Don’t buy blind. A clean title and shiny exterior don’t tell the whole story. With Marin Mechanics’ mobile pre-purchase inspections, you can get a detailed, unbiased assessment of any used vehicle before you hand over your money. Whether you’re at a dealership, seller’s driveway, or parking lot in San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley, Larkspur, or Corte Madera, we’ll meet you there.
We Come to You: No need to drive the car to a shop—we inspect wherever the car is.
Thorough, Honest Reports: We check under the hood, under the car, and everything in between.
Fast Scheduling: We know time matters—especially with used car deals.
Unbiased Advice: We’re not tied to any dealership. We work for you, not the seller.
Know What You’re Buying: Avoid lemons, hidden repairs, and unexpected costs.
Our comprehensive 150+ point inspection covers:
Engine & Transmission health
Brake, suspension & steering systems
Battery, belts & fluids
Tires, wheels & undercarriage
Body & frame condition
Interior electronics & controls
OBD scan for fault codes
Test drive evaluation
Full inspection report with recommendations
You’ll get a clear go/no-go summary and photos of any concerns we find.
Cars bought from private sellers
Online purchases (Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.)
Used cars from dealerships
Fleet or work vehicles
Out-of-state buyers needing a trusted local check
Protect yourself before committing to a big purchase.
We proudly serve the entire Marin County area, including:
San Rafael
Sausalito
Mill Valley
Larkspur
Corte Madera
And surrounding neighborhoods
If you’re located nearby but not listed above, reach out—there’s a good chance we’ll still come to you.
Book an Inspection Time
Provide the vehicle’s details, seller location, and your availability.
We Inspect the Vehicle On-Site
Our mechanic meets the seller and performs a full diagnostic and visual inspection.
You Get a Full Report
We’ll email or text you the detailed results immediately, so you can make an informed decision.
Most inspections take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s condition and features.
Not at all. We’re happy to meet the seller and report back to you—perfect for remote buyers.
We’ll clearly flag any safety concerns, wear and tear, or hidden issues. You can then renegotiate, ask for repairs, or walk away confidently.
Yes. We’ll be extra thorough with frame, suspension, and body integrity on previously wrecked or repaired cars.
We are happy to run a Carfax report for you. It costs $20 additional.
What if the seller refuses a mobile inspection?
That’s usually a red flag. If a seller won’t allow a professional to inspect the car, it’s often best to walk away.
Yes—we can estimate what any flagged issues will cost to repair and schedule future service with you.
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