Pre-Purchase Inspections
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) provides an independent, professional evaluation of a vehicle before you commit to buying it. At Motorcars of Western New York, Inc., our pre-purchase inspections are designed to give enthusiasts, collectors, and out-of-area buyers clear insight into a vehicle’s condition so there are no surprises after the sale.
Whether the vehicle is across town or across the country, a thorough inspection helps you make a confident, informed decision.
Learn More About:
Insurance Appraisals
Sales Appraisals
Total Loss Disputes
Why a Pre‑Purchase Inspection Is essential
Photos, descriptions, and seller representations rarely tell the full story — especially with enthusiast, performance, and collector vehicles. A pre‑purchase inspection provides an objective look at the vehicle’s true condition before money changes hands.
Clients commonly request PPIs to:
Confirm overall condition before purchase
Identify mechanical or cosmetic concerns
Understand maintenance needs or future costs
Verify originality or modifications
Gain peace of mind when buying sight‑unseen
A PPI doesn’t just protect your wallet — it protects your expectations.
Contact us to speak to an IAAA certified Appraiser today.
Vehicles We Inspect
We regularly perform pre‑purchase inspections on:
Performance and enthusiast vehicles
Classic and collector cars
Specialty and limited‑production models
Out‑of‑state or long‑distance purchases
Privately sold or dealer‑offered vehicles
Our experience with non‑average vehicles allows us to focus on the details that matter most to enthusiasts and collectors.
Contact our Team to determine your vehicle’s value
What a Pre‑Purchase Inspection Includes
Each inspection is tailored to the vehicle and the buyer’s goals, but typically includes:
Verification of vehicle identity and configuration
Overall exterior and interior condition assessment
Visual inspection of engine bay and undercarriage
Review of visible mechanical components
Identification of modifications or non‑original items
Photo documentation of key areas
Written summary of findings
When possible, we also review available service records and ownership history.
Need a vehicle inspected? Sit back and let us do the legwork.
What a Pre‑Purchase Inspection Is Not
To ensure clarity, it’s important to understand the limits of a PPI:
It is not a guarantee against future mechanical failure
It does not include disassembly or invasive testing
It is not a substitute for a full mechanical teardown
It does not represent a warranty or certification
Our goal is to provide a realistic snapshot of the vehicle’s condition at the time of inspection.
Is your vehicle critically damaged from an accident? We can help with insurance negotiations.
Buying From Afar
Many of our pre‑purchase inspections are performed for buyers who cannot see the vehicle in person. In these cases, clear communication and detailed reporting are essential.
We focus on:
Comprehensive photo coverage
Honest, straightforward observations
Highlighting both strengths and concerns
Framing findings in the context of the buyer’s intended use
This approach helps remote buyers move forward with confidence.
Why Choose Motorcars of WNY
Independent, buyer‑focused inspections
Experience with enthusiast and collector vehicles
Clear, easy‑to‑understand reports
Direct communication before and after the inspection
Nationwide service availability
We approach every inspection with the same care we would expect when purchasing a vehicle ourselves.
Get Started
If you’re considering a vehicle purchase and would like an independent assessment before committing, we’re happy to help.
👉 Request a Pre‑Purchase Inspection to get started, or contact us to discuss the vehicle and your goals.