Pre-purchase Inspections
2. This home work should be done BEFORE you pick the type of car you like.
- www.autobytel.com – Find out about recalls and bulletin history.
- www.iihs.org – Insurance Institute for Highway Safety – Vehicle Ratings
- www.Safercar.gov – defects, recalls, crash test.
- www.nada.com and check the retail price.
- www.carfax.com – Check the title history using the VIN#.
- www.edmonds.com – Cost of owning a vehicle by year, make and model.
3. After you have narrowed it down, talk it over with the shop you use, and get their feed back.
4. You usually get more information about a vehicle when you buy straight from the owner. AND you usually get a better deal on vehicles that are 1-3 years old.
5. Once you have found one you like: Ask for receipts of maintenance history. Walk around the car, check paint, body panel gaps for evenness, chips, dents, stains in seats or carpet, funny smells, etc. Then have it inspected by an Independent ASE-CERTIFIED technician. This means NOT from the dealership you are buying it from! He will be able to tell if the vehicle has been well maintained or had any water/flood damage. Never EVER buy a used vehicle based only what the seller tells you. Get an educated second opinion. It is money WELL SPENT. We have HORROR stories from very good clients that have bought vehicles that have been rolled, flooded, needed $6,000 transmission and on and on because they got too much of a hurry and skipped the inspection part.
7. If they make it seem like it is a BIG inconvenience for them to part with the car to have it checked out – then move on.
8. If the deal is too good to be true, than it usually is. I am not saying there isn’t good deals out there just get it checked out BEFORE you give over your hard earned money!
9. Find a vehicle you think you’d like to purchase? Protect your investment. Our detailed and highly trained ASE certified technicians specialize in pre-purchase inspections for customers looking to purchase a used vehicle! We will perform our complete 50-point pre-purchase inspection sheet for you to take and help you make more informed choices before purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.
10. This same 50-point inspection may be used before your family takes a road trip to make sure your vehicle is in safe operating condition or to determine whether you want to keep your existing vehicle or go shopping for another one.