Services/Before-You-Buy

Before-You-Buy Consultation

$60 — one-time

Considering a used car or truck? A mechanic reviews the listing, photos, mileage, engine, and known issues for that year and model — before you commit to the purchase.

What's Included

Review of the vehicle listing, photos, and specs

Phone consultation with an experienced mechanic

Known issue and reliability assessment for that year/make/model

Review of any photos or documents you can provide

When to Use This Service

  • You found a used car or truck online and want to know if it's worth buying
  • The seller says the vehicle is in great shape but you're not sure
  • You want to know about common problems with that year, make, and model
  • The mileage seems high or low for the price
  • You're buying from a private seller and can't take it to a shop first
  • You want to know what to look for before you go see it in person
  • You're considering a diesel truck, RV, or work vehicle and want expert input

How It Works

01

Book and pay

Select Before-You-Buy Consultation on the booking page and complete checkout.

02

Submit the vehicle details

Fill out the intake form with the year, make, model, mileage, engine, and a link to the listing if available.

03

Upload photos or the listing

After submitting, you'll receive instructions for uploading photos or any documents about the vehicle.

04

Talk to a mechanic

A mechanic reviews the listing and calls you to discuss known issues, red flags, and what to look for.

05

Get your written summary

After the call you receive a written summary of the mechanic's assessment and recommended next steps.

Know before you buy.

A $60 consultation is a lot cheaper than buying the wrong vehicle.

Book Now — $60

Secure checkout via Stripe. Consultation advice is informational only and does not replace an in-person inspection.

Mechanic First

Independent mechanic consultations by phone, with photo and video support. Get straight answers before you spend your money.

Talk to a Mechanic

Disclaimer: Mechanic First consultations are informational and advisory only. All advice is based on information provided by the customer and cannot replace a hands-on inspection or professional diagnosis. Mechanic First does not guarantee specific outcomes and is not responsible for decisions made based on consultation advice. Remote consultations cannot determine whether a vehicle is safe to operate. If you have concerns about vehicle safety, have your vehicle inspected in person by a qualified mechanic before driving it.

© 2026 Mechanic First. Founded by Wayne Godwin. All rights reserved.