Frequently Asked Questions

You want to know what you're getting BEFORE making a purchase. You want to avoid costly repairs. Lemon Protector can help. We offer comprehensive pre-purchase used car inspections that analyze all mechanical and electrical systems and also evaluate the body and chassis. Our detailed report will give you all of the information that you need to determine whether to purchase the vehicle and at what price.

What is included in a Lemon Protector Car Inspection?

Our 450-point inspection examines the entire vehicle including the engine, mechanical and electrical systems. We also inspect the body, chassis and interior and lift the car to check the undercarriage. We provide a computerized engine analysis and use the latest diagnostic equipment. All vehicles are test driven. We then provide a detailed written report along with a free Title Search, History Report and Book Value assessment. Also, the actual technician who inspected the vehicle will call you immediately after the inspection to review the results, explain any problems and answer all of your questions.

What's unique about Lemon Protector?

Our 450-point inspection is the most comprehensive available. We also test drive the vehicle and provide you with a detailed written report.

Immediately after the inspection, the actual technician who inspected the car will contact you to review the results, discuss any issues or areas of concern and answer your questions. Lemon Protector is the only pre-purchase used car inspection service in the area that offers this service and allows you to speak freely with the actual inspector

With over 25 years of automotive diagnostic experience, we are experts in uncovering hard-to-find problems, odometer tampering and hidden body or chassis damage. We provide helpful and unbiased guidance to take the stress out of buying a car. Our on-site used car inspection is super convenient since we travel to the vehicle.

Can I speak to the technician who inspected the car?

Yes. Immediately after the inspection, the actual technician who conducted the inspection will call you to do a phone consultation (or speak to you in person if you are at the inspection site) to review the overall condition of the car, explain any problems that were found and answer all of your questions. Having direct access to the actual inspector and being able to ask questions is extremely helpful and valuable. Lemon Protector is proud to be the only pre-purchase used car inspection service in the area that offers this feature.

What types of cars do you inspect?

We are experienced in inspecting all domestic and foreign automobiles including luxury cars, SUVs, sports cars, light trucks, minivans, motorcycles and RVs. We inspect cars of any age - new, old and classic.

What are your qualifications?

Lemon Protector has been inspecting vehicles for the over 25 years. Our expertise is highly specialized so our technicians are able to find problems that mechanics and others fail to notice. We use the latest automotive diagnostic equipment along with sophisticated body analysis devices. All of our technician must meet strict requirements for knowledge, experience and professionalism.

If I use CARFAX do I also need Lemon Protector?

CARFAX only provides basic information that has been recorded about registration, inspections and accidents. Often this information is incomplete and may lead to an inaccurate conclusion about the condition of the vehicle. We evaluate the mechanical condition of the vehicle, check for mileage tampering and look for body damage that may not be noticeable. CARFAX can't provide this valuable information that is critical in order to make an informed decision.

Should I use Lemon Protector or my mechanic?

Our business is about pre-purchase used car inspection and evaluation. That's all we do so we have developed an expertise in finding problems that mechanics may miss. Remember, mechanics repair problems that have already appeared. We are experts in identifying issues that have not yet surfaced. Mechanics may also not be as diligent as you would expect in identifying issues before you purchase the vehicle hoping that they will be able to make money from the repairs. Since our only objective is your satisfaction, you can be sure that you are getting a thorough and unbiased evaluation.

Do you repair cars also?

No. Our only business is performing used car inspections and evaluations. Since we specialize in pre-purchase used car inspections we have developed expertise that allows us to identify problems that others miss. By only focusing on this area we eliminate any potential conflicts of interest that may otherwise be present.

Are you affiliated with any service station or auto parts store?

No. Lemon Protector is an independent, owner-operated entity that is not affiliated with any service station, auto parts store or auto dealership. Since we do not have any other external affiliations you can be sure that the feedback that you receive is honest and unbiased.

I know a lot about cars. Why do I need Lemon Protector?

While you may be familiar with cars and able to inspect basic systems, without proper equipment and the know-how that comes with doing inspections daily for over 25 years you may overlook something. Any mistake that you make now will cost you later at the repair shop.

What area do you service?

We inspect vehicles in the New York tri-state area including New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. We offer pre-purchase used car inspections in the following counties:

New York: New York City (Manhattan), Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Long Island (Nassau, Suffolk), Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Westchester

New Jersey: Bergen, Essex, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren

Connecticut: Fairfield, New Haven

How do I schedule an appointment?

Call us now to schedule and appointment at (516) 983-3800 or (718) 229-7594 or fill out our online form.

How far in advance do I need to schedule an appointment?

Ideally, appointments should be schedule 1 to 3 days in advance because it requires coordinating our schedule with the seller and buyer. However, we do our best to be of service to our customers and often can accommodate same day requests.

What are your hours?

Our standard hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm but we often schedule appointments outside of these hours. We will do our best to accommodate the time that works best for you.

Do you inspect vehicles on weekends or evenings?

We inspect vehicles on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00AM to 3:00PM and weekdays until 8:00PM. If you require a time outside these hours, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you.

What is the cancellation policy?

Appointment cancellations must be made at least 36 hours before your appointment.

What is actually inspected?

We examine the entire vehicle and inspect 450 different points in key systems such as engine, electrical, transmission, steering, brakes, exhaust, body, chassis, cooling and suspension. Our analysis consists of visual inspection, diagnostic evaluation using state-of-the-art equipment, and a test drive of the vehicle.

Do you use any equipment?

We use sophisticated diagnostic equipment to check major systems within the vehicle. This includes diagnostic engine analyzers, ignition analyzers, paint gauge meters, OBD II Diagnostic scanners and engine stethoscopes. In addition, we also perform a visual inspection and test drive the vehicle. For more information visit our inspection services page.

Where do you perform the inspection?

We perform on-site used car inspections at the location of the vehicle. Sellers appreciate and prefer this approach because it is most convenient for them.

Is the vehicle lifted? How is this done?

Each vehicle is lifted to inspect the underside components using a portable hydraulic jack.

Do I need to be there when you inspect the car?

No. We can inspect the vehicle without you being present. Once the inspection is complete, the actual inspector who conducted the inspection will call you to do a phone consultation, discuss our findings and answer any questions that you have. We will then fax or email the written report to you and if you have any questions you can contact us.

When will I receive my report?

If you are present at the inspection, in most cases you will receive the report at the conclusion of the inspection. Otherwise, the report will be faxed or emailed to you within a few hours of the inspection. Also, right after the inspection, the technician who evaluated the car will contact you to review the results and answer any questions or concerns that you may have.

Will I be able to understand your inspection report?

Yes. The inspection report is easy to understand and identifies all the areas that passed our inspection as well as the problems that we uncovered. We provide repair cost estimates as well and our overall impression of the vehicle. Should you have any questions about the inspection or the report, feel free to contact us. Most importantly, the inspector who inspected your car will provide you with an in-person or phone consultation immediately after the inspection to discuss the overall condition of the vehicle and any problems that were found. Being able to speak directly with the actual inspector is invaluable.

How long does the inspection take?

Typical inspections take approximately 1 hour.

What is the inspection price and what does it include?

Our full used car inspection starts at $139 and includes our comprehensive evaluation and a detailed written report that assesses the condition of the vehicle, identifies problem areas and estimates repair costs. Additional fees may apply for locations outside our immediate service area. Visit our Special Offers page for discount information.

Do You Offer a Discount For Multiple Inspections?

Yes. The first inspection will be at our standard price but the second inspection will be discounted by $20 and a $30 discount will be applied to each subsequent inspection. To take advantage of this discount, inspections must be scheduled within 30 days of the initial inspection. We also offer a discount for inspecting a second car in the same location as the first. See our Special Offers page for more details.

Do you offer any discounts?

We do offer specific promotions from time-to-time. Visit our Special Offers page for more details or sign up to receive emails with special promotions and discounts.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept cash and major credit cards including American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. We also accept Paypal.

Should I avoid buying the car if you find problems?

The report that we provide offers the critical information about the car that you need in order to decide whether to purchase the vehicle. Many problems could be relatively minor and you can use our report to negotiate the price with the seller. If the problems are more significant you will need to consider how much you want this particular car against the potential repair costs. In certain cases we may advise you to steer clear of a car that we consider to be a "lemon."