CHK-PPI · Safety Check & Pre-Purchase
Know before you go. Know before you buy.
Thinking of buying a used car? We'll put it on the lift and give you a photo report before you hand over the cash. Heading into winter? Our seasonal check covers what New Hampshire weather punishes most.
- Pricing
- Quoted up front
- Typical time
- 45–90 minutes
- Warranty
- 24 mo / 24,000 mi
Symptoms
Sound familiar?
- Buying a used car from a dealer or private seller
- Getting ready for winter or a long trip
- You haven’t had the car looked over in a year
- Selling and want a report to show buyers
Not sure it's this? Text a photo or a short video to 603-818-3121 and we'll point you in the right direction.
How we handle it
Our safety check & pre-purchase process
- 01
On the lift
Frame and rocker rust, leaks, suspension, brakes, exhaust.
- 02
Scan
Codes and readiness monitors (recently cleared codes are a red flag).
- 03
Road test
Engine, transmission, steering and brakes under real driving.
- 04
Photo report
Good / watch / needs-work list with estimated costs.
Pricing
What affects the price
- Pre-purchase vs. seasonal check
- Vehicle size and type
- Add-ons like a compression test
You'll get a more detailed, itemized quote for your car, and we'll go over it with you before any repairs. Nothing gets done without your approval.
- How our labor rate compares with the dealer
- Coupons: up to $100 off bigger jobs
- 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty
Warranty
24 months / 24,000 miles
Parts and labor on qualifying repairs. If something we fixed fails, we make it right.
Read the warranty →Questions
Safety Check & Pre-Purchase FAQ
Q01Does NH still require annual state inspections?
As of October 2026, NH DMV has suspended the inspection program and stations can’t issue stickers, while the EPA reviews ending it for good. You’re still responsible for keeping your vehicle safe. Our safety check covers everything the state inspection used to and more. We’ll update this answer if the rules change.
Free help
Before you call.
Guides and notes from the shop on safety check & pre-purchase problems. Some you can handle yourself.
Stuck in snow? How to get out, and what to keep in the car.
Rocking it free without wrecking the transmission, staying safe if you’re stranded, and a winter kit checklist.
NOTE-01 · Garage noteThe New Hampshire winter prep checklist
Ten things to check before the first nor’easter, and which ones you can do yourself.
NOTE-02 · Garage noteRoad salt is eating your car. Here’s how to slow it down.
Why brake lines, exhaust hangers and subframes rot first in New England, and the cheap habits that help.
More services
While it's here.
Diagnostics
Light on? We read the codes, test the circuit, and confirm the cause before we quote a single part.
$125BRK-0102Brakes
Pads, rotors, calipers and lines. Measured and photographed, then texted to you before any repairs.
Quoted up frontSVC-30K03Oil & Maintenance
Oil changes, filters, fluids and 30/60/90k services done to your manufacturer’s schedule, not ours.
Quoted up frontNeed safety check & pre-purchase?
Call, text or book online. Send us a photo or a video of the noise and we’ll tell you what we think before you even come in.