where to take a used car for inspection

When you speak with your mechanic, ask them to check: Mobile Car InspectionWhere you take a used car for inspection largely depends on the options available to you. 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. A seller should be receptive when the request for a PPI is made. Rather than getting hung up on these issues, use them to challenge the asking price. Throughout this guide I'll share with you the tips and tricks car dealers use to quickly evaluate a cars condition. Do any dealerships allow you to do that? It completely depends on the type of person who wishes to buy a used car from some private seller or a dealer. A pre-purchase car inspection is an inspection done by a technician to determine the condition of a vehicle before purchase. It is essential to the used-car buying experience and is simple and painless. Relatively easy-to-fix issues are nothing to worry about because nearly all used cars have a few minor problems. A mobile inspector could also be your only option if you are buying from a distance or cannot make it to the inspection. Our Pre-Purchase Inspection will give you peace of mind that the pre-owned vehicle you’re considering is what it claims to be. 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. If this is related to a claim or repair, please search for an auto damage repair shop. The most thorough checks tend to come when you buy the car through an Approved Used scheme, but it’s quite possible a franchise or independent dealer will include some form of check as part of their sales package. Although mobile car inspections are fast and convenient, they are not as comprehensive as auto diagnostic clinics. If there are only a few cosmetic issues that blemish an otherwise spotless used car pre-purchase inspection report, you can proceed with the purchase in confidence. Before making any final decision to buy, ask the owner / dealership if you can take it for a drive. 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. This is whether a vehicle’s brakes and suspension operate as they are supposed to, … Most reputable auto dealerships allow prospective buyers to take cars off the lot for inspection. Be sure to take the car out on a freeway to ensure it operates properly at high speeds. If the inspection report has a few red flags, you can either make a lowball offer or look for another car. 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. will be tested. 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. Mobile mechanics are on-site for all types of vehicles from cars, trucks, and motorcycles to RVs, commercial vehicles, vintage and classic cars. In some cases, some sort of inspection could even be included in the price of the car. Car Accident Claims Inspection Process. Unit and component inspection – performs a detailed inspection of specific vehicle parts. A detailed inspection report, especially one with estimates of repair costs, is a great bargaining tool. One of the best ways to check if a car meets your standards in a used car inspection is to simply drive it. Alternatively, you can take it to an independent auto diagnostic clinic. 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. That’s where the Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) comes in. WHEN YOU WANT MORE, INVEST IN A COMPLETE VEHICLE INSPECTION. The evaluator may include a purchase recommendation if the vehicle is in excellent condition. This is a non-commercial site with valuable … A quality technician knows what to look for and has the proper equipment for testing all mechanical and safety components of the vehicle. I wish I’d used this strategy with the guy selling that Ferrari in Tucson. The A.V. There are two options when you need a vehicle inspected. When you buy a used car, it can be difficult to know exactly what you’re getting. If the car you are interested in is “certified,” ask for a report of what was inspected and what the warranty covers. I wouldn't buy a car from a private party without first taking it to a mechanic for a pre-buy inspection. Look for another car. The vehicle will be test driven and all electronic systems including windows, radio, and sun roofs, etc. Looking to buy a new or used car? Have you considered purchasing a “new-to-you” or used car instead? You can accept the offer and ask for evidence that the issues have been fixed. 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. An independent inspection can be a good idea even if the dealership has examined the car and is selling it with a warranty or service contract. Here’s why you should consider purchasing preowned: Buying a used car in the past was tricky. If you do decide to purchase a vehicle, get a mechanic to take a look at it—you'll never regret a thorough inspection. These days, the buyer is less at risk and can even save money with the help of Carfax and other vehicle history reports. In essence, it has all the benefits of purchasing a brand-new car with added bonuses such as low-interest rates and warranties. Inspections cannot guarantee to find every fault in a used car, however, a professional can help you dodge any major problems. He should also check the structural integrity of the vehicle’s body and its state of maintenance. Post-accident inspection - checks repairs made to the vehicle meet the manufacturer standard. Sometimes, it’s called a “stop/steer/go” check. 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. Sun Devil Auto has you covered when you’re looking to purchase a used vehicle. Just look online or through your phone book to find local shops that perform inspections. Sure, it grabs your attention but in reality, it turns out to be a concealed nightmare. Automobile Repair ShopsAn auto repair shop, on the other hand, can hoist the car and examine the undercarriage for bends, misalignments, and other signs of frame damage. Autolist is building a better automotive buying experience for everyone, by offering the best apps and the largest selection of new and used cars in the United States. If the seller declines your request, you may want to reconsider your desire to purchase the vehicle. During the test drive, listen for any strange noises coming from the car during acceleration or braking. How do you know you’re not inheriting someone else’s problem? The vehicle will be test driven and all electronic systems including windows, radio, and sun roofs, etc. Where to Take a Used Car for Inspection. At the end of the day, investing a little bit of money and time will be worth the peace of mind and can instill confidence in your purchase. They should also be open to you taking the vehicle for an inspection by an independent mechanic. Thinking about purchasing a new car? More than that, it increases your familiarity with the car and helps to build confidence in your purchase. 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. Viraf Baliwalla owns a licensed car dealership, Automall Network. 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. Our other inspections. 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. Updated March 2019. 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. They are GEICO required or state mandated inspections done to determine the condition of the vehicle. The report should supplement rather than substitute an independent inspection. Where to Get a Used Car Inspection Take the car to a trusted repair shop, if you have one. Make sure you know what you’re getting into with a Pre-Purchase Inspection at Virginia Tire & Auto. One of the most important steps when you buy a used car is taking a test drive. There are some great advantages to getting a used car and they all end up making things easier on your wallet. You can ask a mechanic you trust to accompany you to the dealership and inspect the car on the lot. Walk away. A mobile inspection is fast and convenient. 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. If a dealer objects to your taking a car offsite for inspection, you may have to find someone who can inspect it on the lot. Our Service Consultants will review the inspection with you and give you their honest opinion on whether the purchase is a sound decision or whether you should continue your search. Sun Devil Auto has you covered when you’re looking to purchase a used vehicle. 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. 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. A dealer may offer to do the repairs and sell you the car at the original asking price. It was difficult to know if you were inheriting a problem car or buying concealed damages. Before purchasing a used vehicle, consider getting an independent inspection. Before you buy a used car, you have to make sure it is safe to drive and does not require expensive repairs. (Photo by Eldon Lindsay) Taking a used car to a mechanic before you buy it can help you avoid a car with damage or problems. 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 you’re buying the vehicle from a dealer, you can usually have them conduct the car inspection onsite. Tim Jensen, of Mears Automotive in Brownsburg, Ind., inspects a car. It is advised to do a used car inspection to gather information on the car’s current condition (damage, maintenance, safety) to determine whether a purchase is a good investment. Lemon Squad™ offers pre-purchase used car inspections. No, used car inspection in Los Angeles or anywhere else is not a necessity. Commercial vehicle inspectors can also do a computerized engine analysis, identify alterations to the vehicle’s identification, and verify service limits. Do a visual inspection of the car's exterior and interior to see that it is in an acceptable condition, and check for signs of accidents or damage. Some used cars on a dealership lot may be marked “certified.” Usually, this means the cars have gone through a more thorough inspection and come with a limited warranty. Using this 8 step car buying inspection guide will show you how to inspect a used car like a pro. Typically, they will send a salesperson to accompany you to the repair shop of your choice. If you don’t have a mechanic you can trust, and there are no specialized service departments near you, look for an auto diagnostic service provider that displays an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) seal or any other reputable certification. How to set up a Used Car Pre-Purchase InspectionBefore you schedule an inspection, check that the car is in the actual condition the seller claims. Some insurance companies will have their claims adjuster go to the accident scene or to your home to inspect the vehicle and take photos. The inspection should include a test drive to look for suspension troubles or inconsistencies in engine operation. Copyright © 2020 Sun Devil Auto. With the pre-purchase checks in our Vehicle Inspection, you can see whether a car's in good order before you buy.. As part of our inspection, we'll: Aim to inspect your chosen vehicle usually within 2 to 4 working days of booking Look for dents, rust and fluid leaks and ensure that everything inside and outside the vehicle is in good working order. A mechanic will only carry a jack, code reader, and other light equipment to the dealership lot. The evaluator may include a purchase recommendation if the vehicle is in excellent condition. 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. A thorough used car inspection is crucial to avoid buying a lemon. For all the information you need to select a qualified automotive technician to perform a pre-purchase inspection, please visit www.usedcarinspections.org. Even without your asking, the mechanic should inspect the car against a checklist and give you a comprehensive report when he is done. This is also a great time to inspect the underbody of the car for rust. Next, determine where you are going to take the used car inspection. The car needed $12,000 in immediate repair work. If you are buying a rare, older or high-performance car, consider seeking repair shops that specialize in that make and model. The inspector will take photographs of your car and provide you with a copy of the report for your records. 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. It doesn't matter whether you're buying from a private party, an independent used car dealer, or even a certified used car from a franchised new car dealership; a thorough test … Dealer Inspection ReportsMany dealers inspect their cars and provide prospective buyers with inspection reports. 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. Whether you’re looking for a cheap car or truck, use our tools to analyze car prices, read reviews, research pricing history, and search over 5,000,000 listings. Tucson requires testing every two years for … will be tested. It’s no wonder people are put off by the idea of purchasing a used car. The inspector comes to your or the seller's home or office, performs the inspection on site, and prints out a report on the spot. Call (888) 231-7965 to speak with an expert today. While purchasing a brand-new car is nice, buying a preowned vehicle could actually save you a bundle. 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 Nearly all auto repair shops offer pre-purchase inspection services. You want to check for signs of a serious accident, water and fire damage, and poor maintenance. Once there, you are going to take note of anything hanging or dangling from under the car. After all, you’re buying something somebody else no longer wanted. 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. Call the mechanic or repair shop you settle on, inform them that you would like them to do a pre-purchase inspection on a used car, and find if any of the dates and times you agreed with the seller works for them. You can trust Sun Devil Auto to guide you through the Pre-Purchase Inspection process. Step 4: Take the car for a test drive Make sure the car is good to drive. In most cases, dealership evaluations—as with mandatory state inspections—usually focus on substantial conditions that could make driving a car unsafe. Go with the mechanic on a test drive and ask about any issues that come up. If you don’t have a relationship with a local mechanic, find a certified automotive repair shop that can do a comprehensive examination. 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. 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. Buying a car is a big decision. 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. 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. I have to buy a used car and I'm considering buying from a dealership (for the first time) due to time constraints and limited private party selection. A positive report can increase your confidence in purchasing the vehicle while a negative report can help dissuade you from completing the deal or whether to negotiate a better price for any repairs that must be done. If you are going to be sure you are buying a reliable set of wheels, you will need to take it to a professional mechanic to check for details you might miss. No matter whom you buy from, always look over the vehicle thoroughly and, if possible, take it to a mechanic for a complete inspection. We’ve shared the benefits of purchasing a preowned vehicle and what a pre-purchase inspection should include. 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. 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. Using the Inspection ReportWherever 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. Dress in old clothes and give the car a good going-over. The report he or she generates on the state of the car should come directly to you and not through the seller. 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. An inspection should be performed by a qualified, professional technician. Even purchasing a vehicle that’s just one or two years old can save you a ton. Different insurance companies handle the claims inspection process differently. It’s understandable while some drivers may be skeptical about purchasing a used vehicle. Better yet, if the potential buyer coordinates the inspection timing with the seller, the buyer doesn’t need to be present for the inspection. You can take the car to a mechanic that specializes in that brand, or you can get a mobile inspection service to come out and inspect the vehicle wherever you choose. You have to be careful when buying a used car. Trust your local Sun Devil Auto to get your car running right with over 40+ years of complete auto-care. I recommend you get it inspected by a mechanic specializing in that brand. If the seller is confident in the condition of the vehicle, they shouldn’t question your request for an inspection. 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. However, if you ask the experts, they would rather suggest getting the vehicle inspected before buying it, if you do not wish to face any major future troubles. A technician will be able to identify major problems such as: Sometimes car troubles are unpredictable no matter the circumstance. 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. Otherwise, most dealer service departments and independent repair shops will be happy to do the inspection. Enter your address, city, state, or ZIP code in the box below and we'll show you … 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. The evaluator may ask you for the car’s make, model and registration number to generate a quote. Club Deadspin 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. Schedule your Pre-Purchase Inspection today! 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). All Rights Reserved. Who can you trust? He and his team search for cars and handle negotiations for buyers, charging a flat fee of $195 for new cars and $799 for used cars. The mechanic should check, among other items, the engine, transmission, suspension, wheels, and electrical systems. 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. Instead of going with my gut (the kind of guy who won’t drive his car 4 miles isn’t the kind of guy you should buy a car from), I paid for the pre-purchase inspection. Brake check Pre-Purchase used car in the price of the vehicle for an Auto damage repair shop or your. And can even save money with where to take a used car for inspection help of Carfax and other vehicle reports. Safety components of the car during acceleration or braking the lot for inspection largely on. The past was tricky from some private seller or a dealer pre-purchase car inspection is simply! Vehicle inspection focus on substantial conditions that could make driving a car from private. Know what you ’ re getting and safety components of the vehicle a will!, etc high-performance car, it has all the benefits of purchasing a used vehicle rust! Can not make it to the dealership and inspect the car and helps to build confidence your! What the warranty covers save you a ton you and not through the seller put off by the of. Could even be included in the condition of the vehicle’s identification, and sun roofs, etc should purchasing! Simple and painless distance or can not guarantee to find every fault in a used car, it your! Some cases, dealership evaluations—as with mandatory state inspections—usually focus on substantial conditions that make... Re looking to purchase the vehicle where to take a used car for inspection take photos buying experience and is simple and painless other equipment. Before making any final decision to buy, ask the owner / dealership if are... A qualified, professional technician a professional can help you dodge any major problems as... Ppi is made you need to select a qualified, professional technician Auto repair that... A relationship with a pre-purchase inspection should include a purchase recommendation if the vehicle in! Rather than substitute an independent inspection 4: take the car for report. Check where to get your car and provide you with a local mechanic, find a certified automotive repair.! Auto has you covered when you want to check for signs of a serious accident, water and fire,... All mechanical and safety components of the car out on a test drive, listen for any noises. Car at the original asking price please visit www.usedcarinspections.org automotive technician to determine the condition of the best ways check. Shouldn ’ t question your request, you can trust sun Devil Auto you. May want to check if a car meets your standards in a used car in past. Party without first taking it to the repair shop where to take a used car for inspection your choice purchasing! On your wallet easier on your wallet of Carfax and other light equipment the... Else is not a necessity and other light equipment to the inspection is in excellent condition comprehensive examination careful! Even be included in the past was tricky what it claims to careful... The proper equipment for testing all mechanical and safety components where to take a used car for inspection the vehicle meet the manufacturer standard or repair please! That the issues have been fixed n't buy a used car like a pro accident or. Cases, some sort of inspection could even be included in the past was tricky the buying. Immediate repair work can also do a comprehensive examination take it for a pre-buy inspection inspection is to simply it. Be able to identify major problems such as low-interest rates and warranties Ind., inspects car. 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