How A Pre Purchase Inspection Can Save You From Buying Someone Else’s Problem
Buying a used car comes with mixed emotions – on the one hand, you’re excited about driving a car that is new to you, while on the other hand, it can come with a fear of making a mistake and buying a clunker. According to a survey of 3,000 Americans, their biggest fear when buying used cars is future repairs. This is where the value of a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) comes in. By investing in a one-off comprehensive inspection of that car you’ve got your eye on, you’ll be able to gain valuable information that could save you from buying someone else’s problem.
Here’s a look at the value of pre-purchase inspections, and why you should find the right auto shop to get them done at.
What Is A Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A professional pre-purchase inspection is a detailed examination of the used car you’re considering, conducted by a certified mechanic from a reputable repair facility. The benefit of a PPI is two-fold in that you not only benefit from a wealth of auto repair knowledge and experience, but you’re also getting a third-party professional to inspect the car, who has no vested interest in the prospective purchase. This helps to remove the emotions from the decision by giving you a professional, objective opinion. A pre-purchase inspection is like getting a comprehensive health check-up for the car you’re interested in before you commit to buying it.
What Does A Pre-Purchase Inspection Consist of?
A reputable auto repair facility will offer a comprehensive car evaluation service. This includes several areas, including:
Engine & Mechanical Check
Your mechanic will likely begin by looking under the hood. Although the car’s bodywork may look great, the overall mechanics are where many potential problems may lie. A mechanical check should include a full inspection of the engine block, the pistons, the cylinders, and the crankshaft. Your mechanic will start up the engine and listen for any unusual or worrying noises that may be present too. After the engine block, other components, including the transmission, the cooling system, and the various pumps, will be checked for functionality and for leaks. If a couple of issues are found, this will be a good indication that the car may not be for you.
Overall Condition Of The Bodywork
The used car will also be checked for possible paint job additions and accident damage. Discerning auto shops will be able to detect any signs of repair by means of a paint thickness gauge. A healthy paint thickness should be within the 4 to 7 mil range, meaning that a gauge over 7 could point towards paint work modification. Although paint repairs may not be a deal-breaker, they can devalue the car, which will help you to offer a reasonable, condition-related offer if you choose to go ahead with the purchase. The best body shops will perform a detailed body condition analysis.
Suspension & Wheel Check
This check helps you determine how the car was driven. In the case of damaged suspension and unevenly worn tires, this is an indication that the car may have been treated roughly with limited or no maintenance being performed. Remember that proper auto maintenance is crucial to ensure the longevity of your car. Signs of wheel wobbling will be looked for, as this can point towards possible curb or pothole strikes that could have damaged the suspensions or the wheels. The overall condition of the alloy wheels is also a telltale sign of how carefully the car was driven. Finally, the chassis will also be checked for any undercarriage damage caused by knocks.
Brake & Safety Check
Car and driver safety is a big priority with any pre-purchase inspection, and brakes form a major part of that. Your mechanic will check the overall braking system, including the discs, pads, and rotors. Warped rotors can point towards larger brake issues that will need to be fixed, and a major brake overhaul could be costly. Good functioning brakes are non-negotiable when it comes to buying a used car.
Batteries & Belts
Perhaps perceived as not as important, a belt and battery check is vital to ensure the car won’t be at risk of a possible breakdown. Belts that need to be checked include the timing belt and the serpentine belt. A worn timing belt can put your engine at serious risk of damage if the belt were to fail, which underpins the importance of proper belt maintenance. The battery will also be tested for correct voltage parameters. A low-voltage battery can cause several electrical system malfunctions.
A Thorough Test Drive
No pre-purchase inspection is complete without a test drive. When the car is taken out on the road, your mechanic will get a feel for how the car drives and handles. Any strange noises coming from the engine bay, as well as any rattling or knocking noises, will soon be picked up. The braking system can be thoroughly checked, and the infotainment system can also be tested. If all the component tests check out and the car drives well, this could count in the car’s favor as a formidable contender.
Why A Pre-Purchase Inspection Pays Off
The one-off cost of a PPI can put some prospective clients off, but it’s such a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with buying a good-quality used car. A pre-purchase inspection can offer several advantages, including:
- Increased negotiating power
- Peace of Mind
- The uncovering of hidden malfunctions
- A safety assurance for you and your family
- To know exactly what you’re in for when it comes to future maintenance
- Avoid buying a lemon
Your Pompano Beach Pre-Purchase Inspection Professionals
Foreign Affairs Motorsports offers a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection service for all European-designed cars. We are methodical when it comes to giving your car a full rundown, from the engine and bodywork all the way to the interior condition and infotainment functioning. You can trust the Foreign Affairs PPI to give you an unbiased, transparent report on that car you’re considering. You’ll have clarity and assurance whether the car is a jewel in the waiting or a lemon to avoid, and by doing so, you’ll save a considerable amount in potential repairs.
Call our professional and friendly team at 954-746-0488 to book your pre-purchase inspection today.