You might have come across friends or family who bought a used car without checking it first and ended up with problems within a few months. It’s natural to feel wary about buying a used car as there are many horror stories about such vehicles. However, if you know how to buy a vehicle with confidence, the experience can be rewarding and even exciting. So what’s the best way to buy a used car? Pre-purchase vehicle inspection from a recognized organization that has certified technicians is your best bet. This will alert you to any issues with the car so that you can negotiate the price with the seller. Keep reading for more information on why you should get an inspection report before buying a used car.
WHY IS A USED CAR INSPECTION REPORT IMPORTANT?
When buying a used car, you’re buying someone else’s problem. You don’t know what the previous owner did to the car. It could have been well maintained, with just a few scratches on the paint, or it could have been driven like a maniac, with multiple issues needing attention. Without a pre-purchase car inspection, you don’t know. Getting an inspection report will help you to make an informed decision about the vehicle you are going to purchase. Whether you’re buying from a dealer or a private seller, a Vehicle inspection report can help you to negotiate the price. If there are significant issues with the car, you can ask the seller to compensate you for the cost of the inspection.
WHAT DOES A PRE INSPECTION AT CAR DEALERSHIP OR PRIVATE SELLERS LOCATION INCLUDE?
Before you get an inspection conducted on the used car that you want to buy, you need to understand what it will cover. An inspection will cover the following areas: Chassis, including frame, suspension, and tires. You’ll want to see no cracks in the frame or rust on the chassis. If there is any damage to the wheel alignment, this will need to be fixed before you can drive the car. Engine – check for leaks at the engine oil cap. Important to check the car for oil leaks around the engine tappet cover. Inspecting the engine oil condition as well as combustion leaks from engine blocks to identify future head gasket issues are crucial. To identify these issues our technicians use tools & chemicals to get proper detection. Transmission and Drivetrain – Inspect for no leaks in the transmission fluid as well as no damage to the transmission or drivetrain. This can include the differential and axles. Interior – mainly in the interior, look for damaged or worn upholstery. Check the seats for tears or fabric wear and the carpet for stains. Closely check for any obvious warning signs that the car has been in an accident, like a broken clip on the steering wheel or bent seat. Body – Outer look is important if inspect properly you can identify major accidents, paint touchups, and body parts replacements. Look for any dents or scratches, as well as rust on the undercarriage. Using different tools like color matching and paint thickness tools you can get a better understanding of the current state of the exterior.
PRICES FOR A USED CAR INSPECTION
It’s hard to say exactly how much a used car inspection will cost as prices differ from company to company. At Greasemonkey Inspectors, we have three different packages to select from BASIC, STANDARD and PREMIUM. Each has its benefits and advantages.
WHY AN INDEPENDENT CAR CHECK INSPECTION IS ESSENTIAL
When you’re buying a used car, an independent inspection is even more important. This is because an independent inspection company will give you a completely unbiased opinion of the car. Dealers will often try to get you to buy a car by hiding any problems or by not mentioning any issues. An independent inspection company is not tied to any specific seller. This means they will give you an honest review of the car. You can also use their inspection report to negotiate a lower price on the car with the seller.
FINAL WORDS: SHOULD YOU BUY A USED CAR WITHOUT INSPECTION?
We understand that many people don’t get a technician to inspect the car before buying it. This is fine if you know what to look for when inspecting the car yourself. The car should have been well maintained, with no obvious rust or other damage. It should also have relatively low mileage for its age. Closely look at unseen mechanical issues. What’s the status when driving the vehicle? A full ECU vehicle scan is needed. If you’re buying from a dealer, It is advisable to arrange for the vehicle to undergo an inspection by a certified on-site automotive inspection company.
WHERE TO FIND AN INDEPENDENT VEHICLE INSPECTOR?
You can find certified Greasemonkey Inspectors here who will inspect used cars onsite in Ontario, Canada. When finding a technician make sure that they don’t work on commission and that they offer a comprehensive inspection report. You don’t want to work with a mechanic who only gives you a verbal report. That’s why you need to book your technicians through a company. So that they are responsible for the report as well as everything is in written format. If a mechanic inspects the car and finds issues, they should let you know what they are and what the estimated cost would be to fix them. If you use a mechanic who only gives you a verbal report, you have no written proof of what they found. Don’t try to use local mechanicals. They are more likely to recommend a repair. It’s best to use a mechanic who doesn’t work on commission. This way, they have no vested interest in whether you get repairs done.
CONCLUSION
Buying a used car can be a great way to save money and still get a car that serves your needs. However, it’s important to get a thorough inspection of the car before buying it. This way, you know exactly what you’re getting into. You can then use the Greasemonkey Inspectors’ report to negotiate a lower price or have the seller pay for the inspection. Whether you’re buying from a dealer or a private seller, an inspection report can help you to make an informed decision. Our recommendation is to get an inspection from Greasemonkey Inspectors’ onsite pre purchase vehicle inspection service before you purchase your dream vehicle. Book your appointment here