If you’ve purchased a few cars in your lifetime or you know someone that has, you’ve likely been witness to the unfortunate car buying phenomenon: purchasing a lemon.
A lemon is the term that refers to a vehicle that turns out to have several manufacturing defects affecting its safety, value or utility. This is sometimes obvious from new, but once a vehicle has logged several miles on the odometer, it is even more likely for significant problems to arise.
When you’ve spent a portion of your savings on a new car, the last thing you want to happen is to have a car that gives you more problems than solutions. So how do you avoid buying a car that will cause you headaches? The solution is simple: take your potential vehicle purchase for a pre-purchase car inspection here at AutoScope.
Why a Pre-Purchase Inspection is important
When buying a vehicle – even when it is used – you are potentially spending a large portion of your savings in order to get a reliable and enjoyable car. A pre-purchase inspection, despite a low associated fee, can save you plenty of money in the long run by helping you to avoid a purchase that will lead to more auto service appointments than you thought you had signed up for.
Especially with used cars, it’s highly likely that your next used car falls outside of the manufacturer’s warranty or has logged a fair number of miles, making it more likely that more auto service appointments are on the horizon. With a pre-purchase inspection, you drastically minimize any major surprises in your near future, since an auto mechanic will be able to assess aspects of the vehicle that will need attention in the near and far future.
So what does a pre-purchase inspection on a used car cover? Read on to find out.
What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Covers
When conducting a pre-purchase vehicle inspection on used cars, a mechanic will take a look at almost everything on your vehicle – from the vehicle frame to the engine to the electronic facets of your car. This list is exhaustive and, while you should do a handful of these on your own when you’re taking the first looks at the used cars you’re considering, most require more detailed knowledge of European cars.
Here’s what an AutoScope mechanic will look at when conducting a pre-purchase inspection of your potential used car purchase:
- Overall condition of the used car
- Visual issues with the exterior, including the bodywork and frame
- The interior functions and aesthetics
- The mechanical parts inside and out
- The tires
- Analysis of the engine, identifying any problems
- The exhaust
- The odometer
A thorough inspection includes a detailed inspection in the shop, but should also include a road inspection where the experienced mechanic takes your used car for a test drive to listen and feel for any flaws with the vehicle while driving.
Just a selection of the many issues that a pre-purchase inspection can identify on a used car includes:
- Damage to the frame
- Amateur or sloppy repair work
- Flood damage
After the Pre-Purchase Inspection
Once the pre-purchase inspection is completed by a qualified mechanic on one or two of the used cars that you’re looking at, you will likely be left with some information. A quality mechanic will outline any potential causes for concern with the vehicle and give you a quote on what any auto repair services would cost should you decide to go with the vehicle. With this in hand, you will be better equipped to make a confident decision in your next used car and minimize the risk of purchasing a car that will give you headaches upon headaches in the long run.
Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection for Your Top Vehicle Choices
Don’t buy a lemon! Purchase a car that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Buying a used car can be time-consuming, maybe even overwhelming. With so many aspects of the vehicle to worry about, peace of mind in your next used car purchase is worth the small investment that a pre-purchase inspection calls for.
The best place to take your potential used car purchase for an inspection is auto service and repair shops, where experienced professional mechanics have the tools and knowledge to find any concerning flaws, educate you and leave you with the information you need to make an informed decision on your next large purchase!
Our team here at AutoScope delivers unmatched auto services to owners of European vehicles including Audi, Porsche, BMW and Mercedes. Live in the Dallas, Plano, Frisco, Flower Mound, and Irving areas and need your European car service? Schedule your appointment at AutoScope today! Contact us online here.