Used Car
Buying Help:
600-Point  Pre-
Purchase Inspections
Top 10 Buying Myths
and Mistakes
Why Use Auto P. I.
Used Car Inspections
The 1-2-3 Steps of Buying a Used Car
Master Technicians & Frame Specialist
Frame Inspections
are Critical
Determining the True Value of a Used Car
Used Car Industry
Alerts and Scams
Helpful Links and
Titling Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Buyer
Beware
A CARFAX Report
is Not an Inspection
Certified Used-Car Drawbacks
Other Types of Pre-
Purchase Inspections
Voided Factory Warranties on Used Vehicles
The "AS-IS" Sale Document
Odometer Fraud at Highest Levels
Flood and Totaled Vehicles are on the
Road Again
Title Fraud and Title Cleaning
A Curbstoner or
Individual Seller?

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the difference between a Auto P. I. Inspection and a repair shop inspection?
  2. Can you tell me the value of the car?
  3. Do you recommend any used car dealers?
  4. Isn't there a 3 day or 72 hour grace period? Can I take the car back to the dealership if I'm having problems?
  5. How soon can I get the report if I'm not there?
  6. Do you do repairs?
  7. Where do I go for repairs?
  8. Can I get an inspection on my own car?
  9. Do you perform State inspections?
  10. Why don't you list your price on your home page?

1. What is the difference between a Auto P. I. Inspection and a repair shop inspection?
First, we only perform pre-purchase 600-point inspections. Second, all of our Inspectors are ASE Certified Master Technicians and frame certified. Third, Auto P. I. does not perform any repairs.

Auto P. I. Inspectors are certified to inspect every automotive component and system, not just the obvious ones. Most repair shop mechanics usually specialize in only a few automotive areas and are not frame certified. Auto P. I. will give you an honest assessment of the vehicle and will not suggest repairs are not needed.

2.  Can you tell me the value of the car?
You can obtain the approximate value 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.

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 form 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 Inspector will contact you as soon as he has finished the inspection. This phone consultation will give you all the pertinent information to conclude your deal. The Inspector will also email a copy of the report to you when he returns to the office.

6.  Do you do repairs?
We do not perform any repairs or sell any aftermarket warrantees or items. 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. Most lube shops and repair shops perform the simple State Inspection. To locate an inspection station in your area go to DPS State Inspection Sticker

10. Why don't you list your price on your home page?
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 we are endorsed by the Texas Credit Union League. We have been featured 3 times on ABC NEWS 20/20 and we are used by the news media on their stories about used cars and the used car industry. We have performing professional pre-purchase inspections since 1990.

When you know all the facts and compare "apples" to "apples", our price of $129, for most vehicles foreign and domestic, is a great value.

Don't Buy a Used Car With Past or Current Problems
Know the True Condition by Scheduling an Auto P. I. 600-Point Inspection.

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