When you have spent a substantial amount of your savings on a car, the last thing you want is a vehicle that experiences problems almost regularly. So how do you avoid buying a lemon or a vehicle with defects that will give you headaches constantly? The solution is a no-brainer: take the vehicle for a pre-purchase car inspection by a professional and experienced mechanic.
What is a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection?
Also referred to as a PPI, a pre-purchase inspection is an assessment conducted before buying a pre-owned car. Done by a licensed vehicle technician or mechanic, this type of inspection checks the car’s mechanical integrity, brings to light any safety issues and narrows down to anything that could potentially be an issue in the future. A PPI is particularly imperative if the car’s warranty has expired.
What is the Importance of a PPI?
When buying a car, even when pre-owned, you’re possibly going to spend a large portion of your savings to get both an enjoyable and reliable car. A PPI, despite a low-associated fee, can save you a lot of money by helping you avoid making a purchase that will result in more vehicle service appointments that you never signed up for.
When looking to buy a used car, it is highly likely the model you come across will fall outside the manufacturer’s warranty and/or has logged many miles, thus making it more likely to call for more service appointments down the line. With a PPI, however, you can drastically reduce any huge surprises in the near future.
What Does a PPI Cover?
When doing a PPI on a used vehicle, the mechanic will check almost everything, from the engine to the frame and all electronic elements of the car. The list is comprehensive and while you should conduct some of these on your own when taking the initial look at the vehicle you are considering, most of them call for detailed knowledge of the model in question.
Here is a list of what a professional mechanic will assess when doing a PPI of your potential pre-owned vehicle:
- -The overall condition
- -Visual issues with the exterior, including the frame and bodywork
- -The mechanical parts, both interior and exterior
- -The interior aesthetics and functions
- -The tires
- -The exhaust
- -The odometer
- -An engine analysis, identifying any issues
A comprehensive PPI includes an inspection at the auto shop, but a road inspection should also be included, where the mechanic will take the vehicle for a test drive, feel and listen for any issues while on the road.
A few of the many issues that a pre-purchase inspection can identify on a used vehicle include:
- -Frame damage
- -Flood damage
- -Sloppy or amateur repair job
After the Pre-Purchase Car Inspection
Once the PPI has been done by a professional mechanic one or several of the cars that you are considering, chances are you will be left with some information. A great mechanic or vehicle technician will outline any possible reasons for concern with the car and provide a quote on what the repairs would cost if you decide to purchase the car. With this information at hand, you will be in a position to make an informed decision on your next pre-owned car purchase and reduce the risk of buying a ride that will give you headaches on a regular basis.
Get a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection for Your Next Purchase Today!
Once a car has logged a number of miles on the odometer, it’s likely for it to have some substantial issues. The last thing is a lemon as your car, so do the necessary to ensure you are happy for many years down the line.
Purchasing a used vehicle can be time-consuming, and overwhelming to some extent. With so many elements of the car to worry about, peace of mind in your next used vehicle is certainly worth the small amount of money a PPI requires.
Auto repair or service shops are the best places to take your potential pre-owned vehicle for a pre-purchase inspection. That’s because these shops have experienced mechanics, the tools and the knowledge needed to spot any concerning issues. After the inspection, you’ll leave educated and the information you need to make a wise decision!
