Pre-Purchase Car Inspections in Greenville, SC
Know before you buy. We meet the car at the seller's driveway or the dealer lot, check it top to bottom, and send you a photo report before you hand over a dollar.
Inspections We Offer
Every inspection happens where the car is, and every one ends with a written report you can take to the seller.
We Work For The Buyer
Dorrance doesn't sell cars, repair cars or take commissions from dealers. The only person we work for is the one paying for the inspection, which means we can tell you plainly when a car is a good buy and when you should walk away. Our inspectors are ASE-certified mechanics who've spent years under cars, and they bring ramps, a scan tool and a flashlight to wherever the car is parked.
- ✓No ties to any seller or dealer
- ✓ASE-certified inspectors
- ✓Straight answers, even when it's walk away
More Than 150 Points
Under The Hood
Leaks, belts, hoses, fluids and how the engine starts and idles from cold.
Tires, Brakes & Suspension
Tread depth and age on every tire, pad and rotor wear, leaks at the shocks and steering play.
Body & Frame
Rust, repainted panels, uneven gaps and the signs of an accident repair.
From Listing To Report
Send Us The Car
Book online with the listing or the seller's details. We confirm a time with you and the seller.
We Go To It
Your inspector meets the car at the seller's home, the dealer lot or a workplace. You're welcome to come along.
We Inspect And Drive It
About 90 minutes on the car and a road test where the seller allows it.
You Get The Report
A photo report by email the same day, and a call to walk you through what matters.
One Price, Travel Included
Prices include travel anywhere in the Upstate. Farther out, we quote the trip before you book.
Used Car
Cars, minivans and small SUVs.
- 150+ point check
- Code scan
- Road test
- Photo report
Truck & SUV
Pickups, full-size SUVs and 4x4s.
- Everything in Used Car
- 4x4 & towing checks
- Underbody photos
- Walk-through call
Classic & Collector
Older and collector cars.
- Rust & filler check
- Numbers & originality
- Extra photos
- Walk-through call
Your Report
Your report lands in your inbox the same day. It lists what's fine, what needs attention soon and what would cost real money, with photos of each, any fault codes we read, and an honest summary at the top. Plenty of buyers use it to negotiate the price down.
- ✓Photos of every issue
- ✓Fault codes read and explained
- ✓Repair costs to expect
Buyers Who Checked First
The SUV looked perfect in the photos. Dorrance met the seller in Greer, put it on ramps and found a leaking rear main seal and two mismatched tires. I used the report to take $1,400 off the price, and the inspection paid for itself several times over.
I was buying a truck from Charlotte and couldn't get there. They drove up, inspected it at the dealer and called me from the lot with the results. The report had photos of everything.
They told me to walk away from a car I had my heart set on. Frame rust the seller hadn't mentioned. Best money I spent all year.
Three Things To Know
Ask The Seller First
Most private sellers and dealers are happy to allow an inspection. If one refuses, that tells you something too.
Book Before You Pay
A deposit can be hard to get back. Have the car inspected before any money changes hands.
Use The Report
A list of real issues with photos is the best negotiating tool a buyer has, or the reason to keep looking.
Pre-Purchase Inspection FAQ
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
A used car inspection starts at $175, trucks and SUVs at $215 and classic cars at $295, with travel anywhere in the Upstate included.
How soon can you inspect a car?
Usually within one to two days, often the next day. Tell us when the seller needs an answer and we'll do our best to fit it in.
Do I need to be there?
No. Many buyers aren't. We call you from beside the car when we're done, and the report follows by email.
Where do you do the inspection?
Wherever the car is: the seller's driveway, a dealer lot, a workplace or a public parking lot where the seller agrees to meet.
Do you put the car on a lift?
No. We use ramps or a jack and stands where it's safe, and a camera and light for the underside. If something needs a lift to confirm, we'll say so in the report.
Can you inspect a car at a dealership?
Yes. Most dealers allow independent inspections on their lot. We confirm with them when we book.
Do you tell me whether to buy it?
We tell you what we found and what it's likely to cost. The decision is yours, but we won't sugarcoat a car we wouldn't buy.
Is the inspection a guarantee?
No. It's a careful check of the car's condition on the day. It can't predict every future failure, which is why we list wear items that will need attention soon.
Found A Car You Like?
Send us the listing. We'll confirm a time with the seller and have a report to you before you decide.
Tell Us About The Car
Tell us about the car and where it is. We'll confirm the time with you and the seller, usually the same day.
- Visit usWe come to you across Greenville and the Upstate, SC
- Call us(864) 555-0128
- Email usinspect@dorranceinspections.com