Welcome to Part 2 of the Used Car Checklist series! If you want to check out Part 1 in which we detail basics about buying a used car, check it out here! In Part 2, we’ll go in depth about what you’ll want to look for during a pre-purchase car inspection. Without an inspection, all you have to rely on is the world of the seller. This means that pre purchase inspections are absolutely vital to ensuring that you buy a good, reliable vehicle! Check out the rest of this article to learn what you’ll need to know about pre purchase car inspections!
Evaluating a Used Car
Should I get a used car inspected before buying? Absolutely, yes! One of the biggest mistakes you can make before buying a used car is failing to get it inspected! Chances are, you probably aren’t a mechanic or intimately familiar with how vehicles work. This is no fault of yours, but it does mean that you aren’t fully equipped to assess the condition of a used vehicle.
When you go to look at a car for the first time, your first impression will be largely made of what the vehicle looks like and how it drives. Appearances can be extremely deceptive, especially considering that some of the most catastrophic issues aren’t always visibly obvious. Not only that, but a vehicle that performs well during a test drive may actually be just a few hundred miles away from needing a major part replaced.
Simply put, you’re walking into a giant unknown anytime you try to buy a used car. You’d hope that most dealerships or third-party sellers would be honest, but you can’t always guarantee that they will be. You’re much better of being safe rather than sorry, which means taking any used car you want to buy to someone capable of performing a comprehensive pre purchase inspection.
How to Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
There’s no question that a pre-purchase inspection is worth the hassle, but how you go about acquiring one may not be obvious. You can treat a pre purchase inspection just like any other vehicle inspection, except in this scenario you haven’t yet purchased the vehicle. Pre purchase inspections are very common, so you shouldn’t have any trouble having one completed.
How much is a pre purchase car inspection? The answer to that question will vary based on where you go. If you take your vehicle to a name brand dealership, you’re definitely going to end up paying a premium. Cheaper alternatives can be found at chain-style repair shop, but this comes at the risk of a less thorough inspection. A safe range to expect is anywhere between $100 and $200 for a comprehensive pre purchase inspection.
How long does a pre-purchase car inspection take? The answer to this also depends. Just how thorough do you want the exam to be? Logically, if an exam only took a few minutes, just how thorough could it have been? A pre purchase car inspection shouldn’t take all day, but an hour or two isn’t out of the question either if you really want to be sure everything is in good shape.
Where to Take a Used Car for Inspection
Opting to have a pre-purchase inspection done is definitely important, but where you decide to take it also matters. Consider what a pre purchase inspection is. It may seem like someone just making sure everything works, but it is still a service. Services are always performed at varying levels of skill and competency, so not every pre-purchase inspection will be of the same standard. Two people looking at the same part may view it differently, so it is important for you to find someone you can trust to perform your inspection!
How do I locate a used car pre purchase inspection near me? Your first best option is networking. If you know any friends or family members that are a mechanic or work at an automotive shop, consider asking them if they can help. Alternatively, don’t be afraid to use Google and read through reviews to make sure you’re working with someone reputable.
Can you tell me how to find a mechanic to inspect a used car? If you already know a mechanic, this becomes much easier. The automotive repair industry tends to be ripe with mechanics willing to make an extra buck. Many mechanics are employed at a repair shop, but they also take work on the side, working on other vehicles during their free time. Unfortunately, finding a mechanic is often difficult unless you already know one. If you don’t know a mechanic, your best option is to visit a reputable service shop and potentially find one there willing to help you outside the shop.
How does a pre-purchase inspection at dealerships work? Opting to have your inspection done at a dealership is quite an easy process. You can schedule an appointment beforehand to bring your desired vehicle in to immediately be looked at. Dealerships are often the most expensive route, but they tend to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for verifying that everything is in good working condition. Dealerships often offer the most through inspections outside of an excellent mechanic.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Now that you know just how important pre purchase inspections are and where to have one done, you’ll want to know what mechanics actually look for in a pre purchase inspection. There are so many different working parts on a vehicle to inspect, but with the use of a checklist, this process becomes much more organized. For convenience, the checklist will be separated into the vehicle’s exterior, interior, engine, steering & brakes, and miscellaneous sections below.
Exterior
- Windshield cracked?
- Body paint matching?
- Dents, scratches, or rust?
- Do seams align?
- Rims scuffed?
- Tire tread thinning?
- Emergency equipment available?
- Spare tire available?
- Headlights work?
- Tail & brake lights work?
- Signal lights work?
- Doors, hood, trunk open?
Interior
- Seats structurally sound?
- Any dashboard lights?
- Unappealing smell?
- Dirty appearance?
- All locks work?
- Windows roll up/down?
- Windshield wipers work?
- Emergency signals work?
- Does stereo work?
- Anything missing?
Engine Bay
- Any leaks?
- Fluid levels maintained?
- Is oil black?
- Battery terminals corroded?
- Any smells or sounds?
- Blue or black exhaust?
- Manual Transmissions: Is gear shifting smooth?
- Manual Transmissions: Any noise in reverse?
Steering & Brakes
- Do brakes grind, groan, or squeal?
- Are brakes spongy?
- Does car pull to side when braking?
- Any wheel vibration?
- Is steering wheel aligned?
- Is steering easy?
- Parking brake work?
Miscellaneous
- Does alarm work?
- Do locks stay locked?
- Accessories functional? (sunroof, DVD player, heated seats, etc.)
- Title available?
- Service records available?
- User manuals available?
Don’t Skip Out on a Pre-Purchase Inspection!
Now you have everything you need to get a pre-purchase inspection! With how important an inspection is to ensuring that you buy a good vehicle, there is no good excuse for not having one done! While most inspections do come at a cost, you can find a free pre purchase car inspections at some service shops. These might not be as thorough as the high-quality inspection performed by an expert mechanic or professional dealership, but any form of inspection is better than nothing at all. Before you plan on buying your next used car, make sure you take it for a pre-purchase inspection!