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.
Great mechanic
Out of Towners with a smashed back window. They couldn’t fix it but we’re very obliging good . Cleaned us up and gave great advice.
We got a flat and they put the spare on for no cost. They told us that they were unable to source the tire we needed same day and that it would be cheaper to go to CostCo! They were so sweet and helpful. Very trustworthy.
Art of Maintenance is a great shop. They are professional, efficient, and great to work with. I bring both my vehicles to them and am quite happy with their work
Excellent service, if I have more problems this is where I’d go.
Kevin at the Art of Maintenance is the best. He always looks to save you money and still give you top quality service. They have always done a great job for me and my family. I have recommended them to several friends and I will continue to recommend them.
I had a great experience as well as a great follow up experience (I had to return due to me, not them!). And nice communication even after the job was completed.
I dropped by today and they fixed my car super quickly! Very nice place and people.
We have used Art of Maintenance for many years with our older cars. They do quick and accurate repairs and service on our vehicles and are help at understanding how to prioritize what work needs to happen when you are on a budget.
Got the brakes diagnosed and replaced on my 1990 Mercedes. They did an excellent job diagnosing the brakes’ status, letting us know what was needed and then replaced as needed. They were timely, professional and didn’t try to ‘upsell’ us into more expensive work (a big, big PLUS!). We’ll be back.
ALWAYS do a great job !!!!!!!!!!!
My car started to over heat and shut down on me. They figured out what was wrong and got it back on the road for me. Thank you.
*Rates from 0%-36% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available in all states, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license.
