What the photos don’t show
Sellers only photograph what looks good. We flag what they skipped: missing odometer readings, missing engine bay shots, concealed rust zones, and underside damage.
For Marketplace & Classifieds Buyers
Don’t get burned on a Marketplace car listing.
Private sellers post the flattering angles. Paste any Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist link to get a 10+ page PDF briefing uncovering what the photos don’t show, the expensive repairs this model is known for, fair market value, and the exact questions to ask in the driveway.
- $29.99 USD one-time · No subscription · Pays for itself on the first repair avoided
- Catches hidden photo omissions: skipped odometer shots, unseen rust zones, concealed frame damage
- Includes driveway test-drive checklist and questions before cash changes hands
Vehicle Briefing
Verified Intelligence
Listing Analysis
Photos & Seller Text Cross-Examined
Known Failure Points
Expensive Model Risks Flagged in Real Repair Costs
Pricing Reality
Fair Market Value & Negotiation Leverage Range
Driveway Protocol
Step-by-Step Test Drive Checklist & PPI Guide
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1
Paste the listing link
A Marketplace, Craigslist, or Autotrader link — phone or computer. We read the ad and the photos.
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2
We scan for traps
Copy the link from Marketplace, Craigslist, or Autotrader. Pay once. We extract the ad text and photos into a PDF briefing. If the seller won’t let a shop put it on a lift, walk away.
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3
Walk in protected
Open the PDF on your phone, or print it. Last page is a checklist for the driveway. If the seller won’t go to a shop, don’t buy it.
The expensive failure points
Every model year has known mechanical failure points that cost thousands. We translate technical jargon into plain English with real shop estimates so a cheap car that needs $4,000 of work is obvious.
Fair price & seller tactics
An estimated fair-price range in USD so you never overpay. Estimated state sales tax and registration reality. Plus, straight answers to common seller tactics: pre-warmed engines, fake urgency, and “just needs freon”.
Then take it to an independent shop with a lift.
Over 70% of catastrophic used-car defects (subframe rust, transmission fluid leaks, suspension rot) are completely invisible from the driveway. Our report prepares you with the right questions, then points you toward an independent shop with a lift when we’ve confirmed one in your city.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
Independent Shop Inspection
The briefing provides your homework, pricing valuation, and driveway checklist. An independent shop inspection confirms frame and mechanical integrity before you hand over cash.
Pay the shop directly · Not included in this briefing
IsThisCarOK is independent homework. Facebook and Facebook Marketplace are trademarks of Meta Platforms, Inc. IsThisCarOK is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Meta Platforms, Inc. Pay a licensed shop before you buy.
Common questions
Clear answers before you message the seller or book a test drive.
What if the Marketplace listing only has a few photos?
We flag exactly what the seller left out (underside, engine bay, odometer, dashboard warning lights) and give you specific photo requests to message the seller before you drive out.
Can I check listings from Craigslist or Autotrader too?
Yes. Paste any listing link from Marketplace, Craigslist, or Autotrader. One vehicle, one complete briefing.
Does this replace an independent mechanic inspection?
No. Our briefing gives you the homework, red flags, and fair price so you don’t waste money inspecting a lemon. Once a car passes your initial check, always pay a shop with a lift before cash changes hands.
Don’t gamble thousands on a used car.
Get the complete PDF briefing by email — usually the same day — before you meet the seller. $29.99 USD once. No subscription.
Also see: First-time buyers · Private sale · Not mechanics