With all of the excitement of buying a used car, there is one element that is often overlooked, and ignoring this important detail can end of costing you big: the vehicle inspection. You have decided what type of car or truck is right for you. You have test driven it and found that it meets your expectations. You have visited the dealer or private seller and have agreed on a price. So, all that is left is to sign the papers, buy the car and drive away happy, right? Wrong!
It is vitally important to ensure that the purchase of the car is conditional on the vehicle passing an inspection by a qualified mechanic. This inspection will cost around $100, but it is most definitely money well spent. The vehicle inspection is more than a safety or an emissions test – it is a full inspection of the inner workings of the mechanical and electrical systems of the vehicle to ensure that it is not only fit for the road, but that it isn’t due for a major repair in the near future – a repair that you will probably be responsible for should you overlook the inspection.
When you look at a vehicle advertised in a used car classifieds, you will rarely see the description saying something like, “this vehicle needs two thousand dollars of work” or “the transmission will fail after you’ve had the car for a month”. Unfortunately, many people will hide these details in order to sell their vehicle. Remember, unless it is a Certified Pre-owned Vehicle sold from an authorized franchised dealer, there will most likely be no warranty coverage left on the car or truck, meaning you will be on the hook for repairs. This is why the inspection is so important – it can help you determine if the vehicle looks to be a peach or a lemon!
Of course, proper car maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your automobile as much as possible, so make sure to ask the seller for service and maintenance records. This way, you can tell if the seller looked after the car, or if it was neglected. Ask the seller if they can produce receipts for things like oil changes and tire rotations. If this information is not available with the sale, be wary. Ask the seller if the vehicle was emissions tested and if those records are available. Every time a vehicle changes hands, it needs to pass a safety inspection. Ask the seller if safety records are available. Remember that some maintenance is common wear and tear, like brake pads and rotors. So if the seller can produce records and you see these sorts of things, don’t worry – they are commonplace.
If the seller – dealer or private – refuses to allow the car to be inspected prior to purchase, do not proceed with the sale. Walk away – or better yet, drive away…fast. Either way, never ever forget to have the vehicle fully inspected before you consider buying it.
