1. What is the difference between an Auto P. I. pre-purchase inspection and a repair shop pre-purchase inspection?
First, Auto P. I. does not perform any repairs, this allows our Inspectors to be completely unbiased when inspecting a vehicle. We will give you an honest assessment of the vehicle and will not suggest repairs are not needed.

Second, all of our Inspectors are ASE Certified Master Technicians. This means that Auto P. I. Inspectors are certified and qualified to inspect every automotive mechanical and electrical component and system. Whereas most repair shop technicians specialize in only a few of the ASE automotive areas. Auto P. I. employs only ASE Master Certified Technicians.

Third, most automotive technicians are not Frame Specialists. For a body and frame inspection, you would have to go to a body shop and have a body and frame specialist determine any pervious accident damage. However, Auto P. I. Inspectors are both ASE Master Technicians and Frame Specialists. 

Fourth, Auto P. I. does not sell any aftermarket products or services.

2.  Can you tell me the value of the car?
Pricing is subjective not objective like our inspections. However, you can obtain the approximate value of a used vehicle from various websites. Look for "used car pricing" or contact your loan officer or credit union and ask for the NADA retail value. An Auto P. I. inspection will let you know the true condition of the vehicle and the cost of any needed repairs. You can take that information and adjust the price of the vehicle to obtain the approximate value of the vehicle.

3.  Do you recommend any used car dealers?
Each vehicle must be judged on its merits. We do not endorse or rate used car dealerships. All reputable dealers will encourage you to have a vehicle independently inspected before purchase.

4.  Is there a 30 day or 72 hour grace period? Can I take the car back to the dealership if I'm having problems?
In the State of Texas there is NO used car Lemon Law, NO 30 day law, NO 3 day or 72 hour take back period for used vehicles. When purchasing a vehicle from a dealer, you are required to sign an "AS IS" document. If a dealer gives a guarantee, be sure you understand the limitations of the guarantee before you sign the document.

5.  How soon can I get the report if I'm not there?
The inspection is given onsite after the inspection. If you are not present for the inspection, the Inspector will email a copy of the report from the field and contact you to go over the report. The phone consultation will give you all the pertinent information you need to conclude your deal.

6.  Do you do repairs?
We do not perform any repairs. This allows us to be totally unbiased when we inspect a vehicle.

7.  Where do I go for repairs?
We do not endorse any repair shop. We suggest that you get at least 3 estimates for any needed repair. Be sure that the repair shop guarantees their work and that they are ASE Certified in that area of repair.

8.  Can I get an inspection on my own car?
Many people have us inspect their car before their warrantee expires or inspect their car to determine any needed repairs.

9. Do you perform State inspections?
We do not perform state inspections. However, click here to find the the closest state inspection location in your zip code.

10. Can I schedule an inspection and cancel?
Make sure that you inform the seller or salesperson of your scheduled inspection time. There is no charge if you cancel your appointment 2 hours in advance. If the vehicle is not able to be inspected we charge "no show" fee of $50.

11. Why don't you list your price on your home page?
If you are comparing pricing for a pre-purchase inspection, we want to make sure you compare "apples" to "apples". Any company or repair shop can say they offer a pre-purchase inspection, and any person can perform an inspection. However, Auto P. I. uses only ASE Master Certified Technicians. This means our Inspectors are certified on every automotive system, not just a few. Our Inspectors are also Certified in Frame Analysis to properly detect previous accident damage and shoddy frame repairs. Our vans are fully equipped with all the necessary diagnostic tools, hydraulic lifts and computer testing equipment. We do not perform any type of repairs, so there is no conflict of interest. We have been used by the BBB, Attorney General's Office, and our inspection processes have been featured 3 times on ABC NEWS 20/20.

We have performed professional pre-purchase inspections since 2001. When you know all the facts and compare "apples" to "apples", our price of $139 is a great value*.

*In our service area. Additional $10 charge for vehicles that require additional time to inspect including, convertibles, 4-wheel drive, turbo chargers, high performance vehicles, SUVs and minivans.

Click here for information & pricing on our
600-point Pre-purchase inspection

"Before you buy... Call Auto P. I."