Inspecting a Used Car Before Buying: Why It’s So Important?
Buying a used car can be a very economical purchase. It lets you save money while getting a quality car at a fraction of the cost of purchasing one.
Despite this, the buyer still has some concerns, starting with whether the car engine will run smoothly. Do the brakes need to be replaced soon?
Well! The most effective way to ensure you get the best value from your used vehicle is to thoroughly examine it with an expert mechanic. Your mechanic will check every part of the car by looking for any problems you may fail to reveal.
Moreover, you should perform a pre-purchase inspection before purchasing a vehicle, and you may also opt for a post-purchase inspection after purchasing the vehicle.
As not all used cars have a comprehensive vehicle history report, inspecting a used car before making a decision is worthwhile.
We will cover all the details in this blog.
What is Pre-Purchase Inspection for cars?
Seeing your desired car and getting excited about it is a memorable experience.
However, when buying a used car, you should conduct a pre-purchase inspection to understand what you’re getting into—a pre-purchase car inspection costs between $100 and $200.
Most auto repair shops offer pre-purchase inspections, which cover several points. The mechanic performs internal pre-drive checks of all mechanical components, such as the engine and transmission, to ensure they function correctly. Plus, they’ll check things like brake pads and tires to see how long they’ll last.
The pre-purchase vehicle inspection may reveal hidden damage that the previous owner did not report. Although the car looks pristine, there could be structural or flood damage.
Once you determine whether the mechanic found several problems or none, you can make an informed decision.
Vehicle Inspections: How Do You Schedule Them?
Generally, a seller can inspect a car before placing it on the market. Consider another seller if your prospective seller does not permit you to inspect the property.
Ideally, you should borrow the vehicle you wish to purchase from the dealer or seller, schedule the inspection, and drive the vehicle to the destination. You may also ask your seller to accompany you to the inspection spot if you need help.
There is also the option of a mobile inspection, but these are less comprehensive since they do not involve lifting the car to check the ball bearings and other components underneath.
Consider Third-Party Vehicle Inspectors:
These days, most dealers don’t disclose problems with their vehicles, and the cost of repairing any problems would fall on them, so it makes more sense for them to take it from your pocket. That is why you should rely on something other than the dealer’s assurances that the vehicle will be flawless, no matter what they claim.
A wise approach is to hire a professional automobile inspector who emphasizes repairs more than inspections. This is because when you connect with a repair shop for inspection, they’ll focus more on repairs.
A properly trained inspector who focuses on their task will help you inspect your vehicle properly.
Inspect thoroughly and document your findings.
Ideally, obtaining an online vehicle inspection report that includes images would be possible. Previously, inspection reports were simple pieces of paper with some checks.
Modern automotive industries, like many others, place a high priority on transparency. Therefore, you can obtain a high-quality third-party inspection report from an inspection company of the same quality. You can check out of province inspection checklist too.
What do they check during a pre-purchase inspection?
Your mechanic will conduct a safety inspection during the Pre-purchase inspection to check for many items.
The ideal scenario is to provide them with a Vehicle History Report to identify what areas of the vehicle need special attention. Those who know where to look can determine whether previous damage to the car has been repaired fully.
Suppose you wish to conduct a detailed inspection, which is highly recommended. In that case, you should inspect the engine and mechanical systems, lift the vehicle, and look for broken or rusted components and leaks. The mechanic can also check for abnormal driving sounds and evaluate the vehicle’s steering and braking.
Importance of Vehicle Inspection before Buying
- Provides an actual worth for the vehicle
Pre-purchase inspections allow you to determine the actual value of a vehicle by examining its actual condition, which is why we recommend them.
In general, dealers tend to quote higher prices for their vehicles than they are worth. If you consult an experienced and capable car inspector, you can determine whether the vehicle you intend to purchase is worth the money and if it will last for a long time.
Also, you should get a Canadian Tire certificate if you live in Canada. Hence, it’s worth comparing Canadian Tire safety standard certificate costs before getting one. It certifies that a vehicle meets the rigorous safety standards set by Canadian Tire.
- Encourages Negotiations
Knowing the vehicle’s actual value will make you less likely to be pressured into paying more than it is worth.
You can negotiate a lower price when you receive a vehicle inspection report and find multiple problems. A car’s value is also determined by how much you will spend on repairs.
The satisfaction of knowing you did not get ripped off when a seller rejects your best offer allows you to walk away from the situation.
- Eases Maintenance Expenses
Considering maintenance costs when purchasing a used car is an important consideration.
Remember that worn-out oil filters, brake pads, and tires will eventually need to be replaced, even if the vehicle appears in good condition.
The professional inspection of your vehicle will provide insight into how much maintenance it will require.
What if I find damage during a vehicle inspection?
Determining whether the damage was disclosed before the PPI was issued is essential. A vehicle with a few repairs can still be a great buy, and you may even decide to upgrade to a higher-end model than you would have otherwise considered. When negotiating with the seller, you should check the car’s previous damage to ensure it was repaired properly and is safe to drive.
One last thought
A thorough vehicle inspection will not reveal everything, but a trained inspector will be able to detect the most severe issues. You should consider spending a few bucks and a few hours on inspection since you will spend several thousand dollars on it. While the trained inspector handles the mechanical issues, you can concentrate on the appearance. It is advisable to hire an inspector who provides a warranty.
FAQs
Why do you need to carefully inspect a used car before buying it?
Inspect your car to make sure it’s safe. If you buy a used car, you should also get a step-by-step inspection to ensure it works properly. If not, you’ll have to deal with them later. In this way, the buyer won’t have to pay for expensive repairs and be stuck.
What to look for when buying a used car in Canada?
Here are a few points to consider when purchasing a used car in Canada. These tips will assist you in determining what to look for.
- Make sure the car is in good condition
- Documents related to maintenance
- Check the registration certificate
- Getting car insurance
- No Claim Bonus Transfer
What is the main purpose of having a vehicle inspection?
Inspection and testing aim to identify items that do not comply with specifications. Consequently, production personnel will have the opportunity to either resolve or eliminate the problem. Such a feature will ensure that the product complies with the specification and provides the functionality it is supposed to provide.
What is the most important thing to consider when buying a used car?
When purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, you should check the original purchase invoice, pollution certificate, maintenance records, and road tax receipts. If you purchased the vehicle with a loan, the financing company must sign form 35 and provide a no-objection certificate.
