FAQ's on pre-inspections where we check out the condition of the vehicle What does the inspection entail? Does the inspector use any diagnostic equipment? Will the inspector perform a compression test? Does the inspector put the vehicle on a lift? What are the inspector's qualifications? Can you send me a sample of the report before I order? Can the inspector call me from the vehicle location? How long will the process take? Do you inspect vehicles on weekends? Is this inspection guaranteed? Does the inspector check title or verify any background on the vehicle? What is the cancellation policy? What happens if your inspector is unable to test-drive the vehicle? Q: What does the inspection entail? A: The vehicle will be test driven to verify transmission and engine operation. The inspector will check the level and condition of the fluids. The inspector will test the operation of the air conditioner / heater and gauges. The inspector will look over the interior and exterior of the vehicle for any obvious damage. Return to top Q: Does the inspector use any diagnostic equipment? A: The inspection is done at curbside; therefore, the inspectors do not have access to diagnostic equipment, computers or lifts for the inspection. Return to top Q: Will the inspector perform a compression test? A: A: Due to liability issues it is just not possible for us to perform any test that requires the removal of any component from a vehicle with the use of tools. We do, however, check and report oil pressure at startup and on the road on cars fitted with an oil pressure gauge. We also check for 'blow-by' and cross contamination of fluids by removing the oil filler cap, radiator cap and dipstick. If there are internal issues with the engine they will likely be evident when we perform these checkpoints. These conditions may also become evident during the test-drive. On occasion we have had clients arrange with the seller to have the car inspected at a local garage or muffler shop. If the seller agrees to it, the seller can have a mechanic perform a compression test and our inspector can witness it for you and record the results as part of our inspection report. Return to top Q: Does the inspector put the vehicle on a lift? A: For your convenience the inspection is done at curbside at your home or office therefore; the inspectors do not have access to a lift. Return to top Q: What are the inspector's qualifications? A: Most of the inspectors are experienced, ASE certified mechanics that have been involved in the automotive industry for several years. Return to top Q: Can you send me a sample of the report before I order? A: The report is filled out by the inspector on our web site and made available to you when it is completed. There are no blank report forms. Return to top Q: Can the inspector call me from the vehicle location? A: The inspector does not call from the vehicle location. You (customer) will be able to view the report and the photos on our web site the next day. Return to top Q: How long will the process take? A: Upon receipt of the signed credit card authorization form an inspector will be assigned. The inspector will contact the vehicle owner within 24 hours to schedule the inspection appointment. The actual time depends greatly on the schedule and compliance of the vehicle owner. Return to top Q: Do you inspect vehicles on weekends? A: Inspections are conducted typically during business hours on Monday - Friday. All orders received on Saturday and Sunday will be processed on Monday. We do not currently offer weekend service. Return to top Q: Is this inspection guaranteed? A: The inspection is NOT guaranteed because the vehicle is fully assembled for the inspection and the inspector cannot see the internal components of the transmission or the engine. There is the possibility of impending failures that are not evident at the time of the inspection, therefore the inspection cannot be guaranteed. Click Here to view our Terms of Service. Return to top Q: Does the inspector check title or verify any background on the vehicle? A: The inspection does not include a background check of the vehicle. The inspector only performs a cursory physical inspection of the vehicle. Return to top Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: If the inspection is cancelled before the inspector has taken off to complete the inspection Magoo's will refund the full amount less a service fee of $25. If you request a cancellation and the inspector has already done the inspection there will be no refund. If our inspector goes to the site and the seller does not have the vehicle available for the inspection, you will be charged the full amount of the inspection if our inspector has made contact and set up an appointment to perform the inspection. This policy is in place to ensure our inspectors get paid for their time and being at the inspection site at the agreed upon appointment time. Return to top Q: What happens if your inspector is unable to test-drive the vehicle? A: The Inspector will ask the seller to drive the vehicle and we will check out the vehicle as a passenger if the seller will permit us to do so. If the seller does not want to test drive the vehicle or let us drive the vehicle then there is nothing more we can do. This information will be noted in the report that the seller refused to allow a test drive in the vehicle and you will have to factor that in when considering purchasing the vehicle. Return to top FAQ's on mechanical inspections where we determine what has failed and why it failed What are your inspector's qualifications? What do you report on? What does the inspection entail? How long with the process take? Does the inspector use any diagnostic equipment? Will the inspector disassemble or repair the vehicle? How do I place an order? How will I receive my report? Do you inspect automobiles on weekends? How much is the inspection? How do I pay for the inspection? What is the cancellation policy? Q: What are your inspector's qualifications? A: Almost all of our auto inspectors are experienced, certified mechanics that have been involved with the automotive industry for more than 5 years as a commercial automotive mechanic. Return to top Q: What do you report on? A: Wyandotte Appraisal provides a professional unbiased opinion on the "Cause and Extent of mechanical damage" on a vehicle. The inspector can advise you what parts failed and what would be the prudent repair, as opposed to what the repair facility wants to replace as they oversell you on what needs to be repaired. In many cases money can be saved based on the inspection results. Return to top Q: What does the inspection entail? A: The inspection will verify the VIN and odometer reading, the condition and level of the fluids, leaks and any mechanical failures demonstrated by the repair facility. The inspector will give his opinion of the cause of failure based on the facts and evidence provided during the inspection. Return to top Q: How long with the process take? A: Upon receipt of the order the inspector will be contacted right away. Every effort is made to complete the inspection by the end of the following business day. Return to top Q: Does the inspector use any diagnostic equipment? A: The inspection does NOT provide a diagnosis of the failure; therefore, the inspector does not use diagnostic equipment. It is the responsibility of the repair facility to demonstrate the failures they claim the vehicle has. The inspector does perform some basic tests depending on the type of failures. Return to top Q: Will the inspector disassemble or repair the vehicle? A: Wyandotte Appraisal does NOT at any time perform actual repairs; does not at any time disassemble any component of a vehicle; does NOT authorize any disassembly of the vehicle. Wyandotte Appraisal can recommend a level of disassembly that will allow a thorough inspection of the components in question. However, you would need to authorize any necessary teardown required for us to perform a thorough inspection on your behalf. Return to top Q: How do I place an order? A: To place an order simply click "Order Here" and fill in the information as it is requested. You will need the following information: Contract / Claim Number if applicable Vehicle Owner's Name if applicable Year Make & Model VIN Reported Mileage Vehicle / Shop Location : Name / Address / Phone number Contact person's name (Note: It is important that you make the contact person at the shop/facility aware that you will be sending out an inspector) What is the vehicle history in relation to the claim? (Service type, date, and mileage) Date of the claim and a summary of the claim as stated by the vehicle owner Has any action been taken to repair the vehicle? If disassembly is necessary to inspect the vehicle it is your responsibility to make the repair facility aware of the amount of disassembly you are authorizing or the vehicle owner is authorizing. Return to top Q: How do I receive my report? A: We will e-mail or fax the final report to you upon completion of the inspection. The final report & photos will also be available to you (note: photos are only available on the web). Return to top Q: Do you inspect automobiles on weekends? A: We conduct most of our inspections during business hours Monday to Friday. Return to top Q: How much is the inspection? A: Unless otherwise quoted, the inspection fee is $169.00 (Note: in some circumstances there may be an additional mileage fee; Wyandotte Appraisal will get your approval in advance of adding any mileage fees should they apply in your particular case) Return to top Q: How do I pay for the inspection? A: We accept Visa & Mastercard payments. Wyandotte Appraisal requires that you sign and return a credit card authorization form (located in the order screen) for us to proceed with the inspection process. Wyandotte Appraisal will accept money orders and certified checks as payment; however, the inspection will be on hold until payment has been received and deposited. We will accept personal checks, however, the inspection will be on hold until the check clears the bank. Return to top Q: What is the cancellation policy? A: If the inspection is cancelled before the inspector has taken off to complete the inspection Magoo's will refund the full amount less a service fee of $20. If you request a cancellation and the inspector has already done the inspection there will be no refund. If our inspector goes to the site and the seller does not have the vehicle available for the inspection, you will be charged the full amount of the inspection if our inspector has made contact and set up an appointment to perform the inspection. This policy is in place to ensure our inspectors get paid for their time and being at the inspection site at the agreed upon appointment time. Return to top