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Need advice: Good independent shop for a pre-purchase inspection?

TrailHunter77Community StarterJan 29, 20262024 Kia EV9 GT-LineNorth Jersey
Looking at a used car locally and want a genuinely independent PPI, preferably someone familiar with this brand. What do you ask the shop to include besides a basic scan and lift inspection? I'm in North Jersey. If I fix it I'll come back and update the thread.
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11 replies

TrailHunter77Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 30, 2026permalink
Quick update: a second 2024 Kia EV9 quote made the first offer look ordinary. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
QuattroCommuter3Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 30, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2024 Kia EV9 price probably got worse. That's the part that actually changes the decision. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
HybridMiles10Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 30, 2026permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2024 Kia EV9 so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. When does it actually happen? Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
ShiftGuyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterJan 31, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: Call your insurer in North Jersey before you fall in love with the 2024 Kia EV9. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. Do that first. PPI guy I use is booked until next week, so I'm waiting.
MileageNomad25Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 31, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Call your insurer in North Jersey before you fall in love with the 2024 Kia EV9. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? I'd rather be boring and correct. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
DailyHunter68Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 30, 2026permalink
I would not stare at the monthly. Two 2024 Kia EV9 quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Then the comparison gets honest. Parts cannon is a personality type I try to avoid. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
PistonHauler96Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 30, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2024 Kia EV9 price probably got worse. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Parts cannon is a personality type I try to avoid. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
QuattroCommuter3Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 30, 2026permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2024 Kia EV9 and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
CruiseMom94Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 31, 2026permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2024 Kia EV9 so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. If they balk, that's your answer. On “good independent shop for a pre-purchase inspection,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. If GAP is bundled I'm making them unbundle it.
DailyHunter68Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 31, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, if they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2024 Kia EV9 price probably got worse. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Parts cannon is a personality type I try to avoid. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
EuroGarage71Community StarterCommunity StarterJan 31, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. In North Jersey, insurance quotes flipped a 2024 Kia EV9 comparison for me more than the sale price did. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
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