How it works

No. A safety standards certificate confirms that the vehicle met the minimum safety standards on the date it was issued, and it's what lets the car be plated. A pre-purchase inspection covers the whole car: what's worn, what's been repaired, what the computer has logged, and what condition every system is in. Most buyers want both.

No. If the inspection is paid in advance, William goes on his own. You're welcome to come along, and it can be helpful, because he'll show you what he's finding as he works. Either way you get the report and a call to go through it.

Most inspections happen within 12 to 24 hours of booking, depending on the schedule; same-day is $50 extra. You receive the Buyer Report within 45 minutes of the inspection finishing, pending payment.

The vehicle ownership and a working key. William checks the VIN on the ownership against the VIN on the car before he starts, so the inspection requires it. He'll also ask whether there are two working keys. Mention both to the seller when you agree on a time.

Yes, with every package, and it's included in the price. It checks for accident claims, whether the car has been reported stolen, that the VIN checks out, and the mileage on record. William inspects the car as it is today. The history report shows what's been reported about it before.

We run mobile vehicle inspections across York Region and the GTA, with no travel charge. Dealership lots, private driveways and parking garages all work. Outside the GTA, travel is $25 to $75 depending on the destination.

Passenger cars, SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks, including hybrids and EVs. If you're looking at something else, call and ask.

Find the car, agree with the seller on a time it can be seen, and book with us. William drives out, inspects it, and sends you the Buyer Report. Most sellers, private or dealer, are used to a buyer bringing a mechanic.

Give us at least two hours' notice and we'll refund your deposit by e-transfer, or move the booking to the next car you find. If you cancel with less notice, or William arrives and the car isn't there or isn't ready, we keep the deposit as a credit toward your next inspection.

No, unless you choose to share it. The report is yours, and you decide what to show the seller and what to use in the negotiation.

The car has to be plated and insured to go on the road. If it isn't, or the seller won't allow a road test, we do everything else and say so in the report.

Yes. Call the number on the report and he'll go through it with you before you decide.

We take a deposit of half the price, up to $100, when you book. We email you a payment request for it, and your booking is confirmed once it's paid. You pay the balance by e-transfer, PayPal or cash before you receive the report. If you won't be at the inspection, we ask for the full amount in advance. We don't take cheques, and you get an invoice for every inspection.

No. The report describes the car's condition at the time and place of the inspection, based on what could be seen and tested without taking anything apart. It is a record of the car on the day, not a promise about the year ahead, so you go into the purchase knowing what you're buying.

Light mechanical work at your driveway: brakes, batteries, wipers and similar, priced per job. Ask when you book, or once you've read the report. The report says what the car needs whether or not you have us do it.