Updated October 2026 · 8 companies graded
We graded 8 national used car inspection companies on the same seven facts: price, depth, coverage, report speed, report contents, vehicle range and real reviews. Here is who came out on top.
Top Pick for 2026
PPI Auto
The best mix of price, speed and range we found. A flat $225, 122 points, a full scan and a road test, with the report back the same day.
84/100
Nationwide PPI is published by PPI Auto, the company ranked first here. Every company, ours included, is graded on the same public facts and the same formula. Who we are
Grades out of 100. Tap a name for the full review. The math is on the How We Grade page.
| # | Company | Grade | Car Price | Points | Report | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PPI Auto | A-84 | $225 | 122 | Same day | Lower 48 states |
| 2 | Automobile Inspections | B-70 | $199 | Not listed | Not listed | USA and most of Canada |
| 3 | POMCAR | B-69 | $180 | 270 | About 2 days | Nationwide |
| 4 | YourMechanic | B-68 | Not listed | 150 | Same day | Nationwide, varies by area |
| 5 | CarInspections.com | C+67 | $199.99 | 200 | About 2 days | All 50 states |
| 6 | Lemon Squad | C+66 | $219.99 | Not listed | About 2 days | All 50 states |
| 7 | Vehicle Inspectors | C+63 | $249 | Not listed | About 2 days | All 50 states, one price |
| 8 | Instant Car Fix | C60 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Nationwide |
The best mix of price, speed and range we found. A flat $225, 122 points, a full scan and a road test, with the report back the same day.
Best Part
Same day report with repair costs, and the widest vehicle range on this list.
Watch Out For
A newer brand, so it does not have a big public review count yet.
A 30 year old company that will inspect almost anything, from kit cars to RVs. The $199 basic report is short.
Best Part
Long track record and very wide classic and specialty coverage.
Watch Out For
The basic report is a quick look, and report time is not stated.
The lowest price and the longest checklist of the national companies. The cheapest package skips the computer scan.
Best Part
Lowest price we found, a 270 point list and a clean BBB record.
Watch Out For
No computer scan in the base price, no paint meter and no lift.
Fast booking seven days a week and an instant report. It only does regular cars and hides its price behind a quote.
Best Part
Weekend and evening visits, and the report is ready on the spot.
Watch Out For
No posted price, cars only, and the code scan is not promised.
A low price with a 200 point check and a free history report. It is new, and its site does not promise a road test.
Best Part
200 plus points and a free VIN history for under $200.
Watch Out For
New company with almost no reviews, and no stated road test.
The biggest name in mobile inspections, with the most sample reports. Slow reports and a BBB F hold it back.
Best Part
Big inspector network, 8 vehicle types and a public sample report for each.
Watch Out For
Two business days for most reports and an F from the BBB.
Clear tiers and real measurements in the top packages. The base price is the highest of the group.
Best Part
Measured readings for paint, brakes and battery in the upper tiers.
Watch Out For
Highest starting price here, and no public reviews to check.
The best Trustpilot score of the group. Almost nothing about the inspection itself is posted.
Best Part
Strong Trustpilot score on a real number of reviews.
Watch Out For
No posted price, checklist size or sample report.
These names come up a lot when people search for a used car inspection. Here is why they are not on the scorecard.
Every company gets the same seven checks. Price is worth the most along with depth, because those two decide whether the inspection pays for itself.
On our October 2026 scorecard, PPI Auto scored highest with 84 of 100. It led on report speed, report contents and the number of vehicle types it covers. POMCAR had the lowest price. See the full table above for every grade.
Standard car inspections from the national companies we checked run from $180 to $249. Trucks, diesels, exotics and RVs usually cost more.
Yes, for most used cars. A mobile inspector goes to the car, so you can check a car in another city before you send money. A hidden problem like a leaking head gasket or frame rust costs far more than the inspection.
Most take 60 to 90 minutes at the car. The bigger wait is booking and the report. Some companies send the report the same day. Others take two or three days.
No. With every national company here, the inspector meets the seller and sends you the report with photos. You can call the inspector after you read it.