Do You Need a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection

In today’s world, some things are worth double-checking; they can save you a lot of headaches. When purchasing a used car, you should use the same principle. It is because even the shiniest-looking car can arrive with a couple of hidden problems. To confirm that you’re not buying a lemon, you should opt for a pre-purchase inspection.

A pre-purchase inspection confirms that the car is going to run smoothly today and in the future. For double surety, you can hand over this task to a qualified car mechanic nearby to ensure the vehicle is in top condition.

So let’s find out a little more about what’s involved in a mechanic’s pre-purchase inspection.

What is a pre-purchase inspection?

A pre-purchase inspection is a thorough investigation of the interior, exterior and functioning of all components of a car that you’re planning to purchase. From an engine, radiator, battery, exhaust system to tyres and body, everything will be inspected to learn the drawbacks of the car and judge if it’s a good deal.

In simple words, it is a mechanical review of a used car that you desire to purchase. For this, you will need an expert eye as you’ll be investing your hard-earned money in it.

When the pre-purchase inspection is conducted?

As the name implies, the pre-purchase inspection is conducted prior to the purchase of a car. To be more precise, you can conduct either on the same day or within a few days of closing the deal.

Process of pre-purchase inspection:

1. Checking the interior and the engine bay for faults
   
   
   The pre-purchase inspection contains the checking of the functioning of interior parts like the dashboard, fluid levels, interior lights, engine bay and many more. Below given are the things a mechanic checks, which helps in making the correct buying decision:
   
   
   Looking for rips, spots or any kind of damage in upholstery.
   Looking for scratches on parts of the inside portion of the car’s cabin.
   Checking the HVAC system to investigate its condition and the airflow.
   The next step would be to check the odometer reading; it should be relative to the age of the vehicle.
   And the last step for the interior portion would be switching on the ignition and checking the dashboard for warning lights. Other accessories should also be investigated like cameras and parking sensors.
   
   
2. Inspect the exterior for damage
   
   
   To take a look at the exterior part, a walk is taken around the vehicle to look for scratches, dents and risky paint jobs. Further, a thorough check on all the gaps between the panels, such as doors and fenders, is done. Typically, the uneven gaps depict poorly repaired or poorly assembled parts.
   
   
   The next thing which is checked is the inside portion of the wheel wells for rusting and corrosion damage by using a flashlight. Further, the doors, hood and trunk are opened and closed to check whether or not they are making any unwanted noises, also perfectly bolted. Additionally, the rubber seals around the door and windows are inspected for rot or tearing.
   
   
   Last but not least, a good look around the glass panels is also taken to investigate whether or not they have any cracks. In fact, suspension and frame damage is also checked.
   
   
3. Road testing to test engine performance and transmission
   
   
   The pre-purchase inspection is not simply a visual check of the car; a serviceman also does a brief road test to make sure the components, such as engine and transmission, are working as they should be. As well, no obvious issues have been found.
   
   
   They also notice the noises made by the various components of the car, and based on that, they issue a reliable report. Furthermore, they notify the problems observed in the car.
   
   
4. Advise whether or not the car is worth the price
   
   
   After a pre-purchase inspection, the serviceman will also provide a traffic light guide. It includes:
   
   
   Stop: This means the repairs highlighted in the pre-purchase inspection report could make the car purchase unprofitable.
   
   
   Caution: The car should give you the service you want after undertaking the repairs mentioned in the report. But the repairs’ price should be fetched before the purchase.
   
   
   Go: The reported repairs will be covered by routine car service and parts replacement. However, it should also be priced before purchase.
   
   

Why should you get it done by a professional?

Buying a used car is a stressful job; therefore, you should be performing the pre-purchase inspection. Doing it yourself can make things worse. That’s why you should allow professionals to do the job. By handing over this job to an expert, you will be assured that the used vehicle is in working condition. He will also advise you if a purchase is uneconomical. This way, you’ll have no regrets in the future.