Used Car Pre-Purchase Inspections in Gig Harbor

A used car can look great in the driveway and still hide rust, leaks or worn parts. Before you pay, bring it to us. We put it on the lift, check it with a professional scan tool, and give you a written report with photos so you know what you're buying.

Request an Appointment (253) 884-3431

Why inspect before you buy

Private-party sales are usually as-is. Once the money changes hands, anything wrong with the car is usually yours to fix. A seller may not know about a problem, or may not mention it.

Dealer cars deserve a look too. The Buyers Guide sticker in the window tells you whether the car comes with a dealer warranty or is sold "As Is." If you bought online with a return window, get the car inspected before that window closes.

An inspection leaves you with clear choices: buy knowing what you're getting, negotiate with the report in hand, or walk away.

Inspecting an engine bay and vehicle underside

What we check on the lift

The car goes up on a two-post lift, because many expensive problems are underneath, out of sight. Our ASE Certified technicians look it over from the underbody to the engine bay.

We also connect a professional scan tool. Along with stored and pending trouble codes, it shows the car's readiness monitors. Those reset when codes are cleared or the battery is disconnected, so incomplete monitors can mean a check engine light was recently turned off. A new battery does the same thing, so it isn't proof on its own, but it's worth asking the seller about.

Where it's useful, we can also use a thermal imaging camera. It shows heat patterns, like cold spots in a radiator or one brake running hotter than the others.

Frame, subframe and underbody for rust, damage and signs of past repairs
Engine, transmission, differential and cooling system leaks
Brake pads, rotors, calipers, hoses and lines
Ball joints, tie rods, bushings, struts and shocks
Tire tread depth, age, and wear patterns that point to alignment or suspension trouble
Exhaust system, CV axles and driveline
Fluid condition, belts, hoses and a battery test
A professional scan for stored and pending trouble codes

Red flags to watch for

You can spot some warning signs yourself. Take your own test drive before you book the inspection, and if you notice any of these, an inspection matters even more.

A car that came from out of state may have spent winters on salted roads, which can leave rust you'd never see from the curb. Gravel roads and driveways, common on the Key Peninsula, can leave dents and scrapes on the oil pan, exhaust and suspension.

A check engine light that stays on, or one that doesn't light up at all when you first switch on the ignition (it should come on briefly as a bulb check)
An engine that's already warm when you arrive, so you can't hear a cold start
Fresh undercoating, or an underside or engine bay that was just pressure-washed
A musty smell, damp carpet or silt under the seats, which can mean water exposure
Mismatched paint or uneven gaps between body panels, which can point to past body work
No maintenance records on a high-mileage or European car

Your written report

You get a written report with photos, so you can see the rusted mount or the leaking seal for yourself. We walk you through it in plain language: what's urgent, what's normal wear for the age and mileage, and what can wait.

The inspection is about information, not selling you repairs. If you buy the car and want us to handle what we found, we'll explain the work and get your approval first. Our repairs are backed by a 2-year/24,000-mile warranty; learn more on our warranty page.

An inspection is a snapshot of the car on the day we see it. It can't predict every future failure or see inside a sealed engine or transmission, but it tells you a lot more than a walk-around and a test drive.

How to set it up with the seller

Ask the seller early whether they're OK with an independent inspection. If a seller won't allow one, that tells you something too.

Then request an appointment online or call (253) 884-3431. We're open Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and drop-off starts at 6:00 AM. If the evening before is easier, leave the keys in the key drop to the left of the customer lounge door. We also have a customer waiting area. You'll find us right next to Key Center on the Key Peninsula.

What We Work On

Full underbody inspection on the lift
Frame and rust check
Leak check: engine, transmission, differentials and cooling system
Brake, suspension and steering inspection
Tire tread depth, age and wear-pattern check
Exhaust, CV axle and driveline check
Fluid, belt and hose check with a battery test
Scan for stored and pending trouble codes
Thermal imaging where it helps
Written report with photos

Every repair is backed by our 2-year/24,000-mile warranty. Warranty details

Common Questions

Does the seller need to be there?

No. Someone just needs to get the car to us, with the owner's permission. The buyer can bring it in, or the seller can drop it off. Either way, we'll go over the findings with you.

Can you inspect a hybrid, electric or European car?

Yes. We work on all makes, including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Volkswagen, where missed maintenance can be costly to catch up on. On hybrids and EVs, we can check the brakes, suspension, tires and underbody and scan the car's systems. The high-voltage battery is a specialized area, so call first and we'll talk through what we can check on that specific car.

Will you tell me whether to buy the car?

We'll tell you plainly what we found and what it means. The decision is yours. A worn part that's a deal-breaker for one buyer can be a bargaining point for another, depending on your budget and plans for the car.

Isn't a vehicle history report enough?

A history report is worth getting, but it only shows what was reported. It can't tell you how worn the brakes are, whether the engine leaks, or whether a past repair was done well. Use both. You can also check a car's open recalls for free by entering the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

More questions? See our FAQ or call (253) 884-3431.

Schedule Pre-Purchase Inspection

We’re open Monday–Friday, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM, right next to Key Center. Drop off at opening, or leave your keys in the after-hours key drop.

Request an Appointment Call (253) 884-3431