Proficient Auto — Car Care with a Conscience
Pre-Purchase Inspection
4.7· 220+ Google reviews · Since 2008

Used Car Pre-Purchase Inspections

About to buy a used car in the Triangle? We meet you at the seller — driveway, dealership lot, CarMax/Carvana pickup, anywhere — and run a 105-point inspection plus a full OBD-II scan. You get photos, a written report, and a frank go / no-go / negotiate recommendation, usually the same day. All inspections are quote-based and confirmed in writing before we book. Specialty vehicles (EVs and exotics like Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini) are quoted separately because of the extra time and tooling.

Book your PPI919-675-AUTO
ASE-Certified
Same-week appointments
ASE-Certified Technicians Locally owned since 2008 14 Triangle cities 12-mo / 12,000-mi warranty

Why an independent PPI is the smartest you'll spend

A used car is the second-largest purchase most people make. An inspection that catches a failing transmission, a hidden accident, or a cracked exhaust manifold pays for itself many times over — and gives you real leverage to renegotiate the price or walk away.

We're independent. We don't sell cars, we don't get a cut from the seller, and we don't push repairs after the inspection. Our only job is to tell you exactly what you're about to buy.

What every Proficient Auto PPI covers

  • 105-point bumper-to-bumper visual inspection — engine, drivetrain, suspension, brakes, steering, electrical, interior, body
  • Full OBD-II scan of every module (engine, trans, ABS, airbag, body) — including hidden or pending codes a basic reader misses
  • Live-data review: fuel trims, misfire counters, transmission adaptive values, battery state-of-health
  • Frame and underbody check for accident damage, rust, prior repairs
  • Paint depth check in 8+ locations to spot prior bodywork the seller may not have disclosed
  • Road test for transmission shifts, brake feel, alignment, suspension noises, A/C performance
  • Photos of any concerns plus a written summary in your inbox the same day
  • Frank go / no-go / negotiate recommendation in plain English

How the process works

1. Send us the listing — year, make, model, mileage, and the seller's location anywhere in the Triangle. 2. We send you a written quote (specialty vehicles quoted separately) and book a time, usually within 48 hours. 3. We meet you or just the car at the seller. The inspection takes 60–90 minutes. 4. You get a written report with photos, typically the same day. If it's a deal-breaker we call you immediately so you can walk away on the spot.

Simple, three-step process

How it works

No surprise invoices. No upsells. No high-pressure tactics.

  1. 1. Tell us what's going on

    Fill out the form or call. Share the year, make, model, and the symptom — that's all we need to scope the work.

  2. 2. We send a written quote

    You get a firm written quote and an appointment window — usually within the hour during business hours. Nothing is booked until you say so.

  3. 3. We come to you

    An ASE-certified mobile tech arrives at your driveway, office, or wherever the car is sitting. Most repairs done same visit.

Related pages

Keep reading

PPI in Raleigh, NC

City-specific PPI page with local context.

Tesla PPI

Battery health, drive-unit, MCU, and Autopilot hardware checks.

BMW PPI

Chassis-aware checklist for E/F/G platforms, oil-leak inspection.

Honda & Acura PPI

VTC, CVT, 1.5T oil-dilution, J-series VCM specifics.

Mercedes-Benz PPI

Air suspension, balance-shaft, oil-leak common faults.

Toyota & Lexus PPI

Frame check, hybrid battery health, oil-burn assessment.

Your repair is protected

12-month / 12,000-mile warranty on parts and labor

Whichever comes first. Same warranty on every vehicle and every job — domestic, Asian, European, EV, or exotic. If something we installed fails inside that window, we make it right at no charge.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How much is a pre-purchase inspection in the Raleigh Triangle, NC?
Pre-purchase inspections in the Raleigh Triangle are quote-based. Specialty vehicles — EVs and exotics like Ferrari, McLaren, and Lamborghini — are quoted separately because of the extra time and tooling. We confirm the exact price before we book.
Where do you perform the inspection?
We meet you at the seller's location anywhere in the Raleigh Triangle or the surrounding Triangle — a private driveway, a dealership lot, or a CarMax/Carvana pickup. No need to move the vehicle.
How long does a PPI take and what do I get?
Most PPIs run 60–90 minutes. You receive a written 105-point report with photos, a full OBD-II scan with live data, and a frank go/no-go recommendation — usually in your inbox the same day.
Can you inspect a car at a dealership in the Raleigh Triangle?
Yes. We routinely inspect vehicles at franchise dealerships, independent lots, and private sellers across the Raleigh Triangle. The seller doesn't need to be present, and most dealers are familiar with the process.
Do you check for accident damage and frame issues?
Yes. Every PPI includes a visual frame and underbody inspection, paint depth checks for prior bodywork, and we cross-reference any VIN-reported history. If something looks off, we photograph it and call it out.
What if the inspection finds problems?
That's the point. You get an honest go/no-go with estimated repair costs so you can either walk away, renegotiate with the seller, or buy with full knowledge of what's ahead. We never get a kickback from a seller — our only job is protecting you.
Do you do PPIs on European cars, EVs, exotics, and diesels in the Raleigh Triangle?
Yes. Our techs are ASE-certified across domestic, Asian, and European platforms, plus EVs and exotics (Ferrari, McLaren, Lamborghini, Porsche, etc.). Specialty vehicles are priced higher than the base rate because they take longer and require extra tooling — we'll confirm the exact price before booking.
Can you help if I'm buying a car in the Raleigh Triangle from out of state?
Yes — this is a big part of what we do. You'll get a detailed written report with photos so you can make the call from anywhere. Many of our out-of-state buyers never see the car in person until we've cleared it.

Ready to skip the shop?

Get a free, no-pressure quote — usually within the hour. We come to your home, office, or wherever the car is sitting.

Book your PPI 919-675-AUTO