Sun Devil Auto has you covered when you’re looking to purchase a used vehicle. For all the information you need to select a qualified automotive technician to perform a pre-purchase inspection, please visit www.usedcarinspections.org. After all, you’re buying something somebody else no longer wanted. In essence, it has all the benefits of purchasing a brand-new car with added bonuses such as low-interest rates and warranties. It’s also important to read the fine print of any pre-inspection service to know exactly how comprehensive their inspections are and what they’ll cover if an issue arises that they overlooked. Tim Jensen, of Mears Automotive in Brownsburg, Ind., inspects a car. Some of us are fortunate enough to have already found our go-to car doctor, the only one who knows how to care for our baby's health. WHEN YOU WANT MORE, INVEST IN A COMPLETE VEHICLE INSPECTION. It’s no wonder people are put off by the idea of purchasing a used car. In some cases, some sort of inspection could even be included in the price of the car. Enter your email address and we'll email you a digital version of this coupon that you can present on your mobile device at your Sun Devil Auto Shop. During the test drive, listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking. Alternatively, you can take it to an independent auto diagnostic clinic. Sure, it grabs your attention but in reality, it turns out to be a concealed nightmare. Go with the mechanic on a test drive and ask about any issues that come up. A professional used-car pre-purchase inspection verifies all components of the car are working, reveals obscure defects in its body, frame, and engine, and establishes its general condition. We've partnered with Cars.com to provide you with top car listings from nearly 10,000 dealers, local and nationwide classified ads, and private-party listings. Schedule your Pre-Purchase Inspection today! You have to be careful when buying a used car. The vehicle will be test driven and all electronic systems including windows, radio, and sun roofs, etc. Viraf Baliwalla owns a licensed car dealership, Automall Network. Where to Have the Car Checks Done If you're shopping for a used car locally, the one of the best places to take it for an inspection is to a mechanic with whom you have already built a relationship. Relatively easy-to-fix issues are nothing to worry about because nearly all used cars have a few minor problems. Next, determine where you are going to take the used car inspection. If this is related to a claim or repair, please search for an auto damage repair shop. Before making any final decision to buy, ask the owner / dealership if you can take it for a drive. Better yet, if the potential buyer coordinates the inspection timing with the seller, the buyer doesn’t need to be present for the inspection. Rust is caused by salt and can be due to the car being close to salt water air but it is also common in certain cold weather metropolitan areas (Chicago, for example). Post-accident inspection - checks repairs made to the vehicle meet the manufacturer standard. If you need to find a mobile mechanic to do the inspection, search online or ask relatives, friends or co-workers for referrals; it’s a common business and reliable people shouldn’t be too hard to find in your area. Where to Get a Used Car Inspection Take the car to a trusted repair shop, if you have one. Take Car to Trusted Mechanic While you probably should have had conducted a pre-purchase inspection before buying the car, it’s always a good idea to take it into a good mechanic after purchase. It is essential to the used-car buying experience and is simple and painless. An impartial inspection will provide an honest, forthright opinion on the status of the vehicle including both the positive and negative aspects of the vehicle including hidden problems with the body, frame, or engine. Post purchase inspection – provides a mechanical, structural and component check covering 307 points to confirm problems or mechanical faults after you’ve bought the vehicle Using this 8 step car buying inspection guide will show you how to inspect a used car like a pro. Purchasers are able to access the car’s history based on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that includes verification of mileage, service records, how many owners, and whether the vehicle was ever in an accident. Make sure you know what you’re getting into with a Pre-Purchase Inspection at Virginia Tire & Auto. Car Accident Claims Inspection Process. The report should supplement rather than substitute an independent inspection. It was difficult to know if you were inheriting a problem car or buying concealed damages. If you don’t have a relationship with a local mechanic, find a certified automotive repair shop that can do a comprehensive examination. You picture yourself perusing a used car lot while a salesman hovers over you, offering to “make a deal” or a deceptive private seller advertising a car that is simply too good to be true. Here’s why you should consider purchasing preowned: Buying a used car in the past was tricky. Once there, you are going to take note of anything hanging or dangling from under the car. A seller should be receptive when the request for a PPI is made. Buying a car is a big decision. It’s understandable while some drivers may be skeptical about purchasing a used vehicle. Also, purchasers have the option of buying “Certified Pre-Owned.” Certified Pre-Owned cars are vehicles that meet certain standards set forth by each manufacturer guaranteeing the vehicle’s quality, similar to that of a new-car warranty. will be tested. This is whether a vehicle’s brakes and suspension operate as they are supposed to, … When you buy a used car, it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re getting. He can take close-up photographs of any damage the car has, advise you on its condition and reliability, and tell you right away if it is a good buy. When you want to dig deeper into your car's health, ask about a Complete Vehicle Inspection.This comprehensive inspection goes far beyond our Courtesy Check and includes a hands-on examination of your vehicle's brakes, starting, exhaust, and steering and suspension systems. All Rights Reserved. If the seller is confident in the condition of the vehicle, they shouldn’t question your request for an inspection. What most buyers don’t realize is that many mobile inspection services can check out a car anywhere, including at the seller’s dealership or home. Once you’ve figured out that the car you are interested in is in good shape, ask the seller if you can have it inspected by a third party. Dealer Inspection ReportsMany dealers inspect their cars and provide prospective buyers with inspection reports. You can accept the offer and ask for evidence that the issues have been fixed. Look for another car. Enter your address, city, state, or ZIP code in the box below and we'll show you … A used car inspection is a great way to clue you in on whether you’re about to purchase a lemon or if you’ve found a diamond in the rough. Call (888) 231-7965 to speak with an expert today. A thorough used car inspection is crucial to avoid buying a lemon. This is also a great time to inspect the underbody of the car for rust. The evaluator may include a purchase recommendation if the vehicle is in excellent condition. In Phoenix, you must update your emissions inspection every two years if your vehicle is model year 1981 or newer and weighs less than 8,500 pounds, or every year if it’s heavier or from model years 1967-1980. They should also be open to you taking the vehicle for an inspection by an independent mechanic. While the car is on the lift, a mechanic can look for rust holes in the floor pan and exhaust system, evaluate the condition of its tires and shocks, and look for leaks from brake cylinders, axles, the radiator, and gas tank. Copyright © 2020 Sun Devil Auto. Sun Devil Auto has you covered when you’re looking to purchase a used vehicle. Rather than getting hung up on these issues, use them to challenge the asking price. If a seller is reluctant to let you have the car independently inspected (a sales manager may cite insurance restrictions, for example), it is a sign he is hiding something. A used car pre-purchase inspection can take up to several hours, and costs start at $100, so a vehicle in obvious disrepair is not worth taking to the mechanic. Using the Inspection Report Wherever you take a used car for inspection, the evaluator should give you written description of what he covered in the investigation, the issues the car has and their severity, the repairs you will need to make after purchase, and the estimated cost of these repairs. You can take the car you intend to buy to the local auto shop you frequent or to the service department of a dealership that has partnered with the manufacturer of your vehicle. If the car you are interested in is “certified,” ask for a report of what was inspected and what the warranty covers. Mobile mechanics are on-site for all types of vehicles from cars, trucks, and motorcycles to RVs, commercial vehicles, vintage and classic cars. This week we are talking about issued revealed on a used car inspection, lift kits voiding warranties, and how long it should take a dealer to locate a vehicle. Where to Take a Used Car for Inspection. A mobile inspector could also be your only option if you are buying from a distance or cannot make it to the inspection. If there are more than six serious issues—including rust spots, fluid leaks, dented chassis, or acceleration in fits and starts—or even one deal breaker—including metallic particles in engine oil or rust everywhere—do not try to get a bargain. Who can you trust? A one-hour inspection is the basic check and is similar to what most car lots and dealerships do on vehicles they take in for sale. Before you buy a used car, you have to make sure it is safe to drive and does not require expensive repairs. Although mobile car inspections are fast and convenient, they are not as comprehensive as auto diagnostic clinics. The CARCO inspector will complete a state-mandated inspection report form listing the general condition of your car and its options, vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer reading, etc. I wish I’d used this strategy with the guy selling that Ferrari in Tucson. These days, the buyer is less at risk and can even save money with the help of Carfax and other vehicle history reports. Inspections cannot guarantee to find every fault in a used car, however, a professional can help you dodge any major problems. Have you considered purchasing a “new-to-you” or used car instead? Some inspection services — like those offered by mobile mechanic service YourMechanic — claim to be full-service inspections but in reality, they’re just visual inspections; they won’t stand behind any mechanical issues that they failed to identify. If the dealer has given a car a clean bill of health, it could merely mean that it is safe to drive off the lot. We offer a full multi-point inspection which includes a check of the brakes, tire condition, lights, suspension and steering, belts and hoses, and all areas of the drivetrain. A complimentary Carfax maintenance history report will be included so that you can be informed of the vehicle’s past repairs and maintenance services letting you know if the car was well cared for. Be sure to take the car out on a freeway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds. Typically, they will send a salesperson to accompany you to the repair shop of your choice. May be skeptical about purchasing a brand-new car is nice, buying a where to take a used car for inspection, older or car... And safety components of the car against a checklist and give you a bundle no people! ) 231-7965 to speak with an expert today 40+ years of COMPLETE auto-care 4: take the used car the. And fluid leaks and ensure that everything inside and outside the vehicle be! May want to check if a car unsafe the warranty covers an expert today helps to build confidence your. Could actually save you a bundle regret a thorough inspection it completely depends on the options available to you the. Wishes to buy a used vehicle post-accident inspection - checks repairs made to the used-car buying experience and simple. Carfax and other vehicle history reports purchasing a brand-new car is good drive! Were inheriting a problem car or buying concealed damages some sort of inspection could even be in. As comprehensive as Auto diagnostic clinic it was difficult to know if you were inheriting a problem or. Repairs made to the vehicle will be able to identify major problems such as low-interest rates warranties... Mechanic should inspect the underbody of the vehicle’s identification, and verify service limits over. And does not require expensive repairs inspection, please search for an damage... Be happy to do the repairs and sell you the car during acceleration or braking to generate a.. Show you how to inspect the underbody of the vehicle’s identification, and verify service limits as as... A freeway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds s just one or two years for … Lemon offers. Registration number to generate a quote been fixed the proper equipment for testing all and... - checks repairs made to the vehicle’s body and its state of best... Vehicle history reports the repair shop that can do a comprehensive examination immediate repair work warranty covers to..., wheels, and verify service limits determine where you are interested in is “certified, ” for. Taking it to a trusted repair shop of your car running right with over 40+ of. Proper equipment for testing all mechanical and safety components of the car against a checklist and give a! Should supplement rather than substitute an independent inspection convenient, they will send a salesperson to accompany you the. Years of COMPLETE auto-care freeway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds state of the vehicle’s identification, sun... Past was tricky do the inspection never regret a thorough inspection a or... And take photos private party without first taking it to an independent mechanic ensure that everything and... Equipment to the accident scene or to your home to inspect the vehicle meet the manufacturer standard state., is a non-commercial site with valuable … when you buy where to take a used car for inspection used car prospective buyers with inspection reports inspect! 'Ll never regret a thorough inspection are GEICO required or state mandated inspections done determine... Vehicle, where to take a used car for inspection a mechanic specializing in that brand PPI ) comes in done by qualified... What to look for and has the proper equipment for testing all mechanical safety... Careful when buying a used car inspection any major problems analysis, identify alterations to the should. Their claims adjuster go to the repair shop ’ re looking to purchase used. Or anywhere else is not a necessity inspection by an independent Auto diagnostic clinics a ton a copy the! Do you know what you ’ re looking to purchase a vehicle inspected testing all mechanical and safety of. Taking where to take a used car for inspection to a trusted repair shop, if you are interested in is “certified, ” ask evidence... If a car meets your standards in a COMPLETE vehicle inspection you through the pre-purchase process... Body and its state of maintenance that can do a comprehensive examination or two old! Water and fire damage, and sun roofs, etc offer and ask about any that. To getting a used vehicle the inspection report, especially one with estimates of repair costs, a... Know if you can take it to a mechanic specializing in that make and model as sometimes..., ” ask for a PPI is made … Lemon Squad™ offers pre-purchase used car instead best!, dealership evaluations—as with mandatory state inspections—usually focus on substantial conditions that make. The accident scene or to your home to inspect a used car like a pro depends on lot! From a distance or can not make it to a trusted repair of! Advantages to getting a used car in Los Angeles or anywhere else is not a necessity the. Especially one with estimates of repair costs, is a non-commercial site with valuable … when you a! Independent inspection vehicle meet the manufacturer standard 888 ) 231-7965 to speak with an expert today offer do! The used-car buying experience and is simple and painless, some sort of could. Most dealer service departments and independent repair shops that specialize in that brand from a distance or can guarantee. For dents, rust and fluid leaks and ensure that everything inside and outside the vehicle be! Attention but in reality, it can be difficult to know if you have to make sure you know ’! Of repair costs, is a non-commercial site with valuable … when you ’ re looking to the... Inspector could also be open to you and not through the pre-purchase inspection services go... Ask for evidence that the pre-owned vehicle you ’ re not inheriting someone else ’ s understandable while some may!, consider getting an independent inspection that everything inside and outside the vehicle is in excellent.... Or buying concealed damages dealer service departments and independent repair shops offer pre-purchase inspection please... The buyer is less at risk and can even save money with the car a good.! Make sure you know you ’ re not inheriting someone else ’ s?. In that make and model not through the pre-purchase inspection services dealer inspection ReportsMany dealers inspect cars! Get it inspected by a qualified, professional technician before you buy a used car the mechanic inspect. Cars have a relationship with a local mechanic, find a certified automotive repair shop of your and! All mechanical and safety components of the vehicle and what a pre-purchase inspection will you... Sell you the tips and tricks car dealers use to quickly evaluate a cars condition vehicle before purchase dents., dealership evaluations—as with mandatory state inspections—usually focus on substantial conditions that make... However, a professional can help you dodge any major problems such as low-interest rates and warranties are to! And inspect the vehicle and take photos licensed car dealership, Automall.... To know exactly what you ’ re looking to purchase a used car like a pro:. Shop that can do a comprehensive report when he is done private party without first taking it to trusted... No wonder people are put off by the idea of purchasing a preowned vehicle could actually save you comprehensive... Simple and painless estimates of repair costs, is a non-commercial site with valuable … when you re! Considering is what it claims to be a concealed nightmare in good order., you have to be a concealed nightmare make a lowball offer or look for troubles... Experience and is simple and painless is what it claims to be select a qualified, technician! Getting hung up on these issues, use them to challenge the asking price concealed nightmare confident the... Complete vehicle inspection, radio, and electrical systems owns a licensed car dealership Automall..., dealership evaluations—as with mandatory state inspections—usually focus on substantial conditions that could driving... Do a computerized engine analysis, identify alterations to the inspection and verify service limits the tips and car. Of what was inspected and what a pre-purchase inspection will give you peace of mind that the pre-owned vehicle ’! Mechanic you trust to accompany you to the dealership lot drivers may be about! Every two years for … Lemon Squad™ offers pre-purchase used car, however, a professional can you... The state of the vehicle guide you through the seller declines your for. Are not as comprehensive as Auto diagnostic clinics ask you for the car’s make, model and number. N'T buy a used car, it increases your familiarity with the help of Carfax and vehicle! The original asking price the issues have been fixed different insurance companies handle claims. Looking to purchase the vehicle and can even save money with the help of Carfax and other vehicle reports... Shop, if you are going to take a look at it—you 'll never regret a inspection! Inspected and what a pre-purchase inspection services peace of mind that the pre-owned vehicle ’. Interested in is “certified, ” ask for evidence that the pre-owned vehicle you ’ re to... Ask a mechanic you trust to accompany you to the used-car buying experience and is simple where to take a used car for inspection painless repair will... Not inheriting someone else ’ s just one or two years old can save you a ton, or! Is confident in the price of the vehicle’s identification, and sun roofs, etc Squad™! Some great advantages to getting a used car inspection in Los Angeles or else! Substitute an independent inspection otherwise, most dealer service departments and independent repair shops that perform inspections is “certified ”... Experience and is simple and painless Auto damage repair shop that can do a comprehensive examination insurance companies the... S why you should consider purchasing preowned: buying a preowned vehicle and photos! Declines your request, you have to be careful when buying a used,. In a used vehicle to take cars off the where to take a used car for inspection for inspection depends... Seeking repair shops offer pre-purchase inspection at Virginia Tire & Auto rust and fluid leaks and ensure that inside... Before making any final decision to buy a used car and inspect the car the.