When buying a used car, it’s essential that you verify its condition and reliability. In addition to asking the seller questions about the car’s condition, having a pre-purchase vehicle inspection done beforehand can provide you with some peace of mind.
Let’s take a closer look at pre-purchase inspections and why you may want to consider one before buying a used car.
Key Points You Should Know
| What is it? | A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is an in-depth examination of a used vehicle by a mechanic to assess its condition and pinpoint any potential problems before purchase. |
| Cost | These inspections can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more and are typically paid for by the car buyer. |
| Reasons to get it | To find hidden problems, avoid unexpected repair costs, and increase a buyer’s negotiating power. |
What Is A Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection?
A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is a thorough assessment of a used car by a licensed mechanic or auto technician. The goal is to reveal any cosmetic, safety or mechanical problems. The individual performing the inspection will identify potential issues that could come up in the future and ensure that past problems were adequately repaired.
This kind of information is very useful because it will reassure your purchase and could give you a bargaining chip for price negotiations if an issue is identified.
How Much Does A Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost?
The price of a pre-purchase vehicle inspection is typically between $100 and $200. The price could be lower or higher than this range depending on how detailed the inspection is and the vehicle itself. More often than not, the buyer is responsible for paying the fee, but this could be something you negotiate with the seller.
What Happens During A Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection?
When you bring the car in question to a pre-purchase vehicle inspection, the mechanic or technician will assess the following components:
- Engine And Transmission: The mechanic will assess the engine’s condition, the transmission’s operation, and check for any leaks, engine health, and transmission operation.
- Brakes And Suspension: The brakes will be tested to ensure they’re in good working order, and the suspension components will be looked at to make sure they’re intact.
- Exterior And Frame: The mechanic will look for prior accident damage, rust, or frame misalignment.
- Interior: The condition of the upholstery and interior surfaces will be assessed.
- Electronics: The mechanic will test the electronic controls on the dashboard, air conditioning and heating, and power accessories.
- Wheels And Tires: The tire tread depth and alignment will be checked.
- Drivability: The car will be taken for a test drive to evaluate the braking, steering, and overall performance.
Learn more: Used Car Warranty
Benefits Of A Pre-Purchase Inspection
There are several reasons why you may want to have a pre-purchase inspection done on a used vehicle you intend to purchase:
- Uncovers Hidden Issues. Many used vehicles might look great at first glance, but there may be latent issues with the car that you may not notice, including mechanical or structural problems. More specifically, an inspection on the car may reveal the following:
- Engine problems
- Transmission issues
- Frame damage from accidents
- Flood or fire damage
- Worn-out brakes
- Wear on suspension components
- Electrical issues
- Helps Avoid Expensive Repairs. A pre-purchase inspection can help prevent any unexpected repairs soon after you take home your car. If there are issues discovered, a seasoned mechanic can estimate what the repair costs might be, which can help you make a more informed decision about whether it’s financially worth buying the car at the price the seller is asking.
- Gives You More Negotiating Power. If issues are discovered after an inspection, you can use this as a negotiating tool to have the seller lower the price or request that the seller repair the issues before sealing the deal.
Where Can I Get A Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection?
Pre-purchase vehicle inspections can be done with any of the following sources:
- Independent Auto Shops. Local mechanics offer reliable inspections. Just make sure that they’re certified, and consider doing a quick online check to scan reviews and ratings from previous customers before settling on a particular repair shop.
- Dealership Service Centres. Dealerships typically have their own service centres that perform a variety of maintenance and repair services, including pre-purchase vehicle inspections. This may be ideal for brand-specific inspections but can be more expensive than independent auto shops.
- Mobile Inspection Services. Many repair and inspection services are available on a mobile basis, which means they come to your car rather than you having to bring the vehicle to them. This is a convenient option if the vehicle is far from where you are.
Learn more: Should You Buy A Used Or New Car?
What Should I Do If My Inspection Reveals An Issue?
If the inspection report reveals issues with the vehicle, you have a few options:
Negotiate The Price
Use the findings of the inspection as leverage to negotiate a lower price based on the estimated cost of repairs. To get these estimates, obtain a handful of quotes from trusted mechanics.
Ask The Seller To Make Repairs
Request to have the vehicle repaired before you finalize the deal and take possession of the car. If you’re buying from a dealership, they may be willing to cover repairs as part of the deal.
Consider Buying A Warranty
If you’re still interested in the car despite the issues discovered, look into buying an extended warranty. This can provide coverage for unexpected repairs at some point in the near future. Just make sure to factor in the cost of the extended warranty into the overall cost of the car.
Walk Away
If you’re not comfortable with the issues uncovered or they’re too expensive to repair, you’re free to think twice about buying the vehicle and simply walk away. In this case, you may be better off finding another vehicle without any major issues than to buy one that will require expensive repairs.
When Should You Get A Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection?
There are plenty of reasons to consider a pre-purchase vehicle inspection, but it may not always be warranted. Consignee the following before choosing whether or not to have one done when you buy a used car:
| When To Get A Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection | When You Can Skip A Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection |
| You’re buying the vehicle from a private seller. | The car is certified pre-owned (CPO) from a trustworthy dealership. |
| The vehicle’s warranty has expired. | The vehicle is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. |
| You notice questionable things like unusual sounds or mismatched paint. | You’re buying a car from a family member or close friend who is forthcoming about its history. |
| The seller doesn’t have any maintenance records. | The seller provides a recent vehicle inspection report from a reliable mechanic. |
Alternatives To A Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection
There are some alternatives to a pre-purchase vehicle inspection that you may consider that can still help you determine a used vehicle’s condition before buying:
Review The Vehicle History Report
Services like CARFAX use the vehicle identification number (VIN) to check a car’s history, including insurance, collisions, accidents, ownership, odometer, manufacturer, and title status. Any red flags will be identified in the CARFAX report, which you can use to help you determine whether to purchase a specific car.
Learn more: Checking Your Car History Report In Canada
Bring A Mechanic Friend With You
If you know an experienced mechanic or someone who is well-versed in vehicles, ask them to accompany you when you buy a car. Then, they can conduct their own inspection while scoping out the car before you agree to buying it.
Buy A Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicle
CPO vehicles undergo comprehensive inspections and often come with extended warranties.
Final Thoughts
The point of a pre-purchase vehicle inspection is to determine the overall condition of the car you’d like to buy before you make the commitment. In addition to knowing the condition, you can use the results from the inspection report to negotiate the price and assess how reliable the seller is. Considering the amount you’re spending to buy a car, the added cost may be worth the peace of mind and information you’ll gain from an inspection.
