I would not recommend Flash Services for a pre-purchase inspection.
I had a close call with a used car purchase due to a pre-purchase inspection at Flash. I thankfully had an opportunity to get a second pre-purchase inspection, which determined that the car I was considering purchasing would give me a lot of trouble.
I was looking to buy a used, high-mileage Toyota Prius v from a Facebook Marketplace seller. The circumstances were a little weird (the guy owned a dealership in New Jersey but was selling it in South Brooklyn), but the price was right, and the car superficially looked amazing. So I went ahead.
For $50, Flash Services inspected the car. The mechanic identified that the brake pads were shot. He could not conduct an emission inspection because the computer couldn't take a reading because it needed to be driven for 50 miles. Otherwise, he said the car was in good shape.
The owner had reason to go to New Jersey and thus could hit the 50 miles, and we agreed to meet up at another shop in Jersey to have the computer test. Thank goodness.
I found a super well-reviewed mechanic in Jersey, Super Mario Auto Repair & Towing Truck Services. The head mechanic determined the car I was looking at was junk. He had a more advanced computer reader than Flash, and identified several codes that were an issue. Most importantly, he saw that the check engine lights had all been turned off about 50 miles ago.... or, right before I came to look at the car earlier that day. Yikes. He also was horrified by the amount of rust on the underbody. He could not believe the car had been used in New Jersey and not Alaska, given the corrosion. He made it clear under no circumstance should I buy the car.
And I didn't. Had I just trusted Flash, I would have a lemon on my hands. read more