For Private Party Purchases

Inspections for Private Seller Purchases

Buying from a private seller? There's no warranty, no return policy, and no recourse if something's wrong. A professional inspection is your only protection before the sale becomes final.

Book Inspection - $225 See Sample Report
The Reality

Private Sales Are Final in Washington

Unlike dealers who may offer warranties, private sellers sell as-is. Once you pay, you own everything - including problems you didn't know about.

No Warranty Protection

Private sales are as-is. Once you hand over the money, you own whatever problems come with the car.

No Cooling-Off Period

Washington State has no return law for used cars. The sale is final the moment you sign.

Seller Knowledge Gaps

Many sellers genuinely don't know about issues with their car. They're not lying - they just don't know.

Hidden History

Private sellers may not have service records or know the full history of the vehicle.

We've Got You Covered

We Inspect Cars From Any Platform

Wherever you found the listing, we can inspect it.

Facebook Marketplace Craigslist OfferUp Cars.com (private listings) Autotrader (private listings) Nextdoor Word of mouth / friends & family
Simple Process

How Private Party Inspections Work

1

Find Your Car

Browse listings on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or wherever. When you find one worth pursuing, book an inspection.

2

Coordinate with Seller

Let the seller know you want a professional inspection. Serious sellers welcome this - it protects both parties.

3

We Meet the Seller

We travel to wherever the car is - the seller's home, workplace, or a neutral location. You don't need to be there.

4

Get Your Report

Receive a complete inspection report with video the same day. Use it to decide and negotiate.

Watch Out

Red Flags in Private Sales

Trust your instincts. These warning signs often indicate problems.

Seller refuses inspection

Major red flag. Walk away.

"Another buyer coming today"

Classic pressure tactic. Real buyers don't disappear because you want an inspection.

Won't provide address until you commit

Legitimate sellers have nothing to hide about where the car is located.

Price too good to be true

It usually is. Extremely low prices often hide serious problems.

Seller can't answer basic questions

May not actually own the car, or may be hiding something.

$225 Now vs. $2,000+ Later

The average unexpected repair after a used car purchase costs over $1,500. Our inspection fee is a fraction of what a single missed problem could cost you. And if we find the car is solid? You just bought yourself peace of mind.

Protect Your Purchase
FAQs

Private Party Inspection Questions

What if the seller won't allow an inspection?
This is a major red flag. A seller with nothing to hide should welcome an independent inspection - it protects them too by documenting the car's condition at sale. If a seller refuses, we strongly recommend walking away from the deal. There are plenty of other cars available from sellers who are transparent.
Do I need to be present during the inspection?
No, you don't need to be there. We coordinate directly with the seller and conduct the inspection at whatever location works for them. This is especially helpful if you're buying from across town or out of the area. You'll receive the complete report and video to review on your own time.
How do I explain the inspection to the seller?
Most sellers understand. Simply say: 'Before I commit to buying, I'd like to have a professional inspection done. It protects both of us and shouldn't take more than an hour.' Serious sellers appreciate serious buyers.
What if the inspection finds problems?
That's exactly why you get an inspection. You have three options: negotiate a lower price reflecting the needed repairs, ask the seller to fix issues before the sale, or walk away. Any of these is better than discovering problems after you've already paid.
Is it worth inspecting a cheap car?
Often, yes. A $3,000 car with $2,000 in hidden problems isn't actually cheap. Our $225 inspection can reveal whether that 'deal' is really a deal - or a money pit. The lower the price, the higher the risk of hidden issues.
What about cars from friends or family?
We actually recommend inspections for these purchases too. Your cousin might genuinely not know about issues with their car. An inspection protects your relationship by removing uncertainty - and if problems exist, you discover them before money changes hands, not after.

Related Resources

For Buyers Guide

Complete overview of our buyer inspection service

Buyer Tips Blog

Articles on smart used car buying in Spokane

Example Report

See exactly what you receive with every inspection

Questions? Call or text (833) 292-1293 or email [email protected]