a standard, classic or exotic car, contact us before submitting an order.

A used car inspection cannot be guaranteed because the vehicle remains fully assembled during the inspection, preventing the inspector from accessing internal components such as the engine or transmission. There may be potential issues or failures that are not apparent at the time of inspection. While no inspection can provide a 100% guarantee, getting a professional pre-purchase inspection offers significant value by providing a thorough evaluation of a vehicle’s current condition. This process helps identify potential hidden issues that could lead to costly repairs or safety concerns down the road. By having an expert examine the car, you gain peace of mind and a clearer understanding of what you’re buying. It also gives you leverage during negotiations, as any defects found can influence the price or terms of the sale. Ultimately, investing in an inspection helps minimize the risk of making a poor purchasing decision and ensures you’re making an informed choice.

Yes, but only if we have the seller’s permission, if it is street legal and if it is safe to drive.

Yes, by driving it up onto portable ramps, allowing us to get a good look under the vehicle. However, this may not be possible with exotic cars since many are so low to the ground, driving them up onto ramps may result in damage to the vehicle. But with lights and a camera, we can still get a good look. There may also be other situations which might prevent us from raising the car. No matter the circumstance, we will make every effort to make an assessment of the undercarriage.