What we inspect – If you’re referring to our Platinum inspection, we inspect and test everything…
Our Platinum used car inspections are modeled after manufacture certified vehicle standards (I.e.150 point certified) but are far superior as we also check for repainted panels and determine whether the repair was cosmetic or accident in nature, frame damage, mechanical condition, previous repairs and verify proper operation of all electronics, safety systems, accessories, while documenting: tire, suspension, and brake wear as well as running extensive mechanical tests you won’t find with any other used car inspection. Unlike the more common visual only inspections you’ll find in a dealership or other claimed independent service we use a variety of high tech diagnostic equipment to complete our inspections:
- We were the first and only used car inspection you will find who uses an infrared camera to verify and document proper electronics, HVAC and heated accessory operation including seats, cupholders, steering wheels, defrosters and windshields. We can also verify catylatic converter light off, find abnormal tire alignment issues and water leaks.
- We were one of the first to use electronic paint meters to measure the paint throughout the vehicle.
- We are one of the only inspection companies who use a 4 gas digital infrared exhaust gas analyzer to located engine perfomance/drivability issues and more importantly internally leaking/failing head gasket issues even when not otherwise detectable
- We use very high quality factory level scanners and high tech diagnostic equipment as the big franchised dealers do. These include multiple high value scanners as well as a tablet/laptop and with enhanced data capabilities meaning on most 1996-2024 European, Asian and American vehicles we can electronically check engine performance modules, transmissions modules, airbags modules, anti-lock braking systems, body controllers and more (this is far superior to a simple code reader others are using). Many times we can tell you how many miles ago the engine control module was last reset (helps to identify hidden issues) and if there are any signs or pending or current issues. We make sure 1996+ and newer vehicles are electronically ready for DEQ testing in Oregon. The last thing you want is to find out your new “used” vehicle won’t pass DEQ and cannot be registered and legally driven.
- Midtronics Electronic battery/starting/charging analyzers
- Infrared cameras/testers
- Digital engine analyzer
- Coolant refractometer for effectively measuring the efficiency and condition for the coolant
- Pressure testers
- A digital video scope to identify and inspect areas not easily seen without disassembly
- An air jack to properly lift and inspect the undercarriage/frame/steering/suspension
- And even more
PDXinspections Inspection Procedures
| Actual photos | Component inspected | Description | Included with | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | All PCM/ECU module diagnostics | Noting Current/Pending/History codes, emissions readiness testing - Full dealer level scanning of all systems (Airbag, ABS, Body, ECU) on most European, Asian and Domestic through 2019 - This is beyond most non manufacture specific dealer and independent repair shops abilities. We also use our scantool looking for signs of recent resets (those trying to hide issues), verifying mileage, 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. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Battery, Starting and Charging Analysis | Complete electronic analysis of all crucial systems. Digitally evaluating battery condition, starting system performance, and alternator/charging tests under full system loading. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Engine Exhaust Analysis | Using a 4 gas exhaust analyzer to sniff out potential emission issues, tune or mechanical problems. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Internal Head Gasket Analysis | Using our exhaust gas analyzer to sniff out failing head gaskets. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Tires | Noting: Age, tire condition, wear/life measurement, abnormal wear patterns (steering/suspension issues) and inflation. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Wheels | Noting: Lug nuts, centercaps, overall condition | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Brakes | Noting wear/damage and brake pad wear/life measurement. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Paint Measurements | Every vehicle we inspect starts with a complete walk around with our Electronic Paint Thickness Meter. Our paint meter will help us determine if any of the vehicles panels have been repainted or replaced (no matter what the quality of the repair). This will then help us to determine whether there has been significant collision or cosmetic repair. You won't find this with any other kind of inspection (Dealer and Independent repair shops don't have need for this tool). | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Safety Systems | Verifying proper seat belt and safety restraint operation - Electronic airbag analysis (verifying SRS components at the electrical level) using our dealer level scanning capabilities on most European, Asian and Domestic through 2015 - This is beyond most non manufacture specific dealer and independent repair shops abilities. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Exhaust | Verify integrity, checking for leaks and missing components | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Internal Engine | Looking for engine sludging or abnormalities. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Fluid Analysis | Noting fluid all dipstick accessible fluid conditions to determine proper maintenance and possible potential problems. Including head gasket testing and coolant testing. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Frame/Unibody Inspection | Looking for current/previous signs of frame/uni-body damage. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Engine Visual | Noting leaks, alterations, belt wear, and cooling system pressure testing when necessary. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Suspension | Noting wear/damage. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Axles | Noting wear, leaks, damage. | Platinum | Gold | Bronze |
 | Test Drive | Testing all electronics, cruise control, ride/driving attributes, steering/suspension, engine performance, drivability and noting annoyances/abnormalities. | Platinum | ||
 | Lifting/Under Vehicle Inspection | Lifting the car - looking at frame/unibody, steering/suspension, exhaust, lower engine, etc. (when applicable) | Platinum | ||
 | Crash/Accident Repair Analysis | Combination of looking over the uni-body/frame as well using our paint measurements to determine what has required replacement. | Platinum | ||
 | Interior Condition | Noting common damage areas you might not have noticed on your initial viewing. Also includes a combination of moisture testing the carpet to look for signs of current or past water leaks. | Platinum | ||
 | Exterior Condition | Noting scratches, dings, original panels, previous repairs and/or repaint. We can help you determine or verify what has been repainted due to cosmetic repair vs accident. We can also give you our professional opinion on the overall quality of the repair. (70% of the vehicles we inspect have paintwork in one way or another). | Platinum | ||
 | Enhanced engine control module tests | Looking for misfires, engine overheating, contribution/cylinder balance tests and more. | Platinum | ||
 | Engine Relative Running Compression Analysis | Using a digital engine analyzer to perform an electronic analysis of the mechanical compression of the engine comparing exhaust pulse analysis (Not available on all engines) and an engine analyzer when needed | Platinum | ||
 | Engine Internal Blow-By Analysis | Using a digital engine analyzer to perform an electronic analysis of the mechanical inner workings of the internal blow-by of the engine (Not available on all engines). | Platinum | ||
 | Heating and Air Conditioning | Using an infrared camera to verify and document proper A/C compressor, blower, distribution and heater operation. Measuring A/C efficiency. | Platinum | ||
 | Interior Features, Controls, and Electronics | Testing all accessories for proper functionality. Including power seats, mirrors, windows, locks, convertible tops, sun/moonroofs, etc. | Platinum | ||
 | Testing Heated Accessories | We were the first and only used car inspection you will find who uses an infrared camera to verify and document heated accessory operation. You can read it and actually see these systems working as designed. This includes all heated/cooled components such as such as heated seats, defroster, steering wheel, windshield, etc.. | Platinum |
Pick one of our inspections below to instantly order your inspection
Platinum Inspection
Our most complete & common inspection for the modern vehicle
Learn more or book your Platinum inspection
Gold – New Car Inspection
2021 and newer vehicles with less than 50K miles only located in Vancouver, Washington
(Not offered in Portland, Oregon)
Learn more or book your Gold inspection
Bronze – Basic/Budget Inspection
Older/high mileage/budget vehicles
Learn more or book your Basic/Budget Inspection
Once you have chosen your inspection from above, follow the instructions to easily and securely book on that respective page
All of our used car inspection reports are delivered via email and 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 laymans terms with items of importance highlighted
Sample PDXinspections Platinum Inspection Report
