Best in town 5 year/50k mile warranty
RoadsideÂ
assistance
0% interest financing options available
ASE certified technicians
Get a dealer alternative estimate on your repair
Free shuttle service while we work on your vehicle
400+ 5 Star Reviews
400+
Reviews
Free Second Opinion Inspection.
100% Price Match Guarantee.
Free Second Opinion Inspection. 100% Price Match Guarantee.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Know What You’re Buying Before You Drive Away
A used vehicle can look perfect on the surface while hiding costly problems underneath. A pre-purchase inspection gives you a detailed understanding of a vehicle’s condition before you make a major investment.
Totally responsive and easy to work with. First time interaction was like dealing with an old friend. I’ve found my mechanic.
Totally responsive and easy to work with. First time interaction was like dealing with an old friend. I’ve found my mechanic.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Service
A Smarter Way to Evaluate Your Next Vehicle
Buying a car is about more than appearance, mileage, or a smooth test drive. Issues with the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, or previous repairs may not be noticeable until after ownership begins. A detailed inspection helps uncover concerns that could impact reliability, safety, and future repair costs.
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Our technicians carefully review key systems, checking for signs of wear, existing problems, and maintenance needs that may affect the vehicle’s long-term performance. Instead of leaving you to guess about a vehicle’s condition, we provide honest insight that helps you move forward with confidence. From private-party purchases to dealership vehicles, every inspection at Art of Maintenance is approached with the same level of care and attention. We focus on accurate findings, clear explanations, and practical recommendations so you understand the vehicle you’re considering, not just what it looks like on the outside.
Schedule A Pre-Purchase Inspection Service Today!
What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Can Reveal
Finding these concerns before purchase can help you avoid unexpected expenses and make a better-informed decision. Before committing to a used vehicle, an inspection can help identify:
Electrical faults and battery problems
Inspections can identify electrical system faults and battery-related issues, including a weak or failing battery, charging system problems, faulty wiring, malfunctioning sensors, blown fuses, or warning light concerns. Detecting these issues before purchase helps prevent unexpected electrical failures, reduces the risk of costly repairs, and ensures the vehicle’s critical systems are functioning properly.
Previous accident repairs or poor workmanship
A pre-purchase inspection can identify signs of previous accident damage or substandard repairs, including mismatched paint, improper panel alignment, frame damage, replacement body panels, poor welds, or non-factory repair work. Detecting these issues before purchase helps verify the vehicle’s structural integrity, uncover hidden damage, and ensure you make a more informed buying decision.
Uneven tire wear or suspension issues
A professional pre-purchase inspection can identify uneven tire wear and suspension problems that may indicate poor wheel alignment, worn shocks or struts, damaged steering components, or previous accident damage. Detecting these issues early helps prevent premature tire replacement, improves vehicle safety and handling, and provides a clearer understanding of the vehicle’s overall mechanical condition.
Hidden engine or transmission problems
A pre-purchase inspection can identify hidden engine or transmission problems that may not be noticeable during a test drive, such as fluid leaks, unusual wear, diagnostic trouble codes, or early signs of mechanical failure, helping you avoid costly repairs and make a more informed buying decision.
Brake system wear and safety concerns
Pre-purchase inspection can identify worn brake pads and rotors, leaking brake components, uneven brake wear, damaged brake lines, or other issues that may compromise stopping performance and vehicle safety. Detecting these problems before purchase helps you avoid unexpected repair costs, ensures the braking system is operating properly, and gives you greater confidence in the vehicle’s overall condition.
Fluid leaks and maintenance concerns
We can detect fluid leaks from the engine, transmission, cooling system, brakes, power steering, or differential that may indicate worn seals, failing gaskets, or other developing mechanical issues. It can also uncover signs of deferred or inadequate maintenance, including worn belts and hoses, contaminated or low fluids, overdue service intervals, aging filters, and other neglected components.
Warning lights or stored diagnostic issues
An inspection can detect active dashboard warning lights and stored diagnostic trouble codes that may indicate underlying engine, transmission, emissions, or electrical system faults, even if no symptoms are currently noticeable. Identifying these issues before purchase helps reveal hidden mechanical or electronic problems, prevents unexpected repair costs, and ensures the vehicle’s systems are functioning properly.
Cooling system weaknesses
We will identify cooling system weaknesses, including coolant leaks, worn hoses, a failing water pump, radiator damage, thermostat issues, or signs of engine overheating. Detecting these problems before purchase prevents costly engine damage, improves long-term reliability, and ensures the cooling system is operating efficiently.
ASE certified technicians
Get a dealer alternative estimate on your repair
Free shuttle service while we work on your vehicle
Helping Portland Drivers Buy With Confidence
Choosing the right vehicle in Portland, Oregon starts with having the right information. Our team combines experience, careful evaluation, and straightforward communication to make the buying process more transparent.
Get the information you need before making your next vehicle purchase, schedule a pre-purchase inspection with Art of Maintenance today.
Experiences.
Real
Results.
Kevin at the Art of maintenance went above and beyond. I was having a terrible time with my old mechanic who could not find or fix a clunking sound in my suspension. After spending a couple grand there I took my car in exasperation to The Art of Maintenance. After gong through the car they recommended several mother thousand dollars worth of repairs that I needed that the previous mechanic had not found. After getting my car back from art of maintenance, three days later I started having major electrical issues and was forced to pull my car into the first mechanics place of business, it was right up the street from my work which is where I was headed. I was out of cash at the time from all of the maintenance costs and a costly surgical procedure. My car had to sit for 5 months while I recovered. Luckily the old mechanic said they would taxi my car over to AOM. AOM also said that they would just charge me costs for the parts and not the labor. With the surgery and the major car troubles it was considerably stressful. I am glad to have the car back and it runs great. hopefully for another 30k at least!
They were great. I trust that they will give the best service and recommendations in order for my vehicle to run great.
They were able to do the work very fast and super friendly and helpful.
We went to AOM for what we thought was a power steering problem on our 2006 Toyota 4Runner. That’s what they diagnosed and replaced the rack and pinion. What we didn’t expect was that, on picking up the vehicle, the rear wiper would not work and it had since we bought the car last year. Returned it to Kevin who was able to re-program the wiper relay. Now the front end is quiet and the rear window can have rain cleared off. Thanks, guys.
Everyone was incredibly professional and informative. My car wouldn’t start so and AAA reccomended this shop as it was close to my house. They were extremely helpful and quick with serving my car! I was able to get detailed diagnostics and the starter replaced within 24 hours of dropping off my car. Highly reccomend!
they made sure my car was Road ready for my holiday trip thank you Art of Maintenance
Excellent service! This is the third car we’ve trusted these guys with. Wouldn’t go anywhere else!
I had a flat tire, so I Googled tire repair, and Art of Maintenance was close, so I dropped in. They took the tire, and within minutes had it repaired and I was on my way. Great professional team!
great group of guys that do incredible work! will definitely be back
Came for a minor seatbelt issue and was helped right away, free of charge! Very friendly and responsive. Highly recommend!
Great service. Always appreciate the work they do.
I trust these guys with my car and to let me know what really needs to get taken care of and what I should keep an eye on.
They were not pushy or anything like that. This is my first choice when I need work on my car.
