Pre-purchase vehicle inspection Chico CA. $199.99. Full 100-point digital report, OEM scan all modules, test drive, photos. Know before you buy. (530) 826-4275.
Full 100-point digital inspection before you buy any vehicle. OEM code scan of every module, test drive, cooling system check, brake inspection, and complete written report with photos — all for $199.99. Know exactly what you're buying before you sign.
A pre-purchase inspection at Tedious costs $199.99 and takes about 2 hours. You get a complete written report with photos covering every major system — engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, cooling, steering, and electrical. OEM-level scan of all modules including airbags and ABS. The average inspection finds $800–$3,500 in undisclosed problems on vehicles represented as well-maintained. Add-on: HC combustion gas test for $199.99 on any vehicle with suspected head gasket issues.
Every component documented with photos and video — the same inspection we do on every vehicle that comes through our shop. You receive the complete digital report with technician notes.
We scan every module in the vehicle — engine, transmission, ABS, airbags, body control, HVAC, and more. A pre-sale seller may have recently cleared codes; we also check for pending codes and live data that reveal intermittent faults.
Pad thickness, rotor condition, caliper operation, brake fluid moisture content, brake lines and hoses. We quantify what's left and what's needed — you know the cost before you buy.
Transmission fluid condition (color, smell, contamination), differential fluid, transfer case fluid (4WD/AWD), CV axle boot condition, driveshaft inspection. Test drive to evaluate shift quality and vibration.
Coolant condition and level, cooling system pressure test ($179.99), external leak inspection, radiator and hose condition, thermostat operation check. Optional HC combustion gas test ($199.99) if head gasket is suspected.
Ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, shock/strut condition, wheel bearing play, steering rack play. Lifted trucks get additional inspection of added components — track bar, control arms, differential drop brackets.
Oil condition and level (color, smell, presence of coolant or debris), external oil leaks with UV dye, valve cover gasket, front/rear main seals, timing belt condition and service history verification.
We drive the vehicle through our standard test route — cold start behavior, acceleration, highway cruise, hard braking, and parking lot maneuvers. Transmission shifts, steering feel, brake response, and unusual noises all evaluated.
Private party sellers in Chico and Butte County are not required to disclose known mechanical problems. A freshly detailed car with a cleared check engine light and inflated tires tells you nothing about the transmission condition, head gasket status, or whether the timing belt is 30,000 miles overdue.
The average pre-purchase inspection finds $800–$3,500 in deferred maintenance or undisclosed problems on vehicles represented as "well maintained."
Butte County vehicles have unique risk profiles: wildfire smoke contamination in cabin filters and air intakes, dusty foothills driving conditions accelerating wear, and CA-32 and mountain road stress on cooling systems and brakes.
Paradise and foothill vehicles especially often have deferred maintenance from the economic disruption following the Camp Fire. We see this regularly in pre-purchase inspections.
Our written inspection report gives you three things: (1) a clear picture of what the vehicle needs now, (2) an estimate of what upcoming maintenance will cost, and (3) negotiating leverage with the seller.
Many buyers use our report to negotiate $500–$2,000 off the asking price — or to walk away from a vehicle that would have cost far more to repair than the savings seemed to justify.
"I was about to buy a 2017 Tacoma from a private seller in Oroville for $28,500. Tedious found a leaking rear main seal, a cracked CV boot, and 20,000 miles of deferred brake service. I used the report to negotiate $1,800 off the price and had the seller cover the brakes. Best $199 I've ever spent."
Call us at (530) 826-4275 or submit a free quote online before buying the vehicle. Tell us the make, model, year, and mileage — we'll let you know if there are any known issues for that specific vehicle to watch for.
The vehicle must come to our shop at 2695 CA-32 in Chico. We don't do mobile inspections — a lift, scan tools, and a pressure test bay are required for a thorough inspection. Most sellers will allow this for a serious buyer.
You'll receive a complete written report with photos and technician notes — typically within 2 hours of the vehicle arriving. The report covers everything we found, our assessment of urgency, and approximate repair costs for any issues identified.
| Service | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Purchase Inspection — Standard | $199.99 | Full 100-point digital inspection, OEM scan of all modules, test drive, written report with photos. Most vehicles. |
| Pre-Purchase Inspection — Diesel Truck | $249.99 | Includes diesel-specific items: injector contribution test, EGR visual, DEF system check, DPF condition, transmission fluid condition. |
| Pre-Purchase Inspection — European / Exotic | $249.99 | Includes module-specific OEM scan (BMW ISTA, VCDS, XENTRY level), ZF transmission fluid check, European-specific failure point inspection. |
| Coolant Pressure Test (add-on) | $179.99 | External cooling system leak test. Recommended add-on for any vehicle over 80,000 miles. |
| HC Combustion Gas Test (add-on) | $199.99 | Definitive head gasket check. Strongly recommended for Subaru EJ-series, Honda J-series V6, Toyota 2AR-FE, and any vehicle with overheating history. |
Prices are estimates as of publish date and subject to additional labor and parts based on actual vehicle condition.
Standard inspection $199.99 — full 100-point digital inspection, OEM code scan of all modules, test drive, and written report with photos. Diesel trucks and European vehicles $249.99. Optional add-ons: coolant pressure test $179.99, HC combustion gas test $199.99 for head gasket concern.
No — a proper inspection requires a lift for undercarriage access, OEM scan tools, a pressure test bay, and a road test route. The vehicle must come to our shop at 2695 CA-32, Chico. Most serious sellers will accommodate this for a motivated buyer.
Typically 1.5–2 hours for a standard inspection. Plan for 2.5 hours if adding the HC combustion test or if the vehicle has a complex issue requiring more investigation.
Walk away. A seller who refuses an independent pre-purchase inspection on a private party sale is concealing something. This is the single most reliable indicator of a problem vehicle.
No — we only inspect. We have no financial interest in whether you buy the vehicle. Our report tells you what we found, period.
Subaru EJ-series (Outback, Forester, Legacy pre-2012), Honda J-series V6 (Accord, Pilot, Odyssey), Toyota 2AR-FE (Camry, RAV4 2012–2017), any vehicle with overheating history, any vehicle with white exhaust smoke, and any vehicle where coolant level is low without a visible external leak.
Free 100-point digital inspection · Written estimates · NAPA Gold 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty
📍 2695 CA-32, Chico, CA 95973 · Open Mon–Fri 7AM · Sat 8AM · Sun 9AM — Close 5PM · Open 7 Days
2695 CA-32, Chico · (530) 826-4275
2695 CA-32, Chico · (530) 826-4275
2695 CA-32, Chico · (530) 826-4275 · Cummins · Duramax · PowerStroke
Buddy Rausch founded Tedious Auto Repair in Chico, CA in 2007 and has been serving Butte County for 18+ years. As an ASE Master Technician, Buddy personally oversees diagnostics and quality control on every vehicle. All content on this page reflects real procedures, OEM specifications, and cases seen in the shop. About Buddy Rausch, ASE Master Tech →
Buddy Rausch founded Tedious Auto Repair in Chico, CA in 2007. ASE Master Certified. 18+ years serving Butte County. About Buddy Rausch