Portland's "Premier Modern Vehicle"
OnSite Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Service
"Modern Inspections for Modern
Vehicles"
Know nothing about cars and need someone who can steer you in the right direction? Are you looking at a particular vehicle and wish it could be inspected by a confident trained and Certified Technician, but don't want the hassles, expense and dishonesty of
independent shops or dealerships to have the vehicle inspected?
I'm a licensed and bonded Oregon business and independent Advanced Level L1 ASE Master and GM Master Certified Technician. Buying a used car can be a terrifying process, who better to have on your side than a Master Certified Technician who does this every day? I have the most extensive, modern
mobile inspection business in the industry. I have "inspection tools" that most dealers, other inspection companies, and independents have never even heard of. Remember PDXinspections is an "Inspection Specialist" not a repair facility. I will give you the peace of mind that the vehicle you're considering buying or selling is safe and reliable by a thorough evaluation performed by a completely unbiased Master Certified Technician who isn't trying to sell you products/services you may or may not need. Best of all, I come with you or with the permission of the seller I inspect the car at their home or office, eliminating any hassle for you or them.
PDXinspections as your Portland used car-buying expert featured on
KATU News
Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Report
This special Problem Solvers report was done By
Kerry Tomlinson, KATU On Your Side Reporter KATU News, Portland
Oregon on why you must have your next used vehicle purchase
inspected prior to purchase. – Aired 11/16/10 6:30PM featuring
PDXinspections as your Portland used car-buying expert. The scam
discussed can be found on my
Blog - Available
in HD if your connection allows
1) Ensure you're not buying into someone else's problem -
Always ask yourself and also ask the seller, "Why are they selling
the vehicle"?
2) Sellers often don't want to drop their cars off at the
dealership to have them torn apart and given an inaccurate assessment.
Dealerships and repair shops are often known for giving inaccurate or overly
sensitive assessments to attempt to lure a potential client in one of their own
vehicles or up-selling products and services that will only confuse you when
deciding whether to purchase your new vehicle. If you want an accurate
assessment you need an actual unbiased independent third party inspection by a
company who specializes in "Inspections" of used vehicles.
3) NEVER rely solely on dealers inspections. Remember most
dealers are in the business of making money and most vehicles
are sold AS IS. In a declining economy and auto market it's
becoming very common to see even large franchised dealers not
spending the money to properly recondition their own vehicles.
Know what you're buying, avoid having to sink money into your
new "used vehicle" right off the get go.
4) Looking at a Certified Pre Owned vehicle? CPO vehicles
can still be certified even if the car has been in an accident, in fact I've
seen these vehicles with existing/poor frame damage. Don't
overpay for a vehicle that has been involved in accident or has substantial
paintwork.
5) Emotions might get the best of you on your initial viewing of
your potential used vehicle - I'm an ASE and GM Master certified
technician and inspect used vehicles for a living, I often will spot items you
didn't on your initial viewing.
6) There is rarely a perfect used car out there. Use my report
as a bargaining tool. Avoid costly repairs and necessary maintenance
immediately after purchase.
7) You cannot rely solely on Carfax reports. An accident
will ONLY show up on their system if there is
a police report or an insurance company pays out on a repair.
In my experience, 80% of the cars I inspect have one or more
repainted panels but yet show nothing on a Carfax report. YOU MUST WATCH THIS NEWS STORY
- This is hands down the best video you will see on the inaccuracies
and problems of relying on Carfax reports.
8) For out of state
purchasers - Sellers obviously take the best pictures they can
when it comes to selling their vehicles. I can document the
report with high quality (Digital SLR 50-200+) photos of any damage
items I might find in/out of the vehicle for an additional $50
compiling a complete report
as sampled here.
I also can take High Definition 1080P Video of your inspection. These
services are also beneficial when it comes to shipping a vehicle to document the
vehicles condition prior to shipping. My inspections are always cheaper than a plane ticket just to
find the car isn't as advertised.
9)
I'm a people person who can translate the "High Tech" automotive lingo into
layman's terms and would love to be your personal automotive consultant for
life!
10) My reports come in a
digital format directly emailed to you from the inspection site, you won't find
this with any other service. They are easily read on your smart phone iPad, iPhone or other mobile device. My reports are easily read and understood, make for
easy archiving/sharing and great for insurance purposes and
record keeping. I have the most extensive inspection service
including the most detailed reports offering high quality photos
of damage items emailed and cataloged on my website for out
of state buyers.
I go to the vehicle whether
it is with a private party or at a dealership. My very thorough mobile
inspections come with a complete inspection report immediately emailed to you and start at
$129 within 20 miles
of Troutdale, 97060 - Visit my order page for complete pricing structure
Your inspection includes research prior to inspection (I have
access to vehicle records no other inspection company does), a complimentary
AutoCheck report and the inspection itself.
My inspections are modeled after manufacture certified vehicle
standards (I.e.150 point certified) but are far superior as I also check for
repainted panels, prior repairs and proper operation of all electronics and accessories and run extensive mechanical tests you won't find anywhere else.
Inspections are complete: Mechanical/Fluid/Safety/Electrical/Computer
Diagnostics. I use the same factory scanners and high tech
diagnostic equipment the big franchised dealers do. These
include an OTC/SPX Scanner as well as a tablet/laptop and
with enhanced data capabilities (meaning I can test airbags,
ABS, body controllers and more) Midtronics Electronic battery/starting/charging
analyzers, infrared testers, 5 gas digital exhaust analyzer,
digital engine analyzer, coolant refractometer measuring efficiency/condition, pressure testers, a digital video
scope to identify and inspect areas not easily seen without
disassembly, an air jack to properly lift and inspect the
undercarriage/frame and more.
You are more than welcome to join the inspection although 90% my clients
elect to send me to the vehicle and either decide to skip the vehicle all
together, negotiate or go back with the report in hand to take
a second look at the vehicle. Depending on location and time of scheduling
I am usually available same day to next day out. I perform
an extremely thorough inspection, test drive, measure painted
panels to locate repaint and email an actual electronic
copy of my report on my company
letterhead immediately from the inspection. High quality photos
and High Definition 1080P Video of damage items is available for out of state buyers if requested
(highly recommended).
Trying to sell your vehicle? - Ensure you're selling
a quality vehicle. A vehicle inspection will give your potential buyers the
confidence that will definitely help sell the vehicle. Sellers who use my
inspection service will have their report and pictures on my website with their
own web address to direct their potential buyers to my site and virtually check
out the vehicle before they ever leave the house. Command TOP dollar for your
car, being able to prove to buyers your car is indeed reliable and road worthy
by an independent third party inspection while eliminating the inconvenience of
having to take it somewhere else.
I can perform an inspection to ensure a vehicle is road
worthy for an upcoming trip or just piece of mind. This is usually
advertised through dealerships as a used car inspection.
I also verify dealership or independent repair shops
repair estimates. Does your car really need brakes?
Is the $500 bill accurate or necessary?
I can
also do pre-warranty inspections to satisfy aftermarket
warranty companies of the vehicles condition before
they issue a policy.
Lease return inspections - Always have your car
completely inspected with pictures to show condition
in case the leasing company comes back to you several
months later telling you they need thousands of
dollars for un-necessary repair/reconditioning.
Protect yourself.
What sets PDXinspections apart?
PDXinspections has and will continue to be an innovator in the
onsite used car inspection business. I am undoubtedly the most copied inspection
business in the US. You will find much of my original information and
ideas throughout the internet and even on my local competitors pages. I didn't start working on the simpler vehicles
of the 70's, rather I trained on and continue to do so on complex computerized and
sophisticated modern vehicles. Modern computerized complex vehicles
are my forte, I'm a unique new breed of technician who actually
enjoys staying up on current technology and would much rather
diagnose and repair a complex electrical issue than any mechanical
issue. In this day in age, a very hard quality to find!
I have all of the correct high dollar/high tech diagnostic and
inspection equipment to completely and accurately diagnose and
properly inspect late model modern automobiles. 95% of my inspections
are on 2000 and newer vehicles. I inspect everything from Bentleys, BMWs and
Porsches to Hondas, Toyotas and everything in between. I'm a factory trained GM Master
Technician so obviously GM vehicles are one of my many niches. I do inspect
older (Pre-1995) vehicles on a case by case basis.
Email - Josh@PDXinspections.com
I consider myself a real car guy who actually enjoys cars and
has either personally driven, diagnosed, repaired, or inspected
most late model vehicles. I like to think I've seen it all and
I have a pretty good sense of what's right and wrong when it
comes to buying a later model used vehicle.
My reports come in a digital format directly emailed to you from the inspection
site, you won't find this with any other service. They are easily read on your
smart phone iPad, iPhone or other mobile device. My reports are easily read and understood, make for easy archiving/sharing and great for insurance purposes and record keeping. I have the most extensive inspection service including the most detailed reports offering high quality photos of damage items emailed and cataloged on my website for out of state buyers.
You may not end up using my services but in
case you're considering going another route please first compare inspections
PDXinspections
Competitors Independent Mobile Inspections
Unlicensed Mobile Mechanic
National Chain Inspection
Dealership
Independent Shop
ASE Master Certified Technician (Meaning certified in all 8 areas of certification
including: A1:Engine Repair, A2:Automatic Transmission/Transaxle,
A3:Manual Drive Train & Axles, A4:Suspension & Steering, A5:Brakes,
A6:Electrical/Electronic Systems, A7:Heating & Air Conditioning,
A8:Engine Performance
PDXinspections inspector is certified to the highest standard of
ASE.
Hopefully - Ask for the inspector's
current credentials.
Most are not ASE Certified, and will claim to have
been working on cars for X years. some may be ASE Certified (NOTE:
Not Master Certified).
Who's inspecting these vehicles? Read the employment
sections of these companies, they're looking for inspectors with cameras
and an internet connection, often with no certifications or even
automotive experience!
You don't know who's performing the inspection. Just
because the dealership advertises ASE certified technicians, it doesn't
mean a Certified or Master Certified Technician will be actually
inspecting the vehicle.
You don't know who's performing the inspection. Just
because the shop advertises ASE certified technicians, it doesn't mean a
Certified or Master Certified Technician will be actually inspecting the
vehicle.
L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist Certified (Meaning certified in all 8 areas of certification
plus advanced level)
L1 certification is an advanced level above the master
certification standard. If your having a modern computerized vehicle
inspected this is absolutely the standard your inspector should be
certified.
Maybe, if they are reputable.
Unlikely
Unlikely
Unlikely
Unlikely
Mobile Inspection
PDXinspections provides the inspection at the sellers home/office
or dealership - eliminating any inconvenience for the them.
Do they bring any inspection tools or just a
clipboard and flashlight? An extensive scan tool capable of dealer level
scanning or a simple code reader. An exhaust analyzer?
Some of these chains have arrangements with
shops/dealerships and require the seller to drop it off for the day.
No the seller must drop off the vehicle. You are
usually not aware of the communications between the seller and the
service writer.
No the seller must drop off the vehicle. You are
usually not aware of the communications between the seller and the
service writer.
Vehicle History Report(s) Provided
Your inspection includes research prior to inspection (I have
access to vehicle records no other inspection company does).
At minimum 1 of the major reports is provided (~$30 value), sometimes
multiple information sources are available depending on the vehicle.
They may or may not include a vehicle history report.
Unlikely
Possibly - Typically extra
Unlikely
Unlikely
Measures Paint Thickness
PDXinspections measures all panels with a digital paint
meter to determine whether or not a vehicle has been in an accident or
has been repainted for cosmetic reasons.
Maybe, if they are reputable.
No, most mechanics wouldn't know what this tool is.
Unlikely
as the inspectors don't use actual diagnostic tools.
No,
a service shop has no use for this tool.
No,
a service shop has no use for this tool.
Used Vehicle Inspections Only
PDXinspections doesn't repair vehicles.
Some may repair vehicles as well - are they
completely unbiased?
Unlikely
I don't know who these companies are using to perform
their inspections, do you?
No
No
Completely Unbiased With No Hidden Agendas
PDXinspections doesn't sell services other than inspections. I
don't refer shops or dealerships. PDXinspections can only offer a
complete unbiased assessment of the vehicle.
Are they going to recommend shops/dealerships for
recommended service? Are you sure they are completely unbiased?
Do you really know anything about this person?
If you don't know who the inspector is are there any
guarantees they are completely unbiased?
No, dealers make money by up-selling work. Confusion
between what is actually required vs. recommended is very common.
No, independents have to make money by up-selling
work. Confusion between what is actually required vs. recommended is
very common.
Excellence in customer service
PDXinspections is the highest rated independent
inspection company in the US. Don't take my word for it please
check out what my past customers have said about my services:
Testimonials
Check out their reviews.
Is there any information available?
These companies all have terrible reviews and complaints
on some of the complaint boards throughout the internet. Do your
research!
Dealership reviews can often be negative as consumers are
more likely to vent vs. praise.
My best advice to find an independent shop is to see what
their past customers are saying. There are good ones out there.
Repairs Vehicles
Repairing vehicles is a conflict of interest,
PDXinspections is an inspection specialist not a repair facility
Some may repair vehicles as well - are they
completely unbiased?
Likely as the unlicensed inspector is likely a jack
of all trades
I don't know who these companies are using to perform
their inspections, do you?
Yes, 99% of the time this is what they are doing,
but is
this a good thing when it comes to an honest evaluation of a used
vehicle?
Yes, 99% of the time this is what they are doing. Is
this a good thing when it comes to an honest evaluation of a used
vehicle?
What Types of Vehicles Inspected
PDXinspections sticks to the vehicles they are most commonly
inspecting. 90% of these passenger vehicles are 2005 and newer. We
rarely inspect anything older than 1996.
Old vehicles, new vehicles, commercial vehicles, RV's
these guys seem to know it all but don't seem to specialize in any.
Old vehicles, new vehicles, commercial vehicles, RV's
these guys seem to know it all but don't seem to specialize in any.
Old vehicles, new vehicles, commercial vehicles, RV's
these guys seem to know it all but don't seem to specialize in any.
Old vehicles and new vehicles.
I actually recommend taking very high mileage or older vehicle's to the
dealership to have compression testing or more in-depth testing done.
The dealer will hopefully know what to look for on these older vehicles.
Likely anything. Do your research on the shop
you're considering.
Time From Booking Until You Receive The Report
Same day appointments when booked online by 10:00am.
Inspections are immediately emailed from the location of the
inspection meaning if the inspection completes 10:00am, you'll have it
by 10:01am, PDXinspections exclusive service!
Unknown
Unknown
According to their websites 24-48 hours!
1-2 days
to get in and have the car inspected
1-2 days
to get in and have the car inspected
Appointment Windows
PDXinspections contacts the sellers the day of the inspection and
provides a 30 minute window of arrival. The inspection takes 1-1.5
hours. This is much appreciated by the sellers.
Unknown
Unknown
According to their websites 24-48 hours!
2-4 hours as the technician is likely working on 2
other vehicles simultaneously.
2-4 hours
Communications Before And After The Inspection
I'm almost immediately available via email 7am-9am everyday. I
typically can't answer the phone during the day while performing
inspections but am happy to go over the report via phone when I'm done
inspecting for the day.
Unknown
Unknown
Most have a fancy 800 number to call to schedule the
inspection. Will you have direct contact with the actual person who
inspects the vehicle?
You'll be able to talk with the service writer.
Rarely will you be able to talk with the actual Technician who inspected
the vehicle if you have additional questions.
You'll likely be able to communicate with the
technician directly between normal business hours.
Correct Inspection Diagnostics Tools
PDXinspections tests and looks over every system on the vehicle.
I have "Inspection tools" that most dealers, other inspection companies,
and independents have never even heard of. On average I inspect 2
vehicles a month with bad head gaskets which would only be found using
an exhaust gas analyzer.
Unknown
Do they bring any inspection tools or just a
clipboard and flashlight? An extensive scan tool capable of dealer level
scanning or a simple code reader. They likely do not have exhaust analyzer
for proper head gasket testing.
None of the major companies disclose what they are
actually doing or what they are actually using other than a camera and
report. Be sure to read the small print!
Although a dealership has most of the diagnostic
tools we use during our inspection. Nothing other than a flashlight,
lift and sometimes a scan tool is usually used with a dealer level inspection. I
know because I started here.
Although an independent shop has most of the
diagnostic tools we use during our inspection. Nothing other than a
flashlight, lift and sometimes a scan tool is usually used with a dealer level
inspection.
Type of report
Digital emailed report that immediately arrives in your
inbox and is formatted to view on your smart phone or tablet. You can
forward it on to your significant other, family or car guy that might be
interested in looking over the report, or print it off.
Likely scanned/emailed, paper or faxed.
(Delay between inspection and you receiving the report)
Likely scanned/emailed, paper or faxed if a report is
actually provided. (Delay between inspection and you receiving the
report)
Likely emailed or faxed.
(Delay between inspection and you receiving the report)
Likely a paper report given to the seller when they
pick up the vehicle after inspection. (Delay between inspection and you
receiving the report)
Likely a paper report given to the seller when they
pick up the vehicle after inspection. (Delay between inspection and you
receiving the report)
FAQ
When can you inspect a car for me?
Depending on location and time of scheduling I'm normally available for same day
or next day service. You will receive a scheduling confirmation immediately
after payment is made via email. See hours and availability below.
Current Availability
*This calendar isn't to schedule
appointments rather only to show whether I'm available on a given day.
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 3:00pm Depending on location and existing appointments same day (when paid by 10am) to next day
Saturday - Sunday: Closed Paid/Booked inspections are performed on a first come first served
basis for the following Monday
Proceed to Checkout
*Same day availability is dependant on location.
Please
email
with the location, Year/Model of vehicle before scheduling if you need
to check my same day availability.
What systems do you inspect?
I have the most extensive Inspection business in the industry. I have
"Inspection tools" that most dealers, other inspection companies, and
independents have never even heard of. Remember PDXinspections is an Inspection
Specialist not a repair facility
View photos and
descriptions of my inspection process
What kind of vehicles do you inspect?
I have inspected everything from a $250K Bentley, $150K Ford GT, $130K Mercedes
Benz, the world's fastest supercar Ultima GTR to your everyday Honda Civic. 95%
of the vehicles I inspect are only 1-10 years old and these are the vehicles I
am most comfortable inspecting. I do not inspect larger commercial
vehicles, any Land Rover Product, and ask that you please
email me the details of any
vehicle you're considering on SE 82nd Avenue, as it seems I rarely inspect
anything worth purchasing
Do you inspect rebuilt/reconstructed/salvage title vehicles?
Yes I do, however I'm not a big fan of recommending these vehicles for many
reasons listed on My Tips
to finding a Quality Used Car page. On top of my normal
inspection including safety systems, to the best of my ability I will be able to
confirm what panels have been replaced/repainted/repaired and to what extent and
quality. Like anybody else I can only visually inspect the
frame/unibody/core support/panel alignment and look at tire wear to ensure
you're not buying a vehicle with bent frame or one with existing or poorly
repaired frame damage.
Do you inspect diesels?
Yes I do inspect lower mileage diesels on non-commercial vehicles. My standard
inspection applies however an exhaust gas analyzer will not work on these
vehicles so I'm limited to using my dealer level enhanced scan tool to check at
the computer level for history, current, or pending issues as well as my digital
engine analyzer to perform a comparative running compression test and internal
engine blow-by test. I do not inspect larger commercial vehicles and recommend
high mileage diesels be taken to a diesel specialist or dealership capable of
compression and opacity smoke testing.
Please visit my Ordering
Page - Because I'm in the field performing inspections throughout the
day, I don't take appointments over the phone.
How long does it take to get the results?
PDXinspections is
the only inspection company in the nation with the technology to immediately
dispatch your inspection via email after the inspection is completed meaning if
I inspect the vehicle at 10am, you should have it in your inbox by 11:30am. Your
report is easily viewed on your smart phone, iPad, iPhone or other mobile device.
Monday - Friday: 8:00am - 3:00pm
Saturday - Sunday: Closed 25 NW 23rd Place, Suite 6-479
Portland OR 97210
Please understand I'm a one man show trying to give my clients my
undivided attention!
Email is typically the fastest and preferred way to reach me.
You will almost always receive an instant reply during business
hours by
emailing
Josh@PDXinspections.com
Used car inspections are performed throughout Oregon including
Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Gresham, Damascus, Boring, Sandy, Sunnyside, Rock
Creek, Mt Scott, 82nd, Lake Oswego, Tualatin, Gladstone Milwaukee, Clackamas,
Oregon City, Happy Valley, Wilsonville, Aloha, West Linn, Vancouver, Troutdale,
Fairview, Corbett, Wood village, Hood River, Battleground, Camas as well as
Multnomah County, Clackamas County, Washington County, Clark County, Columbia
County, Yamhill County, Performing UVI PPI Used car inspections truck auto
inspection inspect pre buy car facts look over lemon Carfax AutoCheck mobile
mechanic tech technician auto automobile sgs Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac,
Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, GMC, Honda, HUMMER, Hyundai, Infiniti,
Isuzu, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mercury, MINI,
Mitsubishi, Nissan, Pontiac, Porsche, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki,
Toyota, Volvo, Volkswagen elemonator
elemonators lemonbusters aim lemon
