Some people think pre-purchase inspections are unnecessary. We beg to differ. If you think about it, a dealer has one objective in mind and that is to get the used car off its lot. As such, it will certify the used car to leave you feeling confident that the vehicle is safe and reliable. Unfortunately, this may not be the case. The dealer may be unaware of previous damage. As such, it’s important to have an independent auto shop like us inspect the vehicle before you purchase it. Here’s what is included in a pre-purchase used car inspection.
A Damage Check
We look at used automobiles from roof to tires to make sure there is no previous damage. This includes previous accident damage, fire damage, or flood damage. We also inspect the interior of the automobile for fire or flood damage.
We are trained to detect changes in the vehicle that would otherwise go unnoticed that prove that the automobile has had previous bodywork. Thankfully, this allows us to tell you that the vehicle was an accident even if the accident was not reported.
A System Check
We also check all of the vehicle’s systems to make sure everything is operating as it should be. This includes any safety features on the automobile, the brake system, the cooling system, and the exhaust system. We will leave no stone unturned when we conduct a system check.
For example, the dealer may have certified the automobile yet there is a problem with the electrical system. This problem can become a danger if the electrical system overheats or shorts out. We will make sure that all of the systems are safe and reliable.
A Diagnostic Check
Finally, it is important to run a diagnostic check on any used automobile to detect unseen problems. For example, the oxygen sensor may be malfunctioning and the diagnostic check will reveal this. It will also reveal problems such as an issue with the mass airflow sensor.
The diagnostic test is designed to download the data from the used car’s main computer chip. This data includes any error codes that were reported to the chip by the system sensors. This allows us to ensure there is absolutely nothing wrong with the vehicle in any way.
It is better to be safe than sorry. As such, make sure to call us and schedule a pre-purchased inspection before you buy a used car.