Getting a professional to take an in-depth look at the new or used cars you're considering buying is a must.
Buying a car can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are deciding on whether to buy new or used. And, if you've settled on a used vehicle, there are many things to consider before just driving away. Having a pre-purchase vehicle inspection done can save you time, and money in the long run, and it can prevent you from being scammed or done in.
Most automotive technicians or mechanics will be able to carry out a pre-purchase vehicle inspection on your behalf. These professionals evaluate the vehicle you plan on buying to determine its condition and value so you don't end up with a lemon of a car riddled with hidden problems. Such an inspection can also give you an idea of whether you are paying too much for what you're getting. Here's how a professional will complete a pre-sale car inspection and the checklist you should use when buying a used car.
A pre-purchase car inspection is a professional service offered by an automotive technician or mechanic who will thoroughly assess the condition and quality of a car that a buyer is looking to purchase. Here are some things they will do during such an inspection:
Buying a used car requires you to take certain precautions to ensure you are getting the best deal. Finding a used car with good mileage can be difficult, so take your time and do as much searching as you can.
You are advantaged by legal protection when buying from a secondhand dealer but when you're buying privately, you're left to your own devices and subjected to "Buyer Beware". That means you bear all of the responsibility of making sure that the vehicle you're buying is okay to drive and has been maintained to an acceptable degree. You'll have to check the car thoroughly and ask all of the pertinent questions.
If you aren't using a professional to inspect the vehicle for you, here are some tips on how to inspect the car before buying and how to determine the condition of a used car:
A pre-purchase inspection is something you should certainly consider if the vehicle you're purchasing is being sold by a private seller, if it's a far distance from you, or if it's no longer under warranty. It's always a good idea to have an inspection done when buying any used vehicle, although some dealers may offer their in-house inspection report as part of the package.
The cost of a PPI will depend on the professional you go to, but a good and thorough PPI of mainstream cars like a Toyota Camry or Ford EcoSport should cost anywhere between $100 and $200 and will include a test drive. PPIs of high-end luxury vehicles like a BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe can cost a lot more, however.
The buyer is typically responsible for arranging and paying for the PPI as it is in their interest to be purchasing a high-value car. However, some dealers or private sellers may offer a PPI as part of the deal.
You won't have to inspect a brand new car before buying it as it will likely be covered by a comprehensive warranty and be subjected to strict quality assurance processes before leaving the factory.