Pre-Purchase Inspections

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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Pre-purchase inspection at Southport Auto Repair in Fort Lauderdale
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.

Family-Owned Since 2009
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.
Pre-Purchase Inspections

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.

Call (954) 527-0942
About Our Shop

What We Check

What the inspection covers

A thorough look at the systems that matter most to a buyer.

  • ✓
    Engine

    Condition, fluid leaks, unusual noises, and overall health of the engine.

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    Transmission

    Shift quality and operation, plus checks for leaks or slipping.

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    Brakes

    Pad and rotor condition, braking performance, and warning lights.

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    Suspension and steering

    Shocks, struts, and steering components checked for wear and play.

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    Tires

    Tread depth, wear patterns that point to alignment or suspension issues, and tire age.

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    Electrical and battery

    Battery health, charging system, lights, and major electrical components.

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    Fluids

    Levels and condition across the major systems – oil, coolant, brake, and transmission fluid.

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    Underbody and frame

    Signs of rust, damage, or prior repairs underneath the vehicle.

Pricing

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.

Our Process

How a pre-purchase inspection works

Simple from the first call to the final report.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 4

    You decide with the facts

    Negotiate the price, budget for upcoming work, or walk away – either way, the decision is an informed one.

Call (954) 527-0942

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.

Call (954) 527-0942

Common Questions

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.

How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?

A pre-purchase inspection at Southport Auto Repair is $250 + taxes and fees.

Have more questions? See our general auto repair FAQ or just give us a call.

Related Services

After the inspection

If the inspection turns up issues – or if you already own the car – these services cover the most common findings.

Engine Diagnostics

Warning lights and drivability concerns on your current car, traced to the cause.

Learn more →

Brake Repair

Pads, rotors and inspections – one of the most common inspection findings.

Learn more →

Tire Service

Tire replacement, rotation and balancing when the inspection flags wear.

Learn more →

Visit The Shop

Southport Auto Repair

Easy to reach from Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Hollywood, Davie, Plantation, Oakland Park, Dania Beach and Wilton Manors.

Phone
(954) 527-0942
Address
101 SW 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
Hours
Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Pre-purchase inspections
Lift inspection, road test, and a plain-language report for all makes.
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Directions

101 SW 17th St, Fort Lauderdale

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Coming to the shop
We are on SW 17th Street in Fort Lauderdale, easy to reach from US-1, I-95, Broward Boulevard and Andrews Avenue. Call ahead or just stop by during shop hours.
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