Buying a car you can't physically see is the easiest way to lose five figures. The inspector directory on SPOOLED — internally branded as Eyes On — connects you with people who will go look at the car for you, photograph it, drive it, and tell you what they'd pay. Auctions, distant private sellers, project cars, dealer trades — anywhere the photos and the spec sheet aren't enough.
What you can find on /inspectors
- Pre-purchase inspections (PPI) — full mechanical and cosmetic walkthrough at the seller's location.
- Auction proxy — physical inspection at a live or online auction (Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, Cars & Bids, Bring a Trailer). Many inspectors will also bid on your behalf.
- Track / race-car inspections — drivetrain leakdown, cage compliance, fuel-cell expiry, suspension check.
- Travel range — most inspectors list a base radius and per-mile rate beyond it. Filter to cover the seller's location.
- Specialty — air-cooled Porsche, classic Mopar, JDM imports, modern German, etc. Match the platform.
Top-rated inspectors right now
Live from the directory.
What a good inspection report looks like
The standard deliverable: 50–150 photos covering bodywork (panel gaps, paint, undercarriage rust), engine bay (leaks, signs of repair, VIN plate condition), interior (wear, smells, electronics), and a road test summary if drivable. A compression or leakdown test on request. PDF + photo bundle, often turned around in 24–48 hours.
Specialist inspectors on certain platforms add platform-specific checks: rod-bearing wear on M-cars, ringland status on EJ Subarus, auto-tensioner failure on FA20 BRZs, head-bolt thread integrity on Honda K20Cs. That kind of platform expertise is the difference between a generic walkthrough and a report you can use to negotiate — or walk.
How much to expect
Standard PPI: $150–$400 depending on travel and depth. Auction proxy with a bidding component: typically $250–$600 plus a small commission on win. Ranges are listed per inspector; if you don't see one, ask before booking.