Pre-Purchase Inspections in Fort Lauderdale
A used car can look spotless and still hide worn brakes, leaking seals, or a tired transmission. Before you buy, our technicians put it on the lift, road-test it, and give you a straightforward report – in plain language, with no stake in the sale.
Call (954) 527-0942
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Buy with the facts
An inspection before the purchase gives you the car’s full picture – what is healthy, what needs work, and what can wait.
A neighborhood shop, not a chain or franchise.
No Stake in the Sale
We report the condition – the decision stays yours.
Plain-Language Report
Findings explained clearly, not in shop jargon.
All Makes & Models
Daily drivers, family SUVs, work trucks and more.
Know the car before you buy it
Buying a used car is exciting – and a little risky. What looks clean in the driveway can be wearing thin brakes, seeping oil from old seals, or carrying a transmission problem the seller never mentioned. A short test drive and a clean exterior do not tell you what is underneath.
A pre-purchase inspection at Southport Auto Repair takes the guesswork out. Our technicians examine the vehicle on the lift, check the major systems, and take it for a road test. You get a straightforward report of what is healthy, what needs attention soon, and what can wait – so you can negotiate with facts or walk away with confidence.
Whether you are buying from a dealer or a private seller, call (954) 527-0942 to schedule an inspection before money changes hands. If you already own the car, our engine diagnostics can catch issues early on your current vehicle too.
What the inspection covers
A thorough look at the systems that matter most to a buyer.
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✓
EngineCondition, fluid leaks, unusual noises, and overall health of the engine.
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✓
TransmissionShift quality and operation, plus checks for leaks or slipping.
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✓
BrakesPad and rotor condition, braking performance, and warning lights.
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✓
Suspension and steeringShocks, struts, and steering components checked for wear and play.
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✓
TiresTread depth, wear patterns that point to alignment or suspension issues, and tire age.
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✓
Electrical and batteryBattery health, charging system, lights, and major electrical components.
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✓
FluidsLevels and condition across the major systems – oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid.
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✓
Underbody and frameSigns of rust, damage, or prior repairs underneath the vehicle.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Pricing
A pre-purchase inspection at Southport Auto Repair is $250 + taxes and fees. The inspection includes a road test and a plain-language report.
How a pre-purchase inspection works
Simple from the first call to the final report.
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1
Schedule a time
Call (954) 527-0942 and book the inspection. Arrange with the seller to bring the car to our shop at 101 SW 17th St during business hours.
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2
We inspect and road-test
Our technicians examine the vehicle on the lift, check the major systems, and take it for a road test to see how it drives.
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3
You get a clear report
We walk you through the findings in plain language: what is healthy, what needs attention soon, and what can wait.
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4
You decide with the facts
Negotiate the price, budget for upcoming work, or walk away – either way, the decision is an informed one.
Found a car you like? Inspect it first.
A small inspection before the purchase can save you from a large repair after it. Call the shop and we will get you scheduled.
Pre-purchase inspection questions, answered
What does a pre-purchase inspection cover?
We check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension and steering, tires, electrical and battery, fluid levels and condition, and the underbody and frame – plus a road test. You get a plain-language report of what is healthy, what needs attention soon, and what can wait.
Do you inspect cars from dealers and private sellers?
Yes, both. Arrange with the seller to bring the car to our shop during business hours, and we will inspect it the same way either way. We have no stake in the sale, so the report is impartial.
Can you tell me whether the asking price is fair?
We report the car’s condition, not its market value – pricing is between you and the seller. But the inspection report gives you real findings to negotiate with or to budget for upcoming work.
What if I already bought the car?
We can still inspect it. A post-purchase inspection catches issues early, while you still have options – whether that is warranty paperwork, a return window, or planning repairs.
How long does an inspection take?
It depends on the vehicle and our schedule. Call ahead to book a time, and we will let you know what to expect when you schedule.
Can you inspect the car at the seller’s location?
We perform inspections
at our shop at 101 SW 17th St, so we can use the lift, our equipment, and a proper road test. It is worth the trip to get a thorough look underneath.