Pre-purchase car inspection in Kraków
Buying a used car? Before you pay, bring it to us: we read the fault codes from all control units, inspect the car on the lift and, if anything needs a closer look, run tests such as a compression test.
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- Free quote before any repair
- 24-month warranty
A test drive and an advert will not reveal fault codes stored in control units, a leak only visible from underneath or a problem typical of that engine. That is why it is worth having a used car checked at a workshop before buying it – ideally one that knows the make.
What we check before you buy a car
Fault codes from all control units
We read the fault codes from all control units, not just the engine. On VAG cars from 2020 onwards, we use the official SFD unlock.
Inspection on the lift
From underneath, we can see oil and fluid leaks and check the condition of the suspension, brakes and exhaust system.
Further tests if anything looks doubtful
We measure compression and carry out a CSS cylinder balance test, a CO2 test to detect a leaking head gasket and an intake leak test. Prices for these tests are listed below.
Typical faults for the engine
We know the weak points of VAG cars, so we know where to look: timing chains in the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI, oil consumption in the 2.0 TFSI, the oil pump drive shaft – nicknamed the "pencil" in Poland – in the 2.0 TDI, and the DSG DQ200 mechatronic unit.
Pre-purchase car inspection prices
Labour prices for standard jobs. Non-standard repairs are quoted once we have inspected the car.
Service Price ListHow the inspection works
Book an appointment and bring the car you want to buy. We show you photos and videos from the diagnostics and explain the findings in plain language: what is in good condition, what will need repairing and what to expect from this particular car. If repairs are needed, you get a free quote – you can use it to negotiate the price or decide not to buy.
Our strongest expertise is in Volkswagen Group cars: Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and SEAT. We describe the typical faults of individual models on their make pages. We inspect other makes too.
Pre-purchase car inspection questions
How much does a pre-purchase car inspection cost?
Prices for pre-purchase diagnostics and additional tests are in the price list. We carry out these tests when the fault codes or visual inspection suggest something needs a closer look.
Do you inspect makes other than Audi, VW, Skoda and SEAT?
Yes. We have the most experience with VAG cars, but we also carry out pre-purchase diagnostics on other makes.
Will I get a quote for repairs identified during the inspection?
Yes, free of charge. The quote shows how much it will cost to put the car right, which helps when negotiating the price with the seller.
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Other services
Mechanics
Engine, suspension, brakes, timing, clutch and gearbox.
Electrics
Computer diagnostics, batteries, alternators, starter motors, glow and spark plugs.
Air conditioning
AC service, R134a and R1234yf recharge, ozone treatment and repairs.
Tyres
Tyre changes, wheel swaps, tyre and rim repair, TPMS, tyre storage.
Exhaust
Silencers, catalytic converters, lambda sensors, EGR, DPF regeneration and cleaning.