Sure, used cars may not be as expensive as new ones, but investing in a rip-off is never what you want. Since a dealership will only let you in on information at their disposal, leaving you with the task of doing the extra checks on the structural integrity and overall stability of a car, one of the first things to do when buying a used car is to carry out a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection. The best person for this task is an experienced mechanic, so hiring a licensed expert is the best way to go.
A licensed mechanic will conduct a thorough assessment of all vital components, screening for faults and defects in the mechanical and safety components of a car. They will also be able to tell if recent any damage has been adequately fixed, inform existing conditions and consequent issues that may result in the long run.
Only an experienced mechanic can tell if a car has been duly repaired following an accident or has properly been maintained over the course of past use. In other words, a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection helps consumers avoid potentially problematic cars and allows them to negotiate a fair deal. While no major issues may be uncovered during a pre-purchase inspection, the extra layer of confidence and security provided by an expert assessment is worth the investment.
But Not All Buyers Inspect a Car Prior Purchase
If a pre-purchase inspection is all that important when buying a used car, then why is it many people don’t conduct one before making a purchase? Well, this could be down to one or more of the following:
1. The buyer is simply unaware of the service
2. Some buyers don’t feel the need to invest in an inspection service
3. They are unable to agree with the dealership on scheduling an independent inspection
4. Many buyers trust the seller-generated inspection report
5. Some car buyers opt for a quick test drive and visual inspection instead
6. Others feel they have enough experience buying used cars without needing third party help
Regardless of the reason, erring on the side of caution doesn’t hurt. Hiring an independent mechanic for a pre-purchae inspection service is undoubtedly the safer thing to do. As a buyer, requesting a pre-purchase inspection is standard practice, and a reliable seller shouldn’t have problems with accepting a refundable deposit as a precondition to inspection. If you’re unable to reach an agreement or the seller is reluctant to a pre-purchase inspection request, they are probably hiding something. Walk out of the deal.
How Much Does It Cost?
Depending on where you go; dealerships, auto service businesses or repair shops, and what is covered in the service, pre purchase inspections cost between $100 to $200. Mobile services are also available depending on your location, allowing you to have a licensed mechanic come over to the dealership or seller’s location before concluding the deal. Automotive experts advise consumers to schedule a pre-purchase inspection for the following reasons:
1. Helps to reveal hidden damage on the engine, frame or body of a car.
2. Increases buyer trust and confidence in a car’s value.
3. Trouble codes can reveal underlying electrical or mechanical faults
4. Better assessment of damage on wearable components.
Thus a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection will help inspectors identify major and minor problems that could otherwise lead to costly repairs post purchase. For example poor tracking and balance resulting from frame damage can cause your car to pull to one side, increasing the rate of wear on the tires. History of flood or fire damage may not be obvious to you, but a licensed vehicle inspector will be able to spot these signs. Fluid leaks, faulty accessories, hidden rust, bad bulbs and strange odours are also likely to be uncovered by an expert mechanic.
Buying Online
With many businesses swiftly turning their attention to online marketing, shopping for a used car has never been easier. But purchasing a car from a distance comes with its own downsides. First is the risk of fraud. The complexity of paperwork, payment hassles and inability to personally inspect the car prior purchase are other major drawbacks. And so a pre-purchase inspection couldn’t be more important if you choose to shop virtually.
Before anything else, you’d want to see close-up pictures and a history report of the car you want to purchase. With these out of the way, it’s time to inspect. If you are buying a car from a distant region of the country, you likely won’t be able to inspect in person, so third party help is what you want. This could mean requesting a friend near the seller’s location to inspect the car on your behalf, or hiring a reliable mechanic for the task. And, for obvious reasons, you’d ideally want to be responsible for hiring the inspector and not the dealership. Still, if you are unable to arrange an independent assessment for some reason, then a seller with a reputable history of satisfaction and trust from past buyers is where to look when buying a used car from distance.
