Pre-Purchase Inspection in San Mateo, CA

A used car is the second-largest purchase most people make. The seller wants to sell. The CarFax report is what they let you see. A 60-minute pre-purchase inspection is what tells you what's actually under the hood. Beacon Auto Care in San Mateo does the same digital inspection on PPI cars that we do on every customer's daily driver — full photo report delivered before you decide.

What We Inspect

• Frame and collision evidence — panel gaps, weld signatures, paint mismatch, bent rails
• Drivetrain — engine leaks, transmission slip, axle boots, motor mounts
• Brakes — pad thickness, rotor condition, fluid quality
• Suspension — struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, bushings
• Tires — tread depth on each wheel, sidewall age, uneven wear
• Fluids — engine oil, coolant, transmission, brake, power steering, differential
• OBD-II — stored, pending, and freeze-frame codes; readiness monitors
• Battery — load test, terminal condition
• Road test — drivability, shifting, brakes, alignment, noises under load

What You Get

A digital inspection report on your phone with photos of every finding, severity flagged (urgent, future-attention, good), measurements where applicable (pad thickness in mm, tire tread in 32nds, fluid levels and condition), and a clear summary you can use to negotiate the asking price or walk away with eyes open.

• ✓ Same DVI process used on regular customer cars — nothing watered-down
• ✓ OBD-II scan + readiness monitors checked
• ✓ Full photo report delivered by text or email — yours to keep
• ✓ Same-day appointments available