Get an inspection before buying a used car Advertiser Disclosure Advertiser Disclosure We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make better financial choices by offering you interactive financial calculators and tools as well as publishing original and impartial content. This allows you to conduct research and compare information for free – so that you can make informed financial decisions. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make Money The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation can affect the way and when products are listed on this site, including, for example, the sequence in which they appear within the listing categories, except where prohibited by law. Our loans, mortgages, and other products that lend money to homeowners. This compensation, however, does affect the content we publish or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not cover the entire universe of businesses or financial offers that may be available to you. SHARE: sinology/Getty Images
3 minutes read. Published May 12, 2022
Kellye Guinan Kellye Guinan. Written personal and business finance contributor Kellye Guinan is an editor and writer on a freelance basis with over five years of experience in personal finance. She is also a full-time worker at her local library where she assists people in her community gain access to information on financial literacy, among other topics. Written by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been editing and writing for Bankrate since the end of 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to take control of their finances with concise, well-researched and comprehensive information that breaks down otherwise complex subjects into digestible pieces. The Bankrate promise
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We receive compensation for the placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. This compensation could impact how, where and when products are displayed within the categories of listing and categories, unless it is prohibited by law. We also offer mortgage, home equity and other home loan products. Other elements, such as our own website rules and whether the product is available in the area you reside in or is within your personal credit score may also influence the way and place products are listed on this site. We strive to offer a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include details about each credit or financial products or services. The reports on the history of a vehicle are a useful guide when researching used cars, but when you’re looking to buy, it is essential to conduct an inspection. Work with an independent mechanic, who is not affiliated with the seller to identify potential problem areas. A reputable dealer should permit this as part of the process. You may also be able to arrange an inspection on the spot if a private seller is reluctant to travel to an unknown mechanic. Most importantly, make sure your mechanic is certified and trustworthy so that you’re not signing on for repairs in the near future. The reason why an inspection is essential to the used car buying process. A pre-purchase inspection will clue you in to the cosmetic and mechanical condition of the car. It will also aid in identifying potential problems and issues, but it can also give you the ability to rescind a purchase if the used vehicle isn’t up to your standards. When you plan an inspection, make sure you request an explanation of exactly what the inspection covers and exactly what your mechanic is seeking. The mechanic should provide you with a comprehensive report, which will include a thorough examination of the interior and exterior for wear and tear. The mechanic will also inspect the functioning of all the features in the car and the fluid levels. Look for an expert mechanic who can evaluate the steering, engine, suspension and frame as well as any signs of previous incidents or water damage. Also, they should use the code-reading tool to look for any error codes which could signal an issue. Should they find any, you can ask the seller for an invoice for the appropriate repair. Once you have a report, you’ll be able to negotiate to a better price or even find a better vehicle. It could take longer but it could save you thousands of dollars in repairs if you are able to detect a problem prior to it becomes an issue. When to get the used vehicle inspected? You should delay an official inspection until you’re sure of the . This includes negotiating the price and then driving the car and conducting an inspection yourself first. If you’re certain that it’s the car you are looking for, set up an on-site mechanic to meet you or collaborate with the seller in order to bring the car to a trusted shop. An inspection prior to purchase should be the final step before closing the sale. After all, you don’t want to pay on a car you won’t purchase. What an inspection costs The cost of an inspection could be between $100 and $150, based on . But the actual cost will vary based on the expertise of your mechanic, age of the vehicle and known problems. Your mechanic should provide you with a price before you bring the used car in. Just like taxes and charges, don’t tuck this expense into your loan. Consider a used vehicle inspection on its own — and don’t schedule one until you have narrowed down your options to one car that is in good shape. There’s always a chance you’ll never want to buy the vehicle, but putting off the inspection until a negotiation in the last minute will save you money. Where can you inspect a car that is used The ideal way to conduct an inspection is to be performed by a mechanic with whom you already have a relationship with. A majority of independent auto repair and body shops perform inspections on used cars. If your mechanic isn’t able to provide a recommendation, you can ask one that does. If you don’t already have a reliable mechanic, look for local mechanics not associated with dealerships that have good customer reviews. There are reviews available on the shop’s Better Business Bureau page. Members of the American Automobile Association (AAA) can search for a certified garage, or you can choose a mechanic who is recommended by the insurance company. Any mechanic you hire should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). An alternative is to hire a national firm specializing in car inspections for used vehicles like Alliance Inspection Management, Carchex and Inspect My Ride. Ask for a vehicle inspection. Inspections are typically done in a garage or shop, but there mechanics that provide mobile inspections. This is a good option when you’re dealing with a private vendor or dealer that doesn’t allow you to take an extensive test ride. However, this method could cost more than taking your car to a repair shop. It’s a cost for convenience and it’ll probably take a few hours for the mechanic to thoroughly examine the car. Online used car buying and inspections Used car dealers like Carvana and Vroom offer a week in which you can try the car out before concluding the purchase. It gives you the chance to take the vehicle to your mechanic to have it checked. Because the majority of online sellers do not allow negotiation on price, any mechanical issues discovered may be enough reason to have the vehicle returned. If you’re buying a car sight-unseen from a private seller online, you must make it clear you want to have it examined by a mechanic prior to purchase. The seller may not agree with this — and that’s fine. There are many cars out there, and you should keep searching rather than buying a car which hasn’t been examined. What next steps to take? Regardless of the type of inspection and inspection service you choose, make sure you receive a written report and photos of any issues. The report will prove helpful when you are negotiating to purchase a used car should you decide to move ahead with the purchase. Find out more
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Written by personal and business financial writer Kellye Guinan is a freelance editor and writer with over five years of experience in personal financial. She also is employed full-time at the local library, helping her community access information about financial literacy, as well as other topics. Written by Rhys Subitch Edited by Auto loans editor Rhys has been writing and editing for Bankrate since late 2021. They are passionate about helping readers gain the confidence to manage their finances through providing precise, well-studied information that breaks down complicated topics into manageable bites.
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