Pre-Purchase Inspection in Salt Lake City, UT | Jones Complete Car Care

We perform a thorough multi-point evaluation of every major system, documented with our digital inspection process.

Engine and Mechanical Systems

We inspect for oil leaks, coolant leaks, belt and hose condition, valve cover integrity, and evidence of deferred maintenance. On higher-mileage vehicles — especially those used for canyon driving — we look for signs of prior overheating, which can indicate head gasket or cooling system damage that may not be obvious without knowing what to look for.

Computer Diagnostics Across All Modules

We connect professional-grade diagnostic equipment to the vehicle's OBD-II port and pull every fault code stored in every module — engine, transmission, ABS, airbag, body control, and more. This is one of the most critical parts of the inspection. Sellers routinely clear fault codes before listing a vehicle to hide known problems; our equipment reads pending codes and module history that a basic scanner won't catch. Our diagnostic fee starts at $89.95 and is worth every dollar when it reveals a $3,000 transmission code that was cleared the week before listing.

Transmission and Drivetrain

We assess transmission fluid condition, check for leaks, and evaluate the drivetrain — differential, driveshaft or CV axles, transfer case on 4WD vehicles. For Utah's market, where AWD and 4WD vehicles are common, transfer case and differential condition are important items that general buyers often overlook.

Brakes

We measure pad thickness and rotor condition at all four corners, inspect calipers and brake hardware, and evaluate brake fluid condition. On vehicles used for mountain driving, brake wear is often uneven and more advanced than mileage would suggest.

Suspension and Steering

We inspect the full suspension and steering system on a lift — control arms, bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, sway bar links, shocks, struts, and wheel bearings. Canyon and mountain driving creates significant suspension stress, and worn components won't always present symptoms during a flat-road test drive.

Undercarriage and Rust Assessment

With the vehicle on a lift, we inspect the frame, subframe, brake lines, fuel lines, and exhaust for corrosion from Utah's winter road salt. Surface rust is common and manageable; perforated brake lines or corroded subframe sections are not. We photograph every concern.

Tires

We measure tread depth and inspect for uneven wear patterns that reveal alignment or suspension issues. We also check for UV cracking and sidewall damage — common on Utah vehicles that see significant temperature swings between summer and winter.

Body and Paint Inspection

We inspect panel gaps, paint texture, and visible body lines for evidence of prior collision repair. We note any findings that suggest the vehicle's history may not match its appearance.

Step 1: Contact Us Before You Commit

Call or book online at any of our three locations before you finalize anything with the seller. Tell us the vehicle's year, make, model, and mileage so we can allocate the right tools and time. We service all domestic, Asian, and European makes and models.

Salt Lake City: (801) 269-0111 — 4621 S 900 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 Taylorsville: (801) 963-0500 — 4752 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT 84123 Clearfield: (801) 776-8800 — 869 W 1600 S, Clearfield, UT 84015

We're open Monday through Friday 8am–6pm and Saturday 8am–5pm.

Step 2: Bring the Vehicle to the Nearest Location

Have the seller drive the vehicle to whichever Jones Complete Car Care location is most convenient. We're accessible from throughout Salt Lake County — Murray, Midvale, Holladay, Cottonwood Heights, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, and Riverton all have quick access to our Salt Lake City or Taylorsville shops. Clearfield serves buyers coming from Bountiful, Layton, Kaysville, Farmington, and Davis County.

A seller who is unwilling to allow an independent inspection at a neutral shop is the most important piece of information you can have before making a purchase decision.

Step 3: Full Inspection With Digital Documentation

Our ASE-certified technician performs the complete inspection and documents every finding with photographs using our digital inspection platform. You receive the full report — clear condition ratings, photographs of every concern, and measurement data for brakes and tires.

Step 4: Straight Talk Walk-Through

We explain every finding in plain language. What's normal wear for the vehicle's age and mileage. What needs prompt attention. What's serious enough to walk away from. We've been called "honest, ethical, and competent" by our customers, and that's exactly what you'll get — no pressure, no agenda, no upsells.

Step 5: Optional Repair Estimate

If the vehicle has issues you'd like to address after purchase, we can provide a written repair estimate. Many Salt Lake Valley buyers use this to negotiate a better price or ask the seller to make repairs before closing.

Family-Owned, ASE-Certified, AAA Approved

We're a family-owned business with ASE-certified technicians and AAA approval — the auto repair industry's most recognized independent quality designation. Our customers trust us enough to send family members from out of state, drive from across the valley, and return for years of service. That's the kind of relationship we build.

Three Convenient Locations Across Salt Lake County

With shops in Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, and Clearfield, there's a Jones location within easy reach for buyers throughout the Wasatch Front — from Davis County in the north to Utah County in the south.

TSN Nationwide Limited Warranty

All work performed at Jones Complete Car Care — including any repairs identified during a pre-purchase inspection — is backed by the TSN Nationwide Limited Warranty, giving you coverage wherever you travel.

Rewards Program

Jones Complete Car Care offers a free Customer Care Program with Reward Dollars, free oil changes, and maintenance reminders. If you buy the vehicle and make us your go-to shop, you start earning from your first visit.

Diagnostic Fee Applied to Repairs

In many cases, our diagnostic fee is applied toward the cost of repairs when you choose us to fix identified problems. Ask your service advisor at scheduling.

Don't wait until you experience performance issues or breakdown. Preventative maintenance saves you time and money in the long run. Looking for "engine tune up near me" in Salt Lake County? Contact Jones Complete Car Care to schedule your tune-up service today.

• Salt Lake City: (801)-269-0111
• Taylorsville: (801)-963-0500
• Clearfield: (801)-776-8800

Serving Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, Clearfield, West Valley City, Murray, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, South Jordan, Midvale, Cottonwood Heights, Holladay, Bountiful, Layton, Kaysville, Farmington, Centerville, Woods Cross, North Salt Lake, West Jordan, Magna, Herriman, Bluffdale, Alpine, Highland, Lehi, and American Fork.