Pre-Purchase Inspection · Reno, NV

Know What You're Buying Before You Pay for It.

A used car looks its very best on the lot — that's the seller's job. Our job is telling you what's actually underneath. A Reno Auto Works pre-purchase inspection gives you an independent, professional evaluation of any used vehicle before money changes hands.

Schedule Service Call 775-384-2098

When You Need a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Any of these situations calls for an independent set of eyes:

Buying from a private seller — no lot, no recourse
Buying from a dealer and you want an opinion that isn't the dealer's
The deal seems a little too good
Buying out of a lease, or buying a car for a new driver in the family
The seller “just serviced everything” but has no records
You're buying sight-unseen or from out of the area and need a local shop to check it

The Most Expensive Cars Are the “Great Deals”

A used car with hidden problems doesn't cost what you paid — it costs what you paid plus everything the seller knew about and didn't mention. Flood damage, deferred maintenance, tired brakes, a transmission on its way out. An inspection is a small fraction of the purchase price of the vehicle, and it either buys you confidence or saves you from a mistake.

Either result is worth far more than the inspection costs.

What's Included

What Our Pre-Purchase Inspection Covers

A structured, professional evaluation — not a walk-around:

Engine, transmission, and drivetrain condition assessment
Computer scan for stored and pending trouble codes — including recently cleared ones
Brakes, tires, suspension, and steering inspection with measurements
Fluid condition checks — often the clearest window into how a car was maintained
Body, frame, and leak inspection for signs of accident or neglect
A straight verbal and written rundown: what's good, what needs work soon, and what it'll roughly cost

Why Choose Reno Auto Works

We work for you, not the seller. Our only interest is telling you the truth about the vehicle.

Honest recommendations — we tell you what's urgent, what can wait, and what doesn't need fixing.
Plain-English explanations — you'll understand the problem before you approve the repair.
Warranty-repair assistance — most extended warranties accepted, with claim-handling help.
Free 65-point inspection with qualifying service — know your vehicle's real condition.
Hablamos español — Spanish-speaking assistance available.

Local to Reno & Sparks

Buying in Reno, Sparks, or off Craigslist/Facebook Marketplace anywhere in the Truckee Meadows? Have the seller meet you at our Vassar Street shop — a seller who won't allow an inspection has answered your question already.

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FAQ

Pre-Purchase Inspection Questions

How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?

Plan on a few hours including the report — call ahead and we'll schedule it so the seller isn't waiting around. Call 775-384-2098 to arrange a time.

What if the seller won't allow an inspection?

Walk away. A refusal to allow an independent inspection on a used vehicle is the loudest warning sign there is.

Can you inspect a car I'm buying from out of state?

If the vehicle is here in the Reno area, yes — buyers relocating or purchasing remotely use us as their local eyes. We'll call you with the findings directly.

Will the inspection tell me what the repairs would cost?

Yes — we give you a realistic picture of near-term repair and maintenance costs, which is exactly the leverage you want when negotiating the price.

Related Services

Found the Car? Now Find the Truth.

Schedule a pre-purchase inspection before you commit — negotiate with facts, or dodge a money pit entirely.

Schedule Service Call 775-384-2098 Get Directions