Before you buy

Pre-Purchase Inspection in Johnson City, TN

Know what you're really buying.

Buying a used car, truck, or SUV? Get it inspected by us first, not the seller. Our ASE certified technicians check the whole vehicle and give you an honest report before you hand over your money.

Call (423) 913-3111 Schedule Inspection

Why Get an Independent Inspection First

A used vehicle can look great in photos and still hide expensive problems underneath. A seller has every reason to highlight the good and gloss over the bad, whether they mean to or not. An independent inspection from a shop with no stake in the sale gives you the real picture before you sign anything.

It's one of the cheapest ways to protect yourself in a used vehicle purchase. A pre-purchase inspection costs far less than the repair bill you could be stuck with if a hidden problem shows up a month after you drive it home.

What we check

What's Covered in a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Engine & Transmission

We check for leaks, unusual noises, rough shifting, and signs of past repairs that a seller might not mention.

Brakes & Suspension

Pads, rotors, struts, and steering components all get inspected for wear that isn't obvious on a test drive.

Frame & Body

We look for rust, prior accident damage, and mismatched paint that can point to unreported repairs.

Electrical & Computer

We scan for stored fault codes and test the battery, alternator, and starter.

Tires & Wheels

Tread depth, uneven wear, and alignment issues are checked, since new tires add real cost to a purchase.

Fluids & Leaks

We check oil, coolant, transmission, and brake fluid condition, and look underneath for leaks.

What You Get When It's Done

Once the inspection is complete, we walk you through exactly what we found, in plain language, no jargon. If something needs attention, we tell you what it is and roughly what it would cost to fix, so you can decide whether to move forward, negotiate a lower price, or walk away from the deal entirely. That decision is always yours. Our job is just to make sure you're making it with the real information.

Every inspection is performed by our ASE certified technicians, and any repair work you choose to have done afterward is backed by our 36 month, 36,000 mile nationwide warranty on parts and labor. We inspect cars, trucks, SUVs, and 4x4s, domestic, import, and European, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. We have no stake in the sale either way, our only job is to tell you what's really there.

How Much Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost?

It's a flat, upfront cost for a full inspection, far less than the repair bill a hidden problem could leave you with. Call either shop and we'll give you the price before you schedule, so there's no surprise when you show up.

Customer reviews

What Our Customers Say

"They worked with me so I was able to take care of the most needed services first. The pictures taken during the inspection showed me exactly what they were looking at. I highly recommend them for car care."

Debbie C.

"Can't say enough about the technicians here! Quality, honesty, integrity, everything a real automotive shop should be built on. If you're looking for a truly customer-first place, this is it."

Trey B.

"Best service and prices I've found. They did good honest work at fair prices. I would recommend them to anyone, especially if you have a European car."

James M.

"Staff is courteous and know what they are doing. Service work completed and vehicle returned when promised. Good job."

Kenneth S.

Read more reviews on Google: Market Street (700+) · Hopper Road (90+)

Two shops in Johnson City

Schedule Your Inspection at Either Location

Location One

West Market Street

3832 W Market Street
Johnson City, TN 37604

(423) 913-3111

Call Shop Directions

Location Two

Hopper Road

216 Hopper Road
Johnson City, TN 37604

(423) 328-7036

Call Shop Directions

Common questions

Pre-Purchase Inspection FAQ

What is a pre-purchase inspection?

An independent, bumper-to-bumper inspection of a used vehicle you're considering buying, performed by our shop rather than the seller. We check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical system, and more, then give you an honest report before you commit to buying.

Do I need to bring the vehicle myself, or can I buy it first?

Get the inspection before you buy, not after. Most private sellers and dealers will let you take the vehicle for an inspection first. If a seller won't allow it, that itself is worth paying attention to.

How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?

Most are completed within an hour, depending on the vehicle. We'll give you an estimated wait time when you schedule.

What if the inspection finds a problem?

We give you a clear, honest report of everything we find, big or small, so you can decide whether to move forward, negotiate the price, or walk away.

How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?

It's a flat, upfront cost for a full inspection, far less than the repair bill a hidden problem could leave you with. Call either shop for the price before you schedule.

Do you inspect all makes and models?

Yes. Cars, trucks, and SUVs of all makes and models, domestic, import, and European, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.

Serving Johnson City and the Tri-Cities

We perform pre-purchase inspections for buyers across Johnson City, Jonesborough, Gray, Telford, Chuckey, Elizabethton, Erwin, Fall Branch, Kingsport, Limestone, Piney Flats, and throughout Washington, Carter, and Unicoi counties. See our full list of services, learn what sets our shop apart, or head back to our home page.

Don't buy blind

Get it inspected before you sign anything

An honest, independent look at the vehicle you're about to buy, from ASE certified technicians.

Schedule Inspection Call W Market St Call Hopper Rd

W Market St · (423) 913-3111 Hopper Rd · (423) 328-7036