Buying a used European vehicle can be a great value — or a financial disaster. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) by a shop that specializes in European cars is the single most important step before you buy. At Tony's Foreign Cars, we've performed thousands of PPIs on Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover, and other European vehicles since 1971. Our 150-point inspection covers everything from engine and transmission health to body and frame integrity, with a detailed written report that gives you the leverage to negotiate or walk away. A $200 inspection can save you $10,000 in unexpected repairs.
What's Included
Comprehensive service with attention to every detail
150-point mechanical, electrical, and body inspection
Full diagnostic scan of all control modules for stored fault codes
Engine compression and leak-down testing when appropriate
Transmission, brake, suspension, and steering inspection
Tire and brake pad measurement with remaining-life estimate
Body and frame inspection for accident damage, rust, and repairs
Interior inspection for wear, electrical function, and options verification
Test drive with diagnostic equipment connected
Detailed written report with photos and prioritized findings
Repair cost estimates for any issues found
Common Services We Perform
The specific work we do in this area
Pre-purchase inspection for used European vehicles before you buy
Pre-sale inspection if you're selling and want to document condition
Lease-return inspection to document condition before return
Post-accident repair inspection to verify proper repairs
Warranty expiration inspection to catch issues before warranty ends
Out-of-warranty inspection to plan for upcoming service
Classic and collector car inspection for purchase evaluation
Signs You Need This Service
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment
You're considering buying a used European vehicle
You're buying from a private seller or out-of-state
The vehicle is out of warranty or near warranty expiration
You're buying a high-mileage European vehicle
The deal seems too good to be true (it often is)
You want negotiating leverage on price
You're buying a classic or collector European vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions our customers ask most
Q.How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
A.Our comprehensive 150-point PPI is a flat fee that includes the full mechanical, electrical, and body inspection, diagnostic scan, test drive, and detailed written report with repair cost estimates. The fee varies based on vehicle complexity — contact us for current pricing. Compared to the cost of a single major repair, a PPI is the best investment you can make when buying a used European vehicle.
Q.Can you inspect a vehicle I'm buying from a private seller or dealership?
A.Yes. We can inspect vehicles at our shop, or we can often arrange to inspect at the seller's location (dealership or private seller) for an additional travel fee. For out-of-area purchases, we can recommend the inspection be done by a local European specialist and review their report with you. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.
Q.What if the inspection finds problems?
A.Most used European vehicles have some issues — the question is whether they're deal-breakers or negotiating points. Our report categorizes findings as safety-critical, major, minor, and maintenance due. We provide repair cost estimates so you can negotiate the price, ask the seller to fix issues, or walk away. Many of our customers save thousands off the asking price based on our findings.
Q.How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?
A.A thorough PPI takes 2-3 hours depending on the vehicle. We schedule inspections by appointment and can often accommodate short-notice requests for time-sensitive purchases. We'll give you a time estimate when you schedule and call you with findings as soon as the inspection is complete.
Q.Do you inspect classic and collector European vehicles?
A.Yes. We have experience with classic Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, and other European vehicles. Classic car inspections include additional checks for rust, frame integrity, originality, and known model-specific issues (e.g., Porsche IMS bearing, Mercedes timing chain, BMW E30 subframe). We document originality and known issues for collector purchases.
Q.Can you inspect a vehicle I'm buying online or out of state?
A.We can inspect vehicles located in the Wilmington area. For out-of-area purchases, we recommend finding a local European specialist through our network or online directories, and we can review their report with you to help you understand the findings. We can also help you arrange transport if you decide to purchase. Contact us to discuss your situation.
Serving the Cape Fear Region
Conveniently located in Wilmington, NC — trusted by European vehicle owners throughout coastal North Carolina.