A used car looks the same on the lot whether it was cared for or not. On the lift, with the scan tool connected, it does not. A pre-purchase inspection is how you find the oil leak that will cost two thousand dollars, the fault codes that were cleared the day before the listing, the accident repair the seller forgot to mention, and the over-rev report on a Porsche.
Our inspection covers the engine (compression and leak-down where warranted, leaks, cooling system, belts and hoses), drivetrain and transmission, suspension and steering components, brakes measured, tires dated and measured, body and frame for accident evidence, and a full module-level scan with stored and cleared fault history. You get a written report with photos and a plain-language recommendation.
Buyers in Missouri City, Sugar Land, Pearland and across Houston have the seller bring the car here, or we inspect it at the shop before the deal is signed. Sellers use it too — a clean report from an independent shop makes a car easier to sell.
Pre-Purchase Inspection service at Missouri Car Care
Full module-level scan
Stored and cleared fault history, readiness monitors, over-rev and mileage cross-checks on cars that record them.
Engine and drivetrain
Compression and leak-down where warranted, oil and coolant leaks, cooling system, timing components, transmission and differentials.
Suspension, steering and tires
Worn arms, bushings, struts and tie rods, plus tire age, wear pattern and a quick alignment read.
Brakes measured
Pad and rotor thickness, fluid condition, caliper operation and parking brake.
Body and frame
Paint-thickness readings, panel gaps and underbody evidence of accident repair or flood.
Written report
Photos, findings ranked by urgency, estimated costs for anything found, and a plain recommendation.
The same standard for every car
Most of what comes through our doors is the car you drive every day. The same rack, the same technicians and the same honest estimate go to a Camry, an F-150 and a 911. If you're not sure we work on your car, call — we almost certainly do.
Missouri City, TX 77489
Quail Valley Shopping Center
Sat 8am–2pm
Closed Sunday
Houston-area ranges, before the quote
People search the cost before they search a shop, so here are honest ranges for the jobs we do most. They are typical Houston-area figures for parts and labor, not a quote — your estimate is built on your exact car and what we actually find. The one promise we make on price: the bill matches the estimate.
Open Saturdays 8–2 · Most estimates same-day
Frequently asked
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
It depends on the car; an exotic takes longer than a Civic. Call or text with the year, make and model for a quote.
How long does it take?
Usually one to two hours. Bring the car or have the seller drop it off; we can often do it the same day.
Do you inspect exotics?
Yes. Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini and McLaren pre-purchase inspections are a specialty, including over-rev reports and carbon-ceramic brake measurement.
Will you tell me not to buy it?
If that is the honest answer, yes. The report is yours, not the seller's.