Bronze/Budget onsite inspection designed for older, lower priced, higher mileage used vehicles typically under $8K
*The Bronze inspection is not acceptable for Salvage/Reconstructed vehicles or for those considering purchasing the vehicle from a distance/sight unseen/out of state. These situations require our Platinum Inspection.
This inspection was primarily designed with the older (typically mid 1990′s to early 2000's)/high mileage or budget vehicle in mind with mechanical and safety condition taking precedence. As used cars age they develop used car issues, may need maintenance, and some TLC. For those who understand this and are comfortable with the vehicles driving characteristics we offer you our Bronze/Budget inspection.
Our Bronze inspection is designed for those who don't need the extreme detail we've known to provide over the years in our complete Platinum Inspection rather only confirmation that the vehicle doesn't have major mechanical issues or has been in an accident. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to inspect a $20K-$50K+ vehicle the same way we would a $5K vehicle as even good cars can sometimes look bad once you have 5 pages of notes describing all of its flaws. We realize most of these buyers may only be concerned about reliable basic transportation vs. a full blown evaluation making sure every accessory, light and function is working as designed. This more affordable inspection covers all the major mechanical and safety check points:
Included With Every Inspection
When available – these are the same records that are available to companies such as Carfax
Using an exhaust gas analyzer to test for potential internally failing head gaskets or mechanical engine performance issues by monitoring the exhaust stream
DEQ (emissions) readiness testing including a general scan of the engine control module (depending on age) to verify emissions readiness tests and/or use of an exhaust gas analyzer to determine whether or not the vehicle will pass the Oregon DMV/DEQ requirements required to register the vehicle in Oregon. Depending on the age of the vehicle we can report if/when there have been any recent computer resets, engine misfires, pending issues, past issues, perform cylinder balance tests and more.
We measure all exterior metal body panels to determine if the vehicle has been repainted and to determine whether it was due a simple cosmetic repair or an accident requiring extensive body work
The five processes above are what we consider the most important aspects of a complete pre-purchase inspection. No other inspection choice provides the thoroughness of the inspection itself and all the information necessary to make an informed decision like PDXinspections.
- General mechanical evaluation checking for noises, leaks and any under hood abnormalities. Citing possible needed maintenance based on the vehicles service intervals.
- Basic safety inspection: Test and verify seat belt operation, a quick scan of the airbag system to verify the it is free of tampering and appears to be working as designed, checking brake lamps, turn signals, headlamps and horn operation.
- Noting general tire condition checking for matching tires, old, defective, or damaged tires while classifying tires into a newer, average or needing tires based on the tread depth remaining.
- Measuring basic brake pad remaining on axles equipped with disc brakes when easily visible through wheels.
- Your PDXinspections pre-purchase inspection report (.pdf) is emailed to you directly from the inspection itself within minutes of completion. Your inspection report is easily read/printed using your computer, smart phone, iPhone/iPad or any other mobile device capable of reading PDF's. They are easily read and understood, written in laypersons terms with items of importance highlighted.
This is a very basic mechanical and safety check similar to other mobile options and some independent shops are advertising. Taking about only 45 minutes it is still more advanced than most inspections considering the importance of the tools used: an electronic paint meter, scan tool for checking the engine control module, and an exhaust gas analyzer.
The Bronze inspection is not an extremely detailed inspection and does not check all components of the vehicle: The suspension and underbody/frame are not completely inspected (the vehicle is not lifted); none of the vehicles electronics such as interior accessories or exterior accessories are tested in this inspection. This inspection is for those buying an older/high mileage/budget vehicle and who understand they may have used car "issues" and is really concerned about the major mechanical condition of the vehicle. We do not test drive the vehicle with this inspection so it is crucial for you to feel comfortable with the vehicles operation and driving characteristics prior to purchase.
*This is not an acceptable inspection for Salvage/Reconstructed vehicles or for those considering purchasing the vehicle from a distance/sight unseen/out of state. These situations require our Platinum Inspection.
We perform on-site inspections wherever the vehicle sits throughout the day whether that be at a dealership, private sellers home or workplace (whatever is most convenient for the seller)
Which inspection fits your situation?
Bronze is most commonly used for older or lower-value vehicles. Both inspections are available regardless of age — answer the questions below to see which fits your situation.
| What’s included | BronzeBasic | PlatinumComprehensive |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Eligibility | ||
| Standard gas-powered vehicles | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electric & hybrid vehicles | —Platinum required | ✔ |
| Diagnostics | ||
| Computer diagnostics / error codes | ✔Basic scan | ✔All modules |
| Infrared head gasket test | ✔ | ✔ |
| 5-gas exhaust analyzer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Paint meter / accident detection | ✔Basic check | ✔Full analysis |
| Underhood | ||
| Engine/Underhood inspection | ✔Basic - top side only | ✔Detailed |
| Fluid levels & condition | ✔ | ✔Including more in depth tooling/testing |
| Battery, Starting & Charging systems | ✔Basic | ✔Electronic analysis |
| Mechanical Inspection | ||
| Condition Reporting | ✔Basic | ✔Detailed |
| Undercarriage & Suspension inspection | — | ✔Frame, steering & suspension |
| Test drive | — | ✔Performance, drivetrain & driving dynamics |
| Safety Systems & Electronics / Accessories | ||
| Safety systems check | ✔ | ✔ |
| Full accessory testing | — | ✔ |
| Infrared temperature analysis | — | ✔A/C & heated accessory testing |
| Report & Timing | ||
| Written report emailed after inspection | ✔ | ✔10+ page detailed PDF |
| Typical inspection duration | ~45 min | ~1–1.5 hours |
Ready to book?
Step 1 of 3 - Availability
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Step 2 of 3 - Calculate your inspection cost
PDXinspections Bronze/Budget Mobile Used Car Inspection Cost Calculator
We only perform Bronze inspections in the areas outlined in this calculator
👆 Select one above to get your price
You can pay with all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover), our checkout allows Apple Pay, Cash App Pay, Amazon Pay, and bank transfer. Prefer to pay over time? Choose Afterpay at checkout to split your payment into 4 interest-free installments.
Scheduling Frequently Asked Questions
Check our availability calendar above: we're typically available from sunrise through about 3:00 PM weekdays only. We do not perform inspections on weekends.
How do I pick an inspection time?
You don't need to select a specific time — we handle that for you. On the morning of your inspection, we contact the seller directly to confirm the vehicle is still available and to coordinate a 30-minute arrival window that works for them.
Once that's confirmed, we'll notify you of the expected arrival time and your estimated report delivery time. There's nothing more you need to do — just wait for your report to land in your inbox the moment the inspection wraps up.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
No — you don't need to be there. We inspect on your behalf and email the report the moment we're done. Most of our clients are at work or remote when we inspect.
If you're local, we recommend viewing the vehicle yourself first — online listings often hide cosmetic issues that would make an inspection unnecessary.
Out-of-state buyers: Add our HD video walk-around package at booking and you'll receive a full visual record of the vehicle alongside your written report — so you can see everything before committing to travel or a wire transfer.
Do you have any backup same-day availability?
Same-day slots are rare — our schedule typically fills days in advance. If same-day availability exists, it will appear as an option on the booking page. If you don't see it listed, we're not available that day.