Buying a used car?
Our same day on-site inspection will help you make a smarter car buying decision.
Dedicated inspector will come out at your desired time & location
Check Engine & Transmission
Check Major Mechanical Components
Perform a Test Drive
Scan the Car’s Computer for any Faults or Check engine lights
Check Frame & Structure
Check Suspension & Steering
Check Brakes & Tires
Check interior features
You will receive a detailed inspection report within minutes
Sample Inspection Report
Hello John Smith,
Thanks for being a customer of Test Drive PAL, a detailed report of your vehicle health for your 2012 Chevrolet Malibu LS 2.4L 4Cyl GAS LE5 Naturally Aspirated is below. Please review the inspection results of your vehicle.
Vehicle Health

Technician Concerns
Inspections Performed
Inspection Task | Findings |
---|---|
Overall Condition Summary | |
- What we think about this car - Vehicle seems to be overall in good Mechanical shape. These generation Malibus are known for engine timing belt issues, and based on CarFax maintenance records history, this has not had timing belt changed in the past, and oil change intervals were infrequent, which puts the engine at High risk of Catastrophic Failure at current 140k miles. These Malibus are also known for rust issues, which is mildly present here and exhibits in exhaust leak, which should be addressed, but is not a major issue. Also, common issue with collapsed/broken rear coil springs is present, which should be addressed as soon as possible for safety reasons. To address power locks issue, it's usually a door switch replacement, or new remote fob. | |
- Should you buy it? - We recommend not paying over 70% of KBB private party value for this vehicle, to accommodate for immediate repairs such as exhaust leak & rear coil spring suspension. The timing belt replacement is very costly job, and needs to be done at this mileage. The job costs couple thousands of dollars, and if not done preventatively, it's failure will require an engine replacement which can cost even more. Considering this, we recommend buying this vehicle if you intend on timing belt replacement, or if you like to gamble |
Inspection Task | Findings |
---|---|
At First Glance | |
- Car Starts Right Up & Runs Well - None found | |
- Car is Safe To Drive - None found | |
Suspicious Seller Detector | |
- Vehicle was already warmed-up upon Arrival - None found | |
- Codes recently Reset (Suspicious unless repair has been recently done) - None found | |
Major: Engine | |
- Internal Engine Noise - None found | |
- Runs Smooth without Hesitation - None found | |
- Excessive Smoke from Exhaust - None found | |
- Active Leaks on the Ground - None found | |
Major: Transmission | |
- Shifts Through Gears Properly - None found | |
- Active Leaks on Ground - None found | |
Major Mechanical Components | |
- Cooling System Operation & Leaks - None found | |
- Alternator & Charging System - None found | |
- Differential & Transfer Case (RWD & 4WD) - None found | |
- Axle Shaft Operation & Leaks - None found | |
- Excessive Exhaust Noise - Exhaust leak from mid muffler due to rust | |
- Fuel System Leaks - None found | |
- Brake System Operation & Leaks - None found | |
Major: Fluid Levels & Condition | |
- Engine Oil - oil brown but looks healthy. Oil change recommended | |
- Transmission Fluid (if available) - None found | |
- Coolant / Antifreeze - None found | |
- Brake Fluid - None found | |
- Power Steering Fluid (if available) - None found | |
Major: Frame & Unibody | |
- Excessive Rust on Underbody - some rust on undercarriage | |
- Visible Structural Damage - None found | |
Check Engine & Warning Lights | |
- Check Engine Light on & OBD2 Codes present in the Engine Computer - None found | |
- Brake / ABS Light - None found | |
- Airbag Light - None found | |
- Oil Pressure Light - None found | |
- Emissions Readiness Result - None found | |
Suspension & Steering | |
- Unusual Noises or Vibrations While Driving - None found | |
- Vehicle Stance on the Ground - car is leaning back | |
- Steering is Straight, Smooth & Responsive - None found | |
- Visible Wear or Damage in Suspension / Steering Components - None found | |
Wearable: Tires - Measurements & Uneven Wear | |
- Driver Front None found | |
- Passenger Front None found | |
- Driver Rear None found | |
- Passenger Rear None found | |
- Spare Tire & Jack present in Good Condition - None found | |
Wearable: Brakes | |
- Front Brake Rotors & Pads - None found | |
- Rear Brake Rotors & Pads - None found | |
- Parking Brake Operation - None found | |
Wearable: Drive Belts | |
- Condition of Drive Belts - None found | |
Walk-Around Check | |
- Windshield - None found | |
- Door Mirrors - None found | |
- Exterior Door Handles - None found | |
- Headlights - None found | |
- Tail Lights - None found | |
Interior Options | |
- Power Windows - None found | |
- Driver Seat Adjustment - None found | |
- Power Locks - don't not work from driver's door. works from passenger door button. remote inoperable | |
- Stereo / Infotainment System - None found | |
- Sunroof (if applicable) - None found | |
- A/C Cooling - None found | |
- Heater Operation - None found | |
- Speedometer - None found | |
- Horn - None found |
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Questions?
Call (314) 619-5304 for helpFrequently Asked Questions
Experienced inspector (AKA your test drive PAL) will go out with or without you at your desired vehicle location and thoroughly inspect the vehicle.
Shortly afterwards, you will get a comprehensive inspection report via text message and email. Sample Report can be seen above on the website.
Once the inspector submits report, we will review it and add relevant information, such as past maintenance, common issue to help you make the best possible purchase decision.
You will get inspection report the same day, usually within couple of hours. If inspection was conducted towards the end of the day, your report might be delayed till the next morning.
You don’t have to be present at the inspection, but you are welcome to. Your test drive PAL will show up regardless at the arranged time and location and inspect the vehicle for you. *Make sure you provide us with a seller name and contact information day prior to the appointment.
Once inspection is done, you will receive a report within couple of hours.
If you want to inspect additional cars on a same day, you can book as many additional hour(s) as you need. Full inspection takes 25-45 mins. Preliminary inspection takes 5-15 mins. Clock starts running after the end of the first inspection.
If you want to inspect additional cars on different days, you should book separate appointments.
After the end of the first inspection clock will start running. Inspector will drive to as many of your desired locations and inspect as many vehicles as your time limit permits.
Please note, that driving from one location to another counts towards you time. Inspectors are not allowed to make unnecessary detours and breaks while clock is running. Stop at the gas station will pause the clock.
You will have before the end of a day prior to the appointment date to provide us with the address.
You can send us the address through “Messages” section under your dashboard. If no address is provided, your appointment will be cancelled and you will receive 50% back as a coupon.
If inspector has not been dispatched yet, we can reschedule free of charge for different vehicle. If inspector showed up and car was not there anymore, you will receive 50% back as a coupon. This does not apply to additional hourly bookings.
Sometimes car can be deemed a ‘lemon’ within first 5-10 mins of inspection. In that case, inspector can offer to inspect second vehicle instead if that other vehicle is at the same location.
If you haven’t booked any additional hours and choose not to proceed with the inspection, you may get 40% back as a coupon for future inspections. If you booked additional hours, you will get 30 minutes extra.
You are not allowed to ride together with the inspector unless it’s a test drive. You may both be present at the inspection location(s). We ask you not to distract the inspector when they are inspecting the vehicle.
Unfortunately we currently don’t, but we will be offering it soon.