Pre-Purchase Inspection before you sign
150-point inspection by an independent verified workshop — engine, transmission, suspension, body, electrical, OBD scan, paint thickness. The single best $100-200 you can spend before buying a used car.
What a thorough PPI covers
150-point checklist
Engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical, AC, body, frame, tyres. Nothing skipped.
OBD scan + live data
Stored fault codes, live engine parameters, transmission learning, EV battery state. Modern cars hide problems in software.
Paint thickness gauge
Identifies repainted panels (sign of accident repair). Within ±50 microns of original is normal; 200+ microns means the panel was repainted.
Photo report you keep
Every issue photographed, every measurement logged. Useful for negotiating the price down (or walking away).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a PPI cost?
$80-200 in most countries. $150-300 in UAE / Singapore. Premium / luxury cars: $200-500. Cheap insurance against a $5,000-50,000 mistake.
How long does it take?
60-90 minutes for a thorough inspection. Some workshops offer 'while-you-wait' if you bring the car to them.
Can I send the seller to the inspection?
Better: meet at a neutral workshop you choose. Sellers who refuse PPI almost always have something to hide.
What if the seller refuses inspection?
Walk away. There is no good reason a seller should refuse — even if the car is private. If you can't take it to an independent shop, you can't trust it.
Get a PPI before you buy
150-point check. Photo report. The cheapest insurance you can buy.
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