SecondLookKnow what that used car isn't telling you before you pay.
A 15-minute guided scan you run yourself at the seller's car. Plug in a $20 adapter, follow the steps on your phone, and get a plain-English report with a number to negotiate with.
Scanning is free. The full report is $19.99, only if you want it. iPhone first.
A dark check-engine light doesn't mean there's no problem.
Anyone can clear warning codes in seconds with a cheap tool. The light goes off, and the problem doesn't go away. What the seller can't easily hide is that the car remembers how far it has driven since the codes were cleared, and whether its self-tests have had time to finish. SecondLook reads both and tells you when a reset looks recent.
Fifteen minutes at the seller's car.
Plug in the adapter
A small Wi-Fi OBD2 adapter (about $20) goes into the port under the dashboard. Every gas car sold in the US since 1996 has one.
Follow the guided check
The app reads the car's computer, then walks you through a short test drive and shows when it has enough data for each check.
Get your report
Plain-English findings ranked by severity, estimated repair costs, and a suggested amount to knock off the asking price.
The things that turn a good deal into a money pit.
- Recently cleared warning codesDistance and time since a reset, plus which self-tests haven't finished.
- Stored, pending and permanent codesIncluding the ones coming back and the ones a reset can't erase, explained in plain English.
- Engine behavior on the test driveTemperature, fuel trims and misfire data recorded while you drive.
- Emissions self-testsWhich of the car's own emissions tests have finished, the same readiness data an inspection station checks.
- VIN matchConfirms the VIN the car's computer reports, so you can compare it with the title and listing.
- A number to negotiate withEach finding maps to a typical repair-cost range, labor included, and a suggested price reduction.
What you walk away with.
Warning codes were cleared 12 km ago
Two emissions self-tests (catalyst, evap system) haven't finished, which is typical of a recent reset. A reset can also follow a battery change or a repair, so ask the seller why.
Pending misfire code is already back (P0300)
The engine detected random misfires since the reset. Common causes range from spark plugs and coils to vacuum leaks. Estimated repair, including diagnosis and labor: $300–$1,500 depending on the cause and engine.
No permanent codes
No codes that survive a reset were reported by the engine computer.
Professional insight without the professional price.
DIY code reader
- Shows raw codes
- You interpret everything yourself
- Misses recently cleared codes unless you know where to look
SecondLook
- Scan and test drive free; pay only to unlock a report
- Recently-cleared detection
- Plain-English report, repair costs, and a negotiation number
- Share it with your mechanic or the seller
Mobile inspection
- A mechanic visits the car
- Needs scheduling with the seller
- The deepest check, still worth it on expensive cars
Before you scan a car
Will the seller let me plug something in?
Most will. It's read-only and takes a few minutes. The adapter can't change or erase anything on the car. If a seller refuses, that's useful information too.
Which cars does it work on?
Gas and hybrid cars sold in the US since 1996, which all have the standard OBD2 port. Electric cars expose much less through this port, so results on EVs are limited.
Do I need to buy an adapter?
Yes, a Wi-Fi OBD2 adapter costs about $20. Cheap clones vary a lot in quality, so we'll publish a list of adapters we've tested before launch.
Does this replace a mechanic's inspection?
No. It's a screening tool that catches common red flags quickly and cheaply. For an expensive purchase or anything it flags, a professional inspection is still a good idea.
When can I use it, and what does it cost?
We're testing on real cars now. Join the list and we'll invite you to the iPhone beta, then email you at launch. Scanning and the test drive are free. If you want the full report (explanations, repair costs, and a suggested price reduction), it's $19.99 per car, paid in the app. No subscription.
Can I share the report?
Yes. The app gives you a link to send to a mechanic, a friend, or the seller. The report is inside the link itself, so we don't store it on a server.
iPhone or Android?
iPhone first. Tell us which phone you have when you sign up so we know how many people are waiting for Android.
Buying a used car soon?
Email us to get an invite to the iPhone beta and a note when SecondLook launches. No spam, no payment.
No mail app? Send a note to support@secondlookscan.com with the subject "Beta".