Car Hunting
Finding the right used vehicle can be overwhelming — endless listings, hidden issues, and misleading descriptions make it easy to waste time and money.
Our Car Finder Services take that burden off your shoulders by handling the search, screening, and verification process from start to finish. Whether you’re shopping locally or regionally, we work to identify the most promising vehicles that meet your needs, preferences, and budget.
Each search includes professional communication with sellers, detailed vehicle background checks, and optional Pre-Purchase Inspections (PPI) for extra assurance. Every car we recommend is evaluated for overall condition with OBD-II scans, CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports, rust analysis, photos, and value. This allows you to focus on choosing with confidence instead of guessing.
From first search to final decision, Lake Effect Car Hunters helps you buy smarter, not riskier — with third party transparency and experience guiding every step.
What’s included
Region-wide search (WNY): Rochester • Buffalo • Syracuse • Finger Lakes • Southern Tier
Unlimited remote vetting: listing screening, history, red flags, comps, known issues
2 on-site Pre Purchase Inspections (within 60 days): we inspect where the car sits, anywhere in WNY
Same-day decision: Detailed photos (incl. underbody/rust), OBD-II snapshot (when accessible), road-test notes (when safe), and a plain-English Buy / Negotiate / Walk Report Card
Negotiation Coaching: Price Targets, junk-fee audit, assistance with 2 rounds of counter negotiations.
Priority next-day scheduling (no extra charge)
CARFAX® Vehicle-history support
✔ 2 FREE CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports (we purchase up to two reports for VINs you choose during your plan window)
We review and interpret each report with you.
Add-ons
Extra on-site inspection:$200 each (beyond the included 2)
Same-Day Rush:+$99 (next-day included when access allows)
Interior Detail (on-site):$149
Black Trim Restore (exterior black plastics):$79
Fine Print
Window: Your 2 Pre Purchase Inspections and 2 CARFAX reports must be used within 60 days of kickoff.
CARFAX reports: one per VIN, up to two total, no cash value, non-transferable outside this package.
Seller cancels/sells before arrival? Your credit rolls forward and doesn’t consume an included PPI.
What’s included
1:1 Consultation: model picks, reliability gotchas, 12-month cost view, parts/insurance, timing, AI assisted
Region-wide coverage (WNY): Rochester • Buffalo • Syracuse • Finger Lakes • Southern Tier
Unlimited remote vetting: listing screening, history, red flags, comps, known issues
Up to 4 on-site PPIs (within 60 days): we inspect where the car sits, anywhere in WNY
Same-day decision: detailed photos (incl. underbody/rust), OBD-II snapshot (when accessible), road-test notes (when safe), and a plain-English Buy / Negotiate / Walk Report Card with your Price Target
Negotiation Coaching: Advanced Price Targets, junk-fee audit, copy-paste scripts, up to 2 counter rounds
Priority next-day scheduling (no extra charge)
✔ 2 FREE CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports (we purchase up to two reports for VINs you choose during your plan window)
CARFAX® Vehicle-history support
✔ 2 FREE CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports (we purchase up to two reports for VINs you choose during your plan window)
We review and interpret each report with you.
Add-ons
Extra on-site Pre Purchase Inspection: $200 each
Same-Day Rush: $99 when we fit you in today
Interior Detail (on-site): $149
Black Trim Restore (exterior black plastics): $79
How it works
Kickoff — goals, budget, must haves & wont haves
Search & vet — we shortlist the best candidates across WNY
On-site Pre Purchase Inspections — after we vet, we handle the visits
Report Card — photos/video, defects, concerns, delivered same day
Coaching — Price targeting, scripts, help with up to 2 counters
Quick fine print
Window: your included PPIs and 2 free CARFAX reports must be used within 60 days of kickoff.
CARFAX reports: one per VIN, up to two total, no cash value, non-transferable outside this plan.
Seller cancels/sells before arrival? Your credit rolls forward and does not consume an included PPI.
We provide evaluation and coaching only—not brokering/representation. Weather/seller rules may limit road tests or certain photos.