Buying a used vehicle can seem like a daunting and complicated process, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you can take to make the experience as smooth and painless as possible for you and your wallet. One of the most beneficial things you can do during the buying process is getting pre-purchase inspections (PPIs).
Pre-purchase inspections are a service that most independent repair shops offer, and allow for you to take the vehicle you’re looking to buy in for a comprehensive inspection prior to your purchase.
A good PPI covers every important system and function in your vehicle, from obvious ones like the brakes, engine, and tires, down to interior electronics and air conditioning. These inspections can uncover any issues the seller may have forgotten (or “forgotten”) to add to their vehicle’s listing, such as frame rust, electrical shortages, or other internal problems that could come back to plague the vehicle later down the line.
These inspections provide you with a host of information regarding the vehicle that could influence your buying decision, and even end up saving you thousands in the future by avoiding vehicles with skeletons in the closet.
A good pre-purchase inspection should cover all the most important mechanical, electrical, and safety systems in your vehicle.
While it varies from shop to shop, inspections should always include a deep dive into the following:
The exact items your inspection includes will come down to the shop where you take the vehicle. More in-depth PPIs that include on-road tests and advanced testing will likely run you a higher price than a basic PPI. The best way to ensure you’re getting a truly comprehensive PPI is simply to ask the shop what their inspection includes.
Now that you know why pre-purchase inspections are such a beneficial service before making a large financial decision like a vehicle, how do you actually go about getting one?
When setting up a time to meet with the seller or dealer and look over the car, inform them you’re interested in taking the vehicle to a repair shop for a pre-purchase inspection before you make a decision on the vehicle. Call the shop you intend to take the vehicle to and set up an appointment for your inspection.
The cost for the service will be your responsibility, however, the price of a PPI can be heavily outweighed by the cost savings of avoiding a problematic vehicle. Most PPIs will run you anywhere between $100-$250, varying based on factors like the location, shop, quality of inspection, and the vehicle itself.
If you’re in the market for a new-to-you used vehicle, pre-purchase inspections are always a good idea to protect yourself from unforeseen mechanical issues on your new investment. This is especially true on older or more finicky vehicles, such as a European luxury car, that can end up needing thousands of dollars in future repairs despite seeming to be in good condition at first glance.
If you’re looking to purchase a vehicle on the used market in Northern Idaho, ensure your new investment is a good one with comprehensive PPI services at Lake City Auto Care! Our locations in Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum, and Hayden have experienced technicians with the training and equipment to dive into the most hidden problems in any vehicle. Don’t set yourself up for failure with a problematic purchase, give yourself peace of mind in your new vehicle with a pre-purchase inspection at Lake City. Give us a call or schedule your inspection with our friendly team online.
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