“A pre-purchase inspection, or PPI, is an inspection given by an independent, qualified technician to determine the mechanical, cosmetic, and safety conditions of a given vehicle.
As far as who can give a PPI, it’s pretty wide open. Some companies offer these services, while getting one from a mechanic that you trust is also a viable option.
It can be a bit tricky to coordinate a PPI, especially if you’re buying a car far away. You usually have to take the car to a mechanic before buying it, and not every seller is comfortable with that.