- Know What You're Buying Before You Buy It.
Pre-Purchase & Vehicle Inspections in Redmond, WA
A used car can hide a lot behind a clean exterior. Before you sign anything, a pre-purchase inspection tells you exactly what you're getting and gives you real leverage to negotiate or walk away. We also offer seasonal and general inspections to keep your current vehicle road-ready year-round.
- Committed to Quality
- Honest, Upfront Pricing
- ASE-Certified Technicians
- Nationwide Warranty on Repairs
- No Upselling, Ever
- Serving Redmond Since 1987
WHY REDMOND TRUSTS US
A seller, whether a dealership or a private party, has every incentive to make a car look better than it is. Michael's Auto Repair works for you, not the seller. We inspect the vehicle thoroughly and give you an honest, itemized report, so you know exactly what you're buying, or exactly what your current vehicle needs before winter or summer driving conditions hit.
38+ Years Serving Redmond
Independent, Buyer-Focused Inspections
Detailed Written Reports
WHEN YOU NEED AN INSPECTION
1.
You're considering buying a used car, from a dealer or private seller
2.
You're about to sell your vehicle and want to know its condition first
3.
Seasonal weather is changing (winter or summer driving conditions ahead)
4.
Your vehicle hasn't been inspected in over a year
5.
You're planning a long road trip and want peace of mind
6.
Something feels off, and you want a full assessment, not just one system checked
SERVICES INCLUDED IN VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
Pre-Buyers Inspections
A thorough, independent inspection of a used vehicle before you buy it, giving you an honest picture of its condition and negotiating leverage.
Winter Inspections
A seasonal check of your battery, tires, heating system, and fluids to make sure your vehicle is ready for cold-weather driving.
Summer Inspections
A seasonal check of your cooling system, AC, tires, and fluids to prepare your vehicle for hot-weather driving conditions.
General Test Drive Service
A driven inspection to assess overall handling, noise, and performance, useful whenever something feels different but you’re not sure why.
Common Causes of Exhaust Noise
WHY IS MY EXHAUST LOUD?
| Cause | What It Sounds Like | Risk If Ignored |
|---|---|---|
| Rusted-through pipe or muffler | Deep, constant rumble | Worsens quickly, especially in wet climates |
| Loose or broken hanger | Rattling, especially over bumps | Can cause the exhaust to drag or fully detach |
| Manifold or gasket leak | Ticking or hissing near the engine | Fumes can enter the cabin |
| Cracked muffler | Louder than normal, uneven sound | Continues to worsen and get louder |
We inspect the full system to identify exactly which of these is happening.
WHY CHOOSE MICHAEL'S AUTO REPAIR
Independent and Unbiased
We're not selling the car, we're telling you the truth about its condition, whether that helps your negotiation or confirms it's a good buy.
Detailed, Written Reports
You'll get a clear breakdown of what we found, not a vague verbal summary you have to remember later.
Seasonal Readiness, Covered
Beyond pre-purchase inspections, we help make sure your current vehicle is ready for whatever the Redmond seasons bring.
38 Years of Knowing What to Look For
We've seen what fails, what gets hidden, and what actually matters in a used car inspection.
Not Sure What Your Brakes Need?
Call us or drop by. We'll inspect your brakes, document everything with photos, and give you an honest recommendation — no pressure, no upsell, no guesswork.
Brake Work Done Right.
Client- centred approach; well organized; compassionate staff. They will take time and discuss with you what is wrong with your vehicle and they do not try to up-sale (as oppose to the direct dealerships). Always greeted with a warm smile.
J Lauletta
Redmond, WA
You're awesome! You really understand my "Beastie" and have helped to keep it on the road instead of the junk yard.
T Whitby
Kenmore, WA
My wife and I have been using Michael's Import for over 20 years. Both Wilma and Michael always take the time to say hello. Michael always gives you the bad news gracefully and the car always stays fixed. Truly a great find.
R Penn
Sammamish, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first visit — or your next one. Can't find your answer? Give us a call and we'll tell you straight.
Still have a question?
Our team is happy to help. Call us or book a time and we'll walk you through everything.
What does a pre-purchase inspection cover?
We check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, electrical systems, and look for signs of prior damage or unreported issues, then give you a detailed written report.
How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?
Most inspections take about an hour. We recommend scheduling before you finalize any purchase agreement.
Can I use the inspection report to negotiate the price?
Yes, many buyers use our findings to negotiate the price down or walk away from a car with hidden problems.
Do you inspect cars from private sellers or only dealerships?
Both. We inspect vehicles regardless of where you're buying them.
What's included in a winter or summer inspection?
Winter inspections focus on battery health, tires, and heating. Summer inspections focus on cooling system performance, AC, and tire condition, both season-appropriate checks to prevent breakdowns.
How much does a pre-purchase inspection cost?
Call us at (425) 869-2419 for current pricing. It's a small cost compared to the risk of buying a car with hidden problems.
How soon can you get me in for an inspection?
We do our best to accommodate quick turnarounds, especially for pre-purchase inspections where timing matters. Call ahead and we'll get you scheduled as soon as possible.
Don't Buy Blind. Know What You're Getting.
Before you sign, let us take a look. Call, text, or book online.
17443 NE 70th Street, Redmond, WA 98052 · Mon–Thu 7:30 AM – 6:00 PMinfo@michaelsautorepair.com