You can be sure that no one would buy a house without first inspecting it. Even if the current owner claimed everything is in order.
Why? Why?
A vehicle is a major purchase in many people’s lives. It is also the most expensive and complex. A car has many parts. Any of these parts could need to be repaired, which can have a negative impact on your safety and that of the car.
A pre-purchase inspection is essential and much more thorough than we realize. It is best to get a professional automotive technician to inspect the car thoroughly before you open your wallet.
The whole examination takes approximately 45 minutes and usually includes all the following:
- Test drives
- Monitoring assessments
- Examining the monitors in the car’s computer systems
- Examining the dash warning lights and lights
- System checks
- Elec.
- Charging and battery
- Exhaust
- Exterior and interior lights
- Heating & Cooling System
- Ignition
- Radar and cooling
- Assessments by mechanical means
- Suspension components
- Steering linkage
- Belts and hoses
- Evaluations to make sure that no fluids leak
- Maintenance assessments
- Tires and brakes
- Windshield washers/wavers and glass
- Fluid condition and levels
It feels like a lot. A comprehensive vehicle inspection must include approximately 200 checkpoints. You will be looking at factors such as make, model, color, price and stereo system, as well as door numbers. The tangible features of the car are what will draw you to it. The elements that will determine whether your car purchase is a success or failure are often intangible, hidden and unknown. Your vehicle’s color and hood aren’t worth much if it can’t safely transport you from one place to the next.
How do I schedule a vehicle inspection?
Once you have a clear understanding of what an extensive vehicle inspection is, you will need to know how to schedule one before you close the deal. Most car sellers will allow potential buyers to inspect the vehicle. You should consider asking for an inspection if your potential seller is refusing or hesitating to comply.
You should be able borrow the vehicle from the seller or dealer, arrange for an inspection and then drive it to the location where the inspection was scheduled. You can always ask your seller to allow you to bring the vehicle with you to the inspection site. Mobile inspection is another option. However, these inspections don’t require lifting the car to inspect the ball bearings or look for leakages.
You should make sure to choose a third-party vehicle inspector:
Dealers are known to avoid reporting problems with cars. Any issues that need to be fixed would cost them money. It is in their best interests to take this money out of your wallet and not theirs. This means that no matter how confident the dealer may be about their car’s flawlessness, you should not believe them.
You should instead find an independent inspector, preferably someone who is primarily involved in car inspection. Many repair shops place less emphasis on inspections and more importance on repairs. These mechanics don’t enjoy inspecting vehicles and will do everything to make it as quick and easy as possible. You need to find an inspector who is trained and sharp and is focused on their job. You must ensure that the vehicle is lifted at all times during inspection. After the inspection is complete, you should test drive it. There is no shortcut to vehicle inspection, regardless of what anyone may say.
Get a thorough and well-documented inspection report:
You should try to get an online inspection report with photos. An inspection report used to be just a piece of paper with a few checkmarks. The modern automotive industry, just like other industries, values transparency above all else. Today, you can obtain a high-quality inspection report by an equally high-quality company.
Benefits of vehicle inspection before buying:
1) LETS YOU KNOW THE VEHICLE’S ACTUAL VALUE:
We recommend prepurchase inspections because they will allow you to determine a fair price for your vehicle based on its actual condition. Dealers will often quote prices higher than what the car is worth.
An experienced and competent inspector will inspect the vehicle to determine its current condition. A thorough inspection will allow you to determine if the price you’re paying for your car is worth it and whether the car will last long enough to justify the cost.
2) OPENS THE DOOR FOR NEGOTIATIONS
Knowing the true value of your vehicle will help you get a better deal.
You can use the inspection report to negotiate a lower price if the vehicle inspection uncovers multiple issues. A key factor in determining the vehicle’s worth is how much you are willing to pay for future repairs. You can accept the lowest offer from the seller and walk away feeling that you have avoided a potential ripoff.
3) LOWER MAINTENANCE EXPENSES
You must consider maintenance costs when purchasing a used vehicle. Even if your vehicle runs well during negotiations, you should remember that tires, brake pads, and oil filters will eventually need to be replaced.
A professional inspector can provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost of maintaining your vehicle.
