Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the inspection entail?
A: Our inspection report includes the condition of body and paint, dents, scratches, rust, tires and wheels, glass, interior, missing parts, oil leaks, electrical items, and drive train performance. The vehicle may be test driven to verify transmission and engine operation. The inspector will look over the interior and exterior of the vehicle for any obvious damage. To see a full list of what our inspection entails please review one of our sample reports. Note: While CARCHEX inspectors try to test drive most vehicles during an inspection, they may not test drive a vehicle for a number of reasons. These reasons could include, among others, a refusal of the vehicle's current owner to allow a test drive, weather conditions or accessibility of suitable test drive facilities. Please review our full Disclaimer for additional details.
Q: What are the inspector's qualifications?
A: Most of the inspectors are experienced, ASE certified mechanics that have been involved in the automotive industry for several years.
Q: Does the inspector use any diagnostic equipment?
A: Our inspectors do not use any diagnostic equipment.
Q: Will the inspector perform a compression test?
A: Because of the extra liability inherent with the removal of any component from a vehicle with the use of tools, we do not offer a compression test at this time.
Q: Does the inspector put the vehicle on a lift?
A: For your convenience, the inspection is done curbside at your home or office; therefore, the inspectors do not typically have access to a lift.
Q: Can you send me a sample of the report before I order?
A: The report is filled out by the inspector on our web site and made available to you when it is completed. We do have several sample reports available for you to review on our site.
Q: Can the inspector call me from the vehicle location?
A: The inspector does not call from the vehicle location. You will be able to view the report and the photos on our website once the report has been completed and reviewed.
Q: How long will the process take?
A: Most inspections are completed within 2-3 business days from date the order is placed. The actual time depends greatly on the regional inspection order volume as well as the schedule and cooperation of the vehicle owner/ seller. Once an inspection has been completed, a report will be submitted by the inspector, reviewed for quality assurance and delivered via email usually within 1 business day. Order progress may be tracked in the Customer Login section of the website. Feel free to contact customer service for any questions regarding an existing order by submitting an inquiry to info@carchex.com. Please include your order number with any inquiries.
Q: Do you inspect vehicles on weekends?
A: Inspections are typically conducted during business hours Monday through Friday. All orders received on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays will be processed the following business day. We do not currently offer weekend service.
Q: Is this inspection guaranteed?
A: The inspection is NOT guaranteed because the vehicle is fully assembled for the inspection and the inspector cannot see the internal components of the vehicle, including transmission or the engine. There is the possibility of impending failures that are not evident at the time of the inspection, therefore any inspection cannot be guaranteed. (Click Here to view our complete Terms of Service prior to purchasing.) We do however work very hard to perform inspections in an accurate manner. If you believe there are inaccuracies within the report, you may submit them to our Review Board for consideration of a partial refund. Due to the complex mechanical nature of automobiles and inability for any physical inspection to guarantee continued performance of vehicles, all submissions must be received by CARCHEX within fourteen (14) days of the report being delivered. Submissions may be sent to:
CARCHEX
ATTN: Inspection Review Board
10950 Gilroy Road Suite D
Hunt Valley, MD 21074
Included in the submission should be explicit evidence that the inaccuracy was present at the time the inspection was performed.
Q: Does the inspector check title or verify any background on the vehicle?
A: The inspection does not include a background check of the vehicle. The inspector only performs a physical inspection of the vehicle. The Gold level package includes a vehicle history report -- a valuable tool which may impact your decision to purchase or pass on a vehicle.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: If the inspection is cancelled before the inspector has taken off to complete the inspection CARCHEX will refund the full amount less a service fee of $25. If you request a cancellation and the inspector has already performed the inspection there will be no refund. If our inspector goes to the site and the seller does not have the vehicle available for the inspection, you will be charged the full amount of the inspection as long as the inspector has made contact and set up an appointment to perform the inspection. This policy is in place to ensure our inspectors get paid for their time and commitment to be at the inspection site at the agreed upon appointment time.
Q: What happens if your inspector is unable to test-drive the vehicle?
A: The Inspector will ask the seller to drive the vehicle and we will observe the vehicle performance as a passenger if the seller will permit us to do so. If the seller does not want to test drive the vehicle or let us drive the vehicle then we will complete the inspection report without the road test. This information will be noted in the report accordingly.
Q: How much is the inspection?
A: CARCHEX offers two different inspection packages.
The first, our Silver Inspection Package, is a 155-point Pre-purchase Physical Inspection. In addition to a 2-5 mile road test, our inspection report includes the condition of body and paint, dents, scratches, rust, tires and wheels, glass, interior, missing parts, oil leaks, electrical items, and drive train performance. The Silver Inspection Package starts at $109.95.
Our second package is the Gold Inspection Package. The Gold Package includes a Comprehensive 155-point Pre-purchase Inspection, as well as Vehicle History Report. The Vehicle History Report provides information on a vehicle's title, registration and usage history by searching over 16 billion records on more than 320 million vehicles. Each report displays the results of a comprehensive search for major accident damage, salvage or junk vehicles, mileage discrepancies or odometer rollback, lemon vehicles, and more. The Gold Inspection Package starts at $119.95.
Note: Prices may vary by ZIP code and by vehicle type. In some circumstances there may be an additional mileage fee; CARCHEX will get your approval in advance of adding any mileage fees should they apply in your particular case.
Q: How do I pay for the inspection?
A: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
|
