The PPI Auto Blog
Straight talk for used-vehicle buyers. How to spot trouble, read a history report, and avoid an expensive mistake.
How Much Should 4 Brake Pads Cost?
About $150 to $350 for one axle of pads, and $300 to $700 for all four wheels. Here is how a used car buyer reads the pad and rotor numbers and turns them into money off the price.
Read moreCan You Go 2 Years Without Changing Oil?
No. Most carmakers want fresh oil at least once a year, even on a car that sits. Here is what two years of old oil does to an engine, and how we catch it.
Read moreWhat an RV Pre-Purchase Inspection Costs in America
Most RV pre-purchase inspections in the U.S. run $300 to $1,500. Here's what moves the price, and why it's cheap next to the repairs it finds.
Read moreSalvage-Titled Cars: What Buyers Need to Know
A salvage title can mean a deal or a disaster. Here's how to tell the difference before you buy.
Read moreTires: The Most Overlooked Safety Check
Tires are easy to ignore and easy to fake. Here's what to look at before you buy.
Read moreHow the Used-Car Market Has Changed
Prices, online sales, and remote buying have reshaped how people buy used cars. Here's what it means for you.
Read moreCleared Codes: How Sellers Hide a Check Engine Light
A cleared code can hide a real problem for a few days — just long enough to close a sale. Here's how we catch it.
Read moreA Short History of the Automobile
From the first horseless carriages to today's computers on wheels — a quick look at how cars got here.
Read moreFound a vehicle? Let's check it first.
One call covers any vehicle, anywhere.