Pre-Purchase & Forensic Vehicle Inspections
Purchasing a vehicle — particularly a classic, collector, exotic, or specialty vehicle — often involves significant financial exposure and limited opportunity for recourse after the transaction.
Our inspections are conducted independently and in person at the dealer, seller, repair facility, or vehicle location. Each engagement is structured to document observable condition, identify potential concerns, and provide clients with the information necessary to make informed decisions before proceeding with purchase.
Unlike volume-driven inspection services, our process emphasizes thorough documentation, pattern recognition, and condition analysis developed through more than 35 years of automotive experience.
Inspection Scope May Include
Exterior, Paint & Cosmetic Evaluation
Assessment of exterior finishes, body panels, trim, glass, interior surfaces, and visible cosmetic condition. Digital paint thickness measurement and specialized inspection lighting may be used to identify prior refinishing, repair indicators, blend transitions, and surface irregularities.
Structural & Underside Review
Visual assessment of body alignment, closure panel fitment, underside condition, visible repair indicators, corrosion concerns, and observable structural inconsistencies.
Mechanical & Operational Assessment
Review of engine bay condition, fluid observations, leak indicators, idle quality, drivability impressions, exhaust observations, and visible component condition.
Wheels, Tires & Suspension
Assessment of tire wear patterns, wheel condition, and visible suspension components for signs of wear, deferred maintenance, or abnormalities.
Electronics & Vehicle Systems
Functional evaluation of accessible controls, switches, lighting systems, and vehicle electronics where applicable.
Diagnostics (When Applicable)
Diagnostic scanning may be performed on supported vehicles to identify stored or pending fault codes. Manufacturer-specific diagnostic information may also be reviewed when accessible.
Modified & Specialty Vehicles
Evaluation of workmanship, installation quality, modification execution, and overall presentation of aftermarket or specialty components.
Documentation Review
Review of available service records, ownership documentation, and supporting vehicle history information when provided.
Inspection Process
Phase I — Onsite Inspection & Documentation
The onsite inspection is conducted exclusively for observation, documentation, and data collection.
To maintain accuracy and avoid premature conclusions:
- Preliminary opinions are generally not provided during or immediately following the inspection
- Clients are contacted during the onsite phase only when inspection limitations prevent completion as agreed
This policy ensures findings are evaluated within the broader context of collected documentation and post-inspection analysis.
Phase II — Analysis & Reporting
Following completion of the onsite inspection, collected information undergoes structured analysis before reporting.
Deliverables may include:
- Comprehensive written report
- High-resolution inspection photo archive
- Narrated inspection video (when applicable)
- Condition summary and key findings
- Supporting observations and recommendations
Reports are typically delivered within approximately 24 hours, depending on assignment complexity.
Inspection Media Archive
Where applicable, inspections include a supplemental media archive consisting of high-resolution photographs and narrated video intended to provide additional context beyond written observations alone.
Typical deliverables may include:
- 150+ high-resolution inspection photographs
- Narrated inspection video (when applicable)
- Visual documentation of notable observations and condition findings
- Supplemental reference material supporting written conclusions
The media archive is intended to complement, not replace, the written report and analytical findings.
Scheduling & Engagement
Appointments are coordinated directly with the seller or vehicle representative following confirmation of availability. Scheduling is secured upon receipt of payment and confirmation of access requirements.
Fees reflect not only onsite inspection time, but documentation, analysis, reporting, and the expertise applied to each evaluation. Availability varies based on current workload and travel requirements.
Optional Add-On: Appraisal | Opinion of Value
For clients seeking market perspective in addition to condition analysis, an independent appraisal or opinion of value may be available.
This service incorporates:
- Vehicle condition considerations
- Comparable market data
- Current market trends
- Relevant value influences specific to the vehicle
The result is a documented value opinion intended to support informed decision-making beyond condition alone.