FAQ

What's Included: All POMCAR 270-Point inspection points can be located on the How It Works Page. Clicking the ▼ arrow within each section (Verification, Tires & Brakes, Undercarriage, Electrical & Lights, Interior, Engine, Road Test, Fluid Checks, Diagnostic Scan) will open up the list of comprehensive checks that our technicians inspect. Note the fluid and scan check are only included in our Experienced and Professional packages respectively. Note that we do intend to perform a road test for every vehicle, however it is at the seller's discretion (even when we ask them to drive it while we ride shotgun!)

What's Not Included: We do not raise the car off the ground but do include undercarriage photos and an assessment in the POMCAR Report. A point of emphasis for all POMCAR Techs is an undercarriage check for signs of damage (shocks, struts, exhaust, fuel tank etc.) attributed to wear or flooding/water. We also do not include paint thickness measurements but do check for any evidence of repair or use of non-OEM parts.

An authorization for the inspection amount will be placed on your credit or debit card to withhold payment at time of order.
You will not be invoiced until the inspection is scheduled as we must verify that a technician is available, the vehicle is present, the vehicle is as described, and the seller will permit the inspection.

Our technicians apply to become a member of the POMCAR network. Each tech has specialized experience in specific makes and models and has been assigned to inspect vehicles within a designated region. 95% of all technicians within the network are ASE certified. Each tech in our network has been subject to a background screening to ensure that both their formal training and work history satisfy our standards.

We inspect ALL used passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, SUVs, electrics, and hybrids from dealers and private sellers. We assign POMCAR Techs not only by vehicle type, but also by specific make and model, especially if a unique or higher-end vehicle. We can even inspect vehicles represented as Certified Pre-Owned or CPO by dealers if they allow it.

We DO NOT inspect auction vehicles as our techs are not allowed to inspect properly (engine bay, road test, electronics, etc.)

Inspections are usually performed within 48 hours of receipt. Delays are caused by private seller availability, dealership hours, and tech coverage at that location. If you have a tight timeline and need a same day or next day inspection, please reach out to us as [email protected] and let us know the vehicle details (year, make, model) and location (city, state) and we will reply letting you know if we can fulfill within that time.

When you request an inspection, you will have the option to enter any specific concerns (up to 3) that you may have about the vehicle. Concerns may arise from representations the seller has made in the advertisement, information presented on a Carfax report, or from your own knowledge of the vehicle to be inspected. Our technicians will directly address your concerns in the POMCAR Report.

We value the time and commitment of our employees and technicians so we must enforce a strict policy.

Should you decide to cancel a request before the inspection is scheduled, you will receive a 50% refund of the inspection cost. Once scheduled by a POMCAR Technician, we cannot offer a refund as we have commissioned a tech to perform the inspection.

If the vehicle is no longer available for sale, the seller is unwilling to permit the inspection, or a POMCAR Tech is unavailable to inspect, you will of course receive a full refund.

You should use the POMCAR inspection results to make an educated purchasing decision. Some of our customers purchase cars sight unseen while others use the report to decide whether to travel to and inspect the vehicle themselves.

There are times when a vehicle is no longer for sale, the seller or dealer is unwilling to permit one of our technicians from inspecting the vehicle, or a qualified technician is not available to perform the inspection. In these cases, you will receive a notification via email as to why the inspection could not be performed and you will not be charged.

Yes as long as the seller allows a proper road test, the vehicle is roadworthy and the vehicle has current tags or dealer plates.

No. The condition of the vehicle may change after the inspection takes place. Also, a more comprehensive mechanical inspection (e.g., raising the vehicle on a lift, removing engine covers if present, removing tires, etc.) may present issues that were not identified during our limited pre purchase inspection.

No. The package prices represented on this site are determined based on POMCAR’s ability to secure and retain the most qualified technicians available to perform your inspection. Flat pricing ensures predictability for our technicians as they inspect vehicles and deliver the comprehensive POMCAR Report.

After submitting a request, an assigned technician will contact the seller, confirm the availability of the vehicle, and schedule the inspection. Once scheduled, you will receive an email notice communicating when the inspection will take place. Further email updates and status changes will communicate to you when the inspection is complete and when the POMCAR report is ready to view.

No we do not inspect auction or salvage vehicles as our techs are not able to perform a proper inspection and often do not have member access to a salvage yard or auction group.

No we do not inspect used vehicles without a 17-character VIN as our techs are not qualified to inspect older and reconditioned vehicles.

We do not inspect any trucks above Class 7. We can accommodate inspections such as a Ford F-750, RAM 3500 and Mercedes Sprinter vans depending on tech experience.

No due to stringent safety requirements, our techs do not inspect school or passenger buses.