Buying a used vehicle is one of the largest purchases most people make — and private sellers and dealerships alike have strong incentives to present their vehicles in the best possible light. A professional pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic is the smartest investment you can make before signing anything.
Hahn Automotive's technicians in Santa Rosa perform thorough pre-purchase inspections that examine every major system on the vehicle — engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical, cooling, HVAC, and more. We also scan for fault codes, check for signs of previous accidents or flood damage, and assess overall vehicle condition.
Our inspection report gives you an objective, unbiased assessment that you can use to negotiate a better price, request repairs as a condition of sale, or simply walk away from a vehicle that's hiding serious problems.
Signs You Need Pre-Purchase Inspection
Our Process
Visual & Under-Hood Inspection
We begin with a thorough visual inspection — looking for signs of accident damage, repairs, fluid leaks, and component condition.
Lift Inspection
With the vehicle on our lift, we inspect the undercarriage for rust, damage, leaks, and suspension and brake wear.
Diagnostic Scan
We connect to the OBD-II system to check for stored fault codes and pending issues that may not yet trigger a warning light.
Written Report
We provide a detailed written report documenting all findings, prioritized by severity, that you can use in your buying decision.
Why Choose Hahn Automotive?
Unbiased Assessment
We have no financial interest in whether you buy the vehicle. Our only interest is giving you an accurate picture.
Pays for Itself
Time and again, our inspections find issues that either save the buyer thousands in repair costs or justify a significant price reduction.
Comprehensive Coverage
We inspect over 100 points on every vehicle — nothing major gets missed in our systematic inspection process.
Fast Turnaround
Most inspections are completed the same day. Sellers often work with us on scheduling when buyers request an inspection.