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The Best Vehicle Inspection Services

Where is the Best Place to Get a Vehicle Inspection?

It's likely that at some point most everyone will either buy or sell a used car. There are a lot of anxieties and stresses when buying a used vehicle, but getting an inspection helps to put one's mind at ease regarding the overall condition of the car.

Vehicles are one of the most costly and necessary purchases people have to make, so doing your due diligence before buying one will help ensure you don't encounter problems that could have been prevented. Vehicle inspections usually look for areas of concern with the overall performance of the car.

Sunday, April 2nd

2023 Vehicle Inspection Service Reviews

Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award Carchex Review 5 Star Rating

Carchex

5 Star Rating
  • Cost: Starting from $129.95
Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

CARCHEX offers vehicle inspections, protection, auto insurance, auto finance, and roadside assistance. National media outlets and companies including Kelley Blue Book, Inc. 5000, ABC, and Selling Power have featured CARCHEX as an industry leader of vehicle inspections and other automotive protection services. CARCHEX's slogan is "A Smarter Way To Do Car" and we would have to agree.

Order online

Vehicle inspections can be ordered online through CARCHEX 24/7. By providing your vehicle zip code, year, make, and model, customers are taken to their package options and pricing. Two straight forward silver and gold package options are given to all customers regardless of their vehicle information.

Best Vehicle Inspection Services

2 packages to choose from

The only thing that varies a bit based on vehicle information is the pricing.

  • The Silver Package (starting at $129.95) comes with a 155 point pre-purchase inspection in addition to a 2-5 mile road test. An inspection report is given detailing the condition of the car's paint, scratches, dents, glass, interior, tires and wheels, oil leaks, electrical items, and drive train performance.
  • The Gold Package (starting at $139.95) offers everything from the Silver Package, but also provides customers with a CARFAX vehicle history report (available on all used cars model year 1981 or later).

Quick inspections wherever you are

If you've found a vehicle you like, you can enter the VIN number into the CARCHEX website to see if they have already inspected that particular vehicle. If not, the inspection will typically be completed within 2-3 days of placing an order. Inspections take place wherever the vehicle is located Monday - Friday within normal business hours. Most CARCHEX inspectors are ASE-certified mechanics who have worked in the automotive industry for years. With CARCHEX, customers in all 50 states have access to their vehicle inspections.

Top choice

CARCHEX receives an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau and receives positive feedback from both customers and companies who have used their services. Their brand promise is "Customer Experience Above All" and CARCHEX definitely delivers that. They are transparent with their pricing as well as with what to expect when purchasing an inspection online. We, along with many customers, are impressed with CARCHEX and recommend them for your next vehicle inspection.

Lemon Squad Review 4.5 Star Rating

Lemon Squad

4.5 Star Rating
  • Cost: From $169 to $269

True to their name, Lemon Squad's goal is to help customers avoid buying a "lemon", or in other words, a clunker of a car that won't be worth the cost. They boast that you'll always get a person on the phone when you call, there are no hidden fees, they have qualified and experienced inspectors, easy to understand reports, and the best turnaround time in the industry. Now that's a company we can get behind!

Nationwide coverage

Regardless of where you live in the USA, Lemon Squad has an inspector in your area that can take a look at your vehicle. Their technicians are ASE certified and most have been in the business for years. In three easy steps, customers can get an inspection ordered and receive a report. Orders can either be placed online or over the phone. Next, the inspector will contact the vehicle seller and perform the inspection (typically within 2 business days). Lastly, the inspection report will be uploaded, reviewed, and sent out to the customer.

Best Vehicle Inspection Services

4 different inspection packages

Pre-purchase used car inspections come in four different packages depending on the type of vehicle needing the inspection. Each package includes a computer diagnosis of the engine, transmission, ABS and airbag, a comprehensive mechanical inspection of the drive train, inspection of the steering, brakes, and suspension, a road test, fluid level checks, more than 25 pictures, and a check for previous accident and flood damage.

  • Exotic: For higher end vehicles like Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti, etc. The cost for this inspection is $229.
  • Standard: For cars newer than 20 years old. The cost for this inspection is $169.
  • Classic: For cars older than 20 years old. In addition to the standard components checked, this inspection includes an examination of rust and bondo, an emphasis on age deterioration, and verification of engine and transmission numbers. The cost for this inspection is $269.
  • Commercial: For all commercial vehicles. The cost for this inspection is $249.

Optional add-ons

Add-ons to the vehicle inspections are optional for customers wanting some additional information on their prospective vehicle. For $29.99, customers can get a CARFAX vehicle history report on any car from 1982 and newer. A true market value assessment can be added for $49.99 that gives customers a better idea of how much their vehicle is worth. Customers also have the option of receiving a phone call by an in-house staff member when they receive their inspection report to go over the report in detail and make sure all of the vehicle information is understandable. The cost for this is $29.99.

In addition to the A+ rating they receive from the Better Business Bureau, Lemon Squad has a slew of happy customers who are both impressed and satisfied by the professional services and fast turnaround time on their inspection. We really don't see any reason not to give Lemon Squad a chance to inspect your next vehicle for you. Their pricing is a bit steeper than our highest-rated inspection service, but you likely won't regret your purchase here.

AIM Mobile Inspections Review 4 Star Rating

AIM Mobile Inspections

4 Star Rating
  • Cost: From $129 to $419

With over 15 years of experience, AiM Mobile Inspections looks at over 12,000,000 vehicles each year. Employees of the company conduct vehicle inspections in all 50 states.

3 auto services

AiM offers three main services to their customers. These include:

  • Inspections. New and used cars are inspected to verify their condition.
  • Wholesale Floor Plan Audits. Asset verification is provided to confirm that vehicles are properly securitized.
  • Insurance Claims Management. AiM ensures that claims are paid correctly for carriers and vehicle transporter insurance.
Best Vehicle Inspection Services

The types of inspections conducted by AiM include new car inspections, pre-purchase used car inspections, and dealership used car inspections. For new vehicles, AiM conducts "cause and effect" studies to identify problem areas in the transportation process to and from dealerships and recommend preventative measures to protect them from damage. They also do damage classification and identification on used cars as well as repair verification, insurance estimates, buybacks and custom studies.

Favorite among dealerships

Many dealerships use AiM for end-of-lease inspections. These might be done at the vehicle owner's home, a dealership, or a business. These reports protect both buyers and sellers by providing a damage report and comparing the state of the vehicle from the beginning of ownership to the end. AiM also does inspections for remote trade-ins and retail by giving peace of mind to potential buyers about a car's overall condition.

4 car inspection packages

For pre-purchase used car inspections, four packages are available. The most basic package is the AiM Preferred that includes a 150 point inspection, bumper-to-bumper test, 15+ condition photos, tire inspection, VIN and odometer check, and an overall grade between an "A" and "F". This package is available for all consumer vehicles from the 1981 model year to present and costs $129, regardless of the make and model. The AiM Plus program is also offered for vehicles older than 1981 at a higher price of $199.

For more comprehensive inspections, AiM offers a plus, premier, and commercial package ranging from $199 - $419. Overall, AiM receives favorable feedback from online auto critics and is widely recognized by individuals and dealerships. AiM is a good option for vehicle inspections.

Automobile Inspections Review 3 Star Rating

Automobile Inspections

3 Star Rating
  • Cost: From $199 to $399

Automobile Inspections will inspect classic cars and trucks, used cars, antique and vintage cars, muscle cars, street rods, motorcycles, RV's, and more. Their inspections are performed anywhere in the United States and parts of Canada. Their slogan is, "If spotting the wrong car was easy, you wouldn't need us." Automobile Inspections aims to help customers identify potential issues with vehicles by thoroughly inspecting them from the inside out without taking the car apart.

Simple to order

To order an inspection online, you'll choose the category your vehicle fits into from six different options, then provide your name, phone number, email, address, payment information, and other specific package option choices. The online form is simple and fast to use for ordering. Package details as far as what is included in the inspection report can also be viewed. The lists are extensive and don't leave customers questioning what they are paying for. For questions along the way as you browse package options, customers have the option of calling customer service between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM eastern time Monday - Friday or doing a live chat.

Best Vehicle Inspection Services

2 packages to choose from

Used car and truck inspections start at $199 for a basic report and could be priced as high as $349 for a full report. Both inspection reports include the condition of the bodywork, soft-top, trunk, engine, test drive, electrical, underbody, interior, and vehicle components. The full report includes a more extensive examination of the vehicle components for a higher cost. Charges are not made on a customer's credit card until the actual inspection has taken place.

Transparent pricing

Automobile Inspections received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We like that their pricing and report details are clear for customers to review before making a purchase. Customer service is easy to reach should any issues or questions arise along the way. If you are thinking of purchasing an antique or classic car, we recommend considering Automobile Inspections.

True360 Review 2.5 Star Rating

True360

2.5 Star Rating
  • Cost: From $199 to $598

The idea behind True360's auto inspections was born over ten years ago. It was originally called a TrueFrame report and was designed to identify the degree of accident damage that used vehicles had experienced. True360 boasts that their technicians are trained like CSI forensic accident investigators to get to the bottom of historical damage done to vehicles.

Available in only 20 states

True360 says they are available in every major city and nationwide. However, based on the listed cities and map provided on the website, we see that they do not service some states including Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, New Mexico, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and others. We would hardly call this nationwide, since True360 is technically only available in about 20 of the 50 states.

Best Vehicle Inspection Services

Most expensive inspection service

True360 was advertising introductory pricing of $199 for standard vehicles, rather than their normal price of $299. From what we can tell, $199 is actually the standard price, so this is just a marketing effort. If you want a priority booking for your inspection, that will be an extra $149, bringing your total cost to $348. If you are wanting an inspection for an exotic vehicle, the cost for this is $449, or $598 for a priority inspection. This is definitely the most expensive inspection company we have seen, especially considering their vague definitions of exotic vs. standard inspections.

Nowhere does True360 tell you how long it will take to get your inspection completed once you have placed an order. You can request a date and a time frame, but that doesn't guarantee the time you will actually get your inspection completed. It would be nice to have a better idea of their typical turnaround time before placing an order.

Included in CARFAX reports

True360 is included in CARFAX reports, which is a good sign of their reliability. They likely provide professional services to their customers, but their sparse locations prevent many people from using them for vehicle inspections. It is hard to find customer feedback about True360's inspections, which is also concerning to us. We suggest using one of the higher-rated and more accessible inspection services.

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Continued from above...

Main systems like brakes, suspension, steering, and emissions are checked. Other important details are looked at including lights, paint, dents, air conditioning and more. Professional mechanics who are trained to look at these critical vehicle parts are available through inspection companies. Whether you're looking to buy a car locally or across the country, online resources allow you to get in contact with an inspection service wherever you need.

When selling a used car, it helps to get the vehicle inspected beforehand so you can use the results as a selling point for potential buyers. If your car is in great condition, you can claim that a trustworthy auto inspection service looked over your vehicle and gave it a good rating. On the other hand, if you as a customer take a potential vehicle in for inspection and find that it is riddled with issues, you could use this to negotiate the price or decide not to buy it.

It is extremely important to know who you can trust before getting your vehicle inspected. It could be a costly error for the customer if major issues are overlooked. On the flipside, blowing small issues out of proportion to make more money on repairs is a concern that many customers have with inspection companies and mechanics. Finding an inspection service with positive customer feedback is crucial.

Before choosing a vehicle inspection company, we suggest you keep the following criteria in mind:

  • Price. How does the cost of the vehicle inspection company compare with their competitors? If you end up needing to get multiple vehicles inspected, you don't want to break the bank to do this.
  • Coverage and Reporting. What does the inspection company look for when you bring your vehicle in? How do they communicate the results to you?
  • Reputation. What do customers have to say about the inspection company? Do they have a loyal customer base or receive lots of critical feedback?

TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best vehicle inspection services available today. We hope this information helps you find out everything you need to know about the car you hope to buy or sell!

The Best Vehicle Inspection Services Compare Vehicle Inspection Services Compare Vehicle Inspection Service Reviews What are the best Vehicle Inspection Services Best Vehicle Inspection Service Reviews

Vehicle Inspection Service FAQ

Exactly what it sounds like: an evaluation of a car's primary systems (for example steering, suspension, or drivetrain). The extent of the inspection varies, from a basic "yes, this vehicle is drivable" to an in-depth bumper-to-bumper examination.
Most vehicle inspections are related to a sale. Prospective buyers often want reassurance that they're not buying a "lemon" , especially if they're looking at a car offered by a private seller and not a dealership.
Costs vary by provider and according to how extensive you want the vehicle to be evaluated. Expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $600, with higher costs for exotic or specialty models.
You're right to think that buyers will want to know that the car you're selling is reliable and doesn't have any undisclosed issues. However, paying for an inspection in advance might not reassure them - after all, you chose the mechanic. It might be wiser to wait until you have an interested buyer; you can then offer to cover or share the cost of an inspection by the mechanic of their choice.
Absolutely! Even cars that seem to be in pristine condition can still have hidden problems. Can you tell just by looking if the vehicle has been in an accident or if the electrical system is on the verge of shorting out? A vehicle inspection is a smart way to know exactly what you're getting, and you can use the information to help in the price negotiation process.
Fortunately, many vehicle inspection services are mobile. Wherever the car is located, the mechanic will meet you there and perform the inspection on-site.
Unfortunately, no. That's why it's important to choose an inspection service with a good reputation, because once the evaluation has been completed you're usually not able to get a refund if you're unhappy for some reason.
Many services offering vehicle inspections have been on the market for decades. It's always a good idea to see what previous clients have to say about any service you're considering, along with looking up the company's rating from the Better Business Bureau. You'll come away with peace of mind regarding the vehicle and the inspection service!

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The Best Reviews of Vehicle Inspection Services