How it works
From requesting an inspection to receiving your report — and when other buyers can purchase it. Private-owner and auction inspections follow different starting steps.
Private vehicles
For a car being sold by a Private Owner, with seller approval before a buyer pays.
- 01
Request a private vehicle inspection
Buying from a Private Owner? Submit the vehicle details, seller’s contact information and your preferred inspection time. The request is free — seller cooperation is required before you pay.
- 02
The seller approves, then you pay
Autoquiry asks the seller for permission. If they approve, you receive a link to pay $179 for the Full inspection as the Inspection Initiator. If they decline, you are notified — no charge and no inspector dispatch. Sellers who agree to the inspection receive a complimentary copy of the Full report, plus a direct link to add to their online listings. Private Owners ordering an inspection of their own car pay $179 upfront instead.
- 03
Autoquiry assigns an inspector
After payment, Autoquiry assigns an inspector to check the car in person. They record condition ratings, notes and photos across the inspection checklist, including mechanical and road-test findings where access permits.
- 04
Your Full report arrives — with a 48-hour hold
The report publishes automatically when the inspector submits it. The Inspection Initiator receives an email and Full access in their account, including detailed findings, the walk-around video, the full photo gallery and repair-cost estimates. For the first 48 hours after publication, only the initiator can access the Full report.
- 05
Other buyers can purchase the published report
Once published, the report is searchable by VIN. Other customers can buy Basic for $49 immediately. After the initiator’s 48-hour hold ends, Full is available for $199; Basic owners can upgrade for $139.
Auction vehicles
Before you bid, get an independent inspection at the auction site.
- 01
A customer initiates the inspection
Found an auction vehicle with no Autoquiry report yet? Enter its VIN, auction house, lot number and auction date at least 72 hours before the auction. You pay $279 for the Full inspection only after an inspector accepts the job. The $99 Condensed and $299 Full options are for buying a completed report — they do not order a new inspection.
- 02
Autoquiry dispatches an inspector
Autoquiry confirms an inspector first; once they accept, you get a payment link. Auction restrictions (access limits, early sale, lot withdrawn) can affect completion, even when you order on time.
- 03
The inspector works the checklist on site
The inspector records condition ratings, notes, photos and a walk-around video. Mechanical, structural and road-test findings reflect the access and testing the auction site permits; any inspection limitations are recorded in the report.
- 04
The initiator receives Full access for the first 24 hours
The report publishes automatically when the inspector submits it. The Inspection Initiator is emailed their Full report and can view it in their account. For the first 24 hours after publication, Full access is reserved for the initiator.
- 05
Other customers can buy the completed report
Only after a customer has initiated the inspection and the inspector has submitted the report can other customers purchase it. Condensed is available for $99 immediately on publication. Full becomes available for $299 after the 24-hour hold; Condensed owners can upgrade for $169.
Report access lasts 180 days
Purchased reports remain accessible in your account for 180 days from purchase.
A note on refunds
All purchases are final and non-refundable. If an inspection you order cannot be completed, we refund your payment in full. Existing inspection reports are available immediately after payment. New inspection orders are delivered once the inspector completes and submits the report. Private-vehicle inspection requests are subject to seller approval.