Know the car before you buy it.
A beautiful exterior and a smooth test drive can leave important questions unanswered. Our pre-purchase inspections help BMW, MINI, Porsche and Rolls-Royce buyers understand a vehicle’s condition before committing to it.
The purchase price is only part of the cost.
A used vehicle can look well cared for while carrying deferred maintenance, fluid leaks, worn components or stored electronic faults. A short test drive or vehicle history report may not reveal those concerns.
A specialist inspection gives you a clearer picture of what you are buying, what needs attention and what future maintenance may involve. Findings can help you plan your budget, discuss the asking price or decide that a different vehicle is a better fit.
An inspection is most valuable before you commit to the purchase. Arrange it with the seller while the decision is still yours to make.
Unexpected repair bills
Existing engine, cooling, transmission or suspension concerns can turn an appealing purchase into a costly ownership experience.
Safety concerns
Worn brakes, damaged tires or steering and suspension issues may need attention before the car is ready for regular use.
Less room to make an informed decision
Discovering problems after the purchase can leave you paying for repairs you did not budget for, after the opportunity to negotiate or walk away has passed.
43 checks. A clearer picture of the car.
From paint depth and fluid-condition testing to an extended test drive, our pre-purchase inspection looks beyond the appearance of the vehicle. Here is what we check, as applicable to its equipment and configuration.
Exterior & body
- Exterior condition
- Windshield chips and cracks
- Paint depth
Interior & comfort
- Interior trim, seats, seat belts and buckles, and headliner
- Sunroof or convertible-top operation
- Air-conditioning operation
- Seat and steering-wheel heaters
Electronics & controls
- Error and warning lights
- Horn
- Wiper and washer operation and condition
- Bluetooth, including a test call
- Radio and sound system
- Locks
- Mirror adjustment and folding
- Windows
- Lights
- Fault codes
- Driver-assist features, if applicable
Engine, fluids & battery
- Oil level
- Drive belt
- Brake-fluid condition, with a photo of the test strip
- Coolant condition, with a photo of the test strip
- Battery test and date stamp or sticker
- Engine leaks
Brakes, wheels & suspension
- Parking brake
- Tire-pressure adjustment
- Suspension
- Steering
- Front brake pad thickness and rotor condition
- Rear brake pad thickness and rotor condition
- Wheel curbing, bends and cracks
- Tire tread depth and wear pattern
- Shocks and struts
Drivetrain, road test & maintenance
- Driveline
- Transmission leaks
- Transfer-case leaks
- Drivetrain mounts
- Axles and CV boots
- Differential leaks
- Exhaust
- Extended test drive, noting abnormal noises, vibrations and other concerns
- Maintenance recommendations based on age and mileage
- Clutch operation, if applicable
We explain our findings and maintenance priorities so you can make an informed purchase decision. An inspection reflects the vehicle’s condition at the time of the visit; it cannot reveal every hidden issue or predict every future failure.
Go deeper into engine condition.
Engine compression and leak-down tests are available as additional services. They are separate from the standard pre-purchase inspection and can provide more information about internal engine condition.
Engine compression test
Measures the pressure produced in the cylinders during cranking. Low or uneven readings can indicate a cylinder-sealing concern and the need for further investigation.
Engine leak-down test
Uses controlled air pressure to assess how well a cylinder holds pressure. It can help locate leakage through valves, piston rings or other sealing areas.
Ask about these add-ons when booking. We will discuss whether they are appropriate for the vehicle and confirm pricing, access requirements and any additional time before proceeding. Coordinate permission with the seller for any additional testing.
Make the inspection part of the purchase.
Tell us about the vehicle.
Share the year, model, mileage and VIN if available, along with any concerns and the seller’s location. Ask about compression or leak-down testing if you want a deeper engine evaluation.
Arrange the visit.
Confirm that the seller will make the vehicle available at our Tampa shop. Contact us ahead of time to confirm appointment availability, inspection scope and pricing.
Decide with better information.
We help you understand the condition, immediate concerns and maintenance priorities. You decide whether to proceed, negotiate or keep looking.
Ready to Experience The Fox Difference?
Bring us the vehicle you are considering. We will help you understand it before it becomes yours.