Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections in San Antonio
Don’t buy a problem. Get the truth first. Sellers tell you what you want to hear—it’s our job to cut through that. Caleb’s Car Care, Mobile Diagnostics and Repair in San Antonio, shows up on-site, drives the car under real conditions, checks the systems that actually cost money, and explains the results in plain English. You get the truth so you can buy with confidence, negotiate hard, or walk away clean.
Text or call 210-570-8477 or email 210calebscarcare@gmail.com to get on today’s route. We’ll help coordinate the inspection window with the seller so you don’t have to play phone tag.
FAQs
Do you coordinate with the seller?
We’ll help coordinate the inspection by reaching out to align a time and place and confirming what we need on arrival. Final access and approval remain between buyer and seller—we don’t manage every part of the seller’s schedule.
What happens if it rains?
We inspect in normal rain and note any limits. In extreme rain or unsafe conditions, a full inspection can’t be completed unless there’s a covered area for our technician to work. Without cover, we’ll complete what’s safe and reschedule remaining road-test or electrical portions as needed, with clear notes.
How long is the drive?
Level 1: 0–3 miles. Level 2: ~10 miles. Level 3: ~25 miles to force a true warm-through and repeated cycles.
What do the codes in the scan mean?
You’ll get a full DTC list by module with each code labeled current or history, explained in plain English with context from the road test.
What do you not do?
We don’t provide bodywork estimates, emissions guarantees, or promises about seller behavior. A PPI is an expert snapshot of condition on the day we inspect—not a warranty.
What Makes Us Different
🚗 Real Drives – Inspections include true road miles under Texas heat, stop-and-go, and highway pulls
🔧 Mechanic’s Approach – Brakes, fluids, driveline, and sensors checked the way a working tech does it
📊 Straight Reports – Clean writeups in two layers: mechanic-level details and customer-friendly summaries
📷 Visual Proof – Photos and videos added where they help tell the story
⏱️ Fast Turnaround – Same-day reports with evidence sellers take seriously
Why a Mobile PPI (Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections) Matters in San Antonio
A loop around the block doesn’t show heat-soak issues, stop-and-go shudders, or warning signs that lead to big bills once the car’s yours. We inspect in the real world—Texas heat, highway speeds, city traffic—so you know how the car behaves where you’ll actually drive it. No showroom tricks, just how it runs, shifts, stops, cools, and ages under real conditions.
The Three Levels of PPI (Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspections):
Level 1 PPI – Basic (Curbside Only)
A fast, on-the-spot inspection to filter out problem cars before you go any further.
🚗 Test Drive
No road test — curbside inspection only
🛑 Brakes (Visual Only)
Front brake condition
Rear brake condition
🛢️ Fluids (Visual Only)
Engine oil
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid
Coolant
Differential (if applicable)
Power steering or EPS system noted
🛞 Tires
Tread depth (all 4 corners + spare)
Visual tire damage and DOT markings
💡 Lighting (Exterior + Interior)
Headlamps (low and high beam)
Turn signals
Brake lights
Reverse lights
Cabin lights
🧽 Wipers, Belts, Washers
Front wipers
Rear wipers (if equipped)
Drive belts (visual only)
Washer spray function
🌬️ Filters
Engine air filter
Cabin air filter
🔋 Battery
Age
Voltage
Cold crank amps (if available)
❄️ A/C System
Anecdotal vent temperature check
🖥️ Diagnostics / Scan
Engine and transmission module scan
⚙️ Suspension / Mechanical Noise
Static noise checks only
Steering and wheel bearing play (if visible)
🛋️ Interior Condition
Seats, dash, panels
Windows, locks, electronics function check
Level 2 PPI– Standard (~10 miles)
A deeper inspection with wheels-off brake checks, live data, and a full 10-mile road test.
🚗 Test Drive
10-mile mixed road test
Acceleration
Braking
Handling
Steering response
Observed noises or vibrations
🛑 Brakes (Wheels Off)
Front pads and rotors
Rear pads and rotors
Calipers (noted condition)
🛢️ Fluids (Visual + Chemical)
Engine oil
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid (visual and moisture % test)
Coolant (visual and chemical test)
Differential fluid (magnet check if accessible)
Power steering or EPS system noted
⚙️ Transmission Analysis
Shifting behavior under load
Live scan for clutch timing and line pressures
🛞 Tires
Tread depth (all 4 + spare)
Damage, wear pattern, and DOT
💡 Lighting
Headlamps
Turn signals
Brake lights
Reverse lights
Cabin lights
🧽 Wipers, Belts, Washers
Front and rear wipers
Drive belts (visual)
Washer spray function
🌬️ Filters
Engine air filter
Cabin air filter
🔩 Intake System
Throttle body condition
Oil or carbon buildup
PCV system health
⚡ Ignition System
Spark plugs (visual, if accessible)
Ignition coils (visual)
Glow plugs (diesel only)
🔋 Battery / Charging / Starting
Battery age, voltage, cold crank amps
Alternator output
Starter function
❄️ A/C System
Vent temperature
Compressor engagement
Refrigerant type
🖥️ Diagnostics / Scan
Full OBD-II and factory scan
Freeze frame and history codes
🛠️ Suspension / Mechanical Noise
Noise during test drive
Steering and bearing play
Front and rear shake down: ball joints, bushings, CV axles, control arms, links, tie rods, shocks, struts
🏠 Interior / Exterior
Seats, dash trim, interior panels
Windows, locks, electronics
Rust or accident indicators
Level 3 PPI– End-to-End Confidence (~25 miles)
A full-length, high-detail inspection with deep diagnostic testing and full system evaluation.
🚗 Test Drive
25-mile road test: city and highway
Heat soak evaluation
Acceleration and braking
Steering and handling
Multiple drive cycles
Noise and vibration monitoring
🛑 Brakes
Front pads and rotors
Rear pads and rotors
Caliper function and slide pins
Brake lines and hoses (condition, leaks, rust)
🛢️ Fluids
Engine oil
Transmission fluid
Brake fluid (moisture % test)
Coolant (block test if needed)
Differential fluid (front and rear if AWD/4WD)
Transfer case (if equipped)
Power steering / EPS system noted
⚙️ Transmission Analysis
Shifting under load
Live data scan
Thermal behavior test
🛞 Tires
Tread depth in 32nds or mm
Wear pattern
Cracking / dry rot
💡 Lighting
Headlamps (low/high)
Turn signals (front/rear)
Brake lights
Reverse lights
Hazard lights
Cabin illumination
🧽 Wipers, Belts, Washers
Front and rear wipers (if equipped)
Drive belts
Washer spray
🌬️ Filters
Engine air filter
Cabin air filter
Mileage/service interval compliance
🔩 Intake System
Throttle body condition
Carbon/oil residue
Ducting integrity
Borescope (if accessible)
Compression test (relative or mechanical)
Power balance test
⚡ Ignition System
Spark plug wear vs. mileage
Coil condition and misfire check
Glow plugs (diesel only)
🔋 Battery / Charging / Starting
Battery age, voltage, cold crank amps
Alternator load test + diode ripple
Starter current draw
❄️ A/C & HVAC
Vent temps
Compressor function
Refrigerant type
Pressure readings (if fittings allow)
🖥️ Diagnostics / Scan
Full system scan: ABS, SRS, BCM, HVAC
Freeze frame and history codes
Live OBD-II datalog during road test
🛠️ Suspension / Chassis
Chassis ears noise test (if available)
Steering / bearing play
Ball joints, bushings, sway bar links
Struts and shocks
Control arms
Full front and rear shake down
🏠 Interior / Electronics / Exterior
Seats, trim, dash
Windows, locks, mirrors
Infotainment, nav, Bluetooth
Heated/cooled seat function
Accident or rust indicators
POV underbody inspection and walkaround
📋 Final Report Summary
Overall condition rating
Immediate repairs
Preventative maintenance
Tech notes
Photos and video
What You Get
Reports come in two layers. The Tech Writeup documents measurements, codes with status, and detailed notes. The Customer Summary translates findings into What We Found, What We Recommend, and Why It Matters—framed for action and negotiation. Photos and videos are included where useful. The PDF is lender-friendly and easy to forward.
Built for Buyers Who Need Answers
First-car shoppers who don’t want to inherit neglect
Out-of-state buyers who need a local inspection and real drive time
Performance and diesel buyers who know a five-minute spin isn’t enough
Anyone who values an expert mobile inspection before handing over money
How Booking Works
Text or call, tell us what you’re looking at, and share the seller’s name and contact. We’ll help coordinate the inspection window so access is lined up and keys are ready. You or the seller will make the final confirmation—we assist with coordination but don’t manage every back-and-forth.
We meet on-site anywhere inside our San Antonio service radius. Typical turnaround is [Scheduling window]. Multiple vehicles in one day? Ask about the PPI Day Pass.
Payments accepted: debit/credit, Apple Pay, tap-to-pay, gold, silver, Bitcoin (BTC), and XRP. We don’t accept Zelle.