Vehicle Inspections · Marpole, Vancouver
Pre-Purchase & Vehicle Inspections in Marpole, Vancouver
Buying a used car in Vancouver? Before you pay, get it inspected by a shop that isn't selling the car. At Granville & Avery Automotive, we check the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires and more, then tell you in plain English what needs attention now and what can wait. You decide.
We're a family-owned, independent shop at 8865 Osler St in Marpole, and we've been here since 1988. We're a provincially designated inspection facility, BCAA approved, and our technicians are Red Seal certified.
Pre-Purchase
Pre-purchase inspections for used cars
A used car can look great in the listing photos and still need work. A pre-purchase inspection is the one you book when you're buying a used car and want a mechanic to look at it before money changes hands. We don't talk you into the car, and we don't talk you out of it. We tell you what we find so you can decide with the full picture. You get a written report or photos. Anyone can drop the car off; the report goes to whoever is paying for the service unless you tell us otherwise.
If you're buying privately or from a lot, ask the seller if you can bring the car to our Marpole shop for an inspection before you commit. Our pre-purchase inspection guide has more on what to expect.
What We Check
What we check
A used car inspection here focuses on what costs money and what keeps you safe on wet Vancouver roads. We look at the engine (how it runs, leaks, noise and obvious wear), the transmission (how it shifts, leaks and warning signs), the brakes (whether they'll stop the car), the suspension (wear from potholes) and the tires (tread, uneven wear and whether they match), plus the things listing photos miss.
Plain English throughout. If something is urgent, we say so. If it can wait, we say that too. Pre-purchase customers get a written report or photos. The buyer decides.
Timing & Other Inspections
How long it takes
A typical pre-purchase inspection takes about two hours. Actual turnaround can run longer or shorter depending on how busy the shop is and what we find on the car. We'll give you a clearer sense when you book.
Other inspections we do
A pre-purchase inspection is different from the inspection that comes with an oil change. Every oil change here includes a free 56-point inspection: a check of the major systems, including fluids, filters, belts, hoses, brakes, tires and wipers. We're a provincially designated inspection facility. We also do commercial vehicle inspections, out-of-province inspections, and Uber and other rideshare inspections. Call to ask which one your vehicle needs.
Read more: Why automotive inspections matter
Why Choose Us
Why drivers in Marpole choose us
We're BCAA approved, with Red Seal technicians, and we've been at 8865 Osler St since 1988. Some of our technicians have been with us since then.
We explain what's happening with a car and clearly outline what needs attention now, what can wait and what's ahead, with no scare tactics. While the work is being done, Cup and Crust Cafe is just around the corner.
If an inspection turns up worn brakes, our brake repair page explains how we handle them. Every tire rotation and tire swap here also comes with a free brake check.
More on rotations and seasonal swaps: Tires at Granville & Avery
Vehicles We Inspect
European cars, EVs and Teslas
We work on domestic and import cars, light trucks, hybrids and many European vehicles, though not exotics or very high-end cars. If you're looking at a European car, call us first so we can confirm we can do the job. We want to help where we can and not send anyone away.
For Teslas and other EVs, we do a full pre-purchase inspection of all the functional and mechanical items we can see. Some computer issues only Tesla can detect. Call 604-266-7610 if you have questions about your vehicle.
Inspection FAQs
Vehicle inspection FAQ
How long does a pre-purchase inspection take?
About two hours for a typical inspection. It can run longer or shorter depending on how busy the shop is and what we find.
What do you check on a used car?
The engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires and more. We focus on what costs money and what keeps you safe, then explain it in plain English.
Will you tell me whether to buy the car?
We tell you what needs attention now and what can wait. We don't talk you into the car or out of it. The decision is yours.
Is a pre-purchase inspection the same as the inspection with an oil change?
No. Every oil change comes with a free 56-point inspection of the major systems. A pre-purchase inspection is a separate job you book before you buy a used car.
Can you inspect a European car or a Tesla?
Most European cars, yes, though not exotics or very high-end models; call first so we can confirm. For Teslas and other EVs we do a full pre-purchase inspection of the functional and mechanical items we can see; some computer issues only Tesla can detect.
How do I book?
Call 604-266-7610 or book online. If you need a same-day inspection, call us rather than using the online form.
Book a pre-purchase inspection in Marpole
Buying a used car in Vancouver? Have it inspected before you pay. Call 604-266-7610 or book online. If you need it done the same day, please call rather than using the form.
We're open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and closed weekends and public holidays.
If you need a pre-purchase inspection in Vancouver, or a used car inspection in Marpole before you buy, call or book online and we'll take care of it.
8865 Osler St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4G1 (Marpole)
Closed weekends and public holidays