Why You Shouldn't Skip the Pre-Purchase Inspection When Buying a Used Car

Often, the first piece of advice given to used car buyers is to have the vehicle thoroughly inspected by a licensed mechanic. Unfortunately, this advice is often dismissed by many used car buyers for several reasons, including that they don't know how to go about getting an inspection done, or they simply don't realize how affordable pre-purchase car inspections are. Certain states require car inspections before the vehicle can be registered, but you're not necessarily required to get a used vehicle inspected before you can buy it.

Whether or not you get an inspection done, you may also need to get the proper car insurance for your next vehicle. An independent insurance agent in your area can help you with this. But first, here's a breakdown of why you shouldn't skip the pre-purchase car inspection if you're shopping for a used vehicle.

What Does a Used Car Inspection Include?

You can typically get a copy of a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) checklist from your local DMV or MVA. Otherwise, you can find these checklists online from several resources. A thorough pre-purchase used car inspection should examine the functionality of the following parts of the vehicle:

If you're mechanically inclined, you can opt to conduct some of the recommended examinations yourself, but it's often wise to let an expert complete the more involved parts of the inspection. Car inspections should also include a road test performed by an experienced mechanic, as well as computerized diagnostics to check the car's digital equipment. These are parts of a used car PPI that you shouldn't necessarily complete on your own.

Where to Get a Car Inspection

If you're shopping for a used car locally, one of the best places to get an inspection done is through a mechanic you've already built a relationship with. This rapport is invaluable when it comes to a pre-purchase car inspection, as the mechanic won't sugarcoat any of the vehicle's shortcomings. However, if you don't have a trusted mechanic you already depend on for service, or if you're shopping out of town, you can order a PPI from a third-party mechanic in the seller's area.

In today's digital world, it's also not uncommon to order your vehicle online. In this case, several online companies can send an inspector to the site and send you the report. Some of these reports even include the car's accident and maintenance history.

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How Much Does a Car Inspection Cost?

The cost of used car inspections varies depending on the type of vehicle you need to be inspected and the services you need to get done. Typically, used car inspections range from about $150 for a mobile on-site inspection to about $200 for more thorough inspections. However, you can pay up to about $300 for sports cars, exotic cars, vintage cars, and classic cars.

What If the Seller Refuses a Pre-Purchase Inspection?

Some used car sellers may offer you a checklist they claim has already been filled out by their own mechanic. Unfortunately, their mechanics may lack integrity. It's most often a wise decision to have the car inspected by your own mechanic or, at the very least, by a third party.

If the seller refuses to allow you to take the car to your shop or denies the mobile inspector access to the car, you should ask yourself what they might be hiding. Refuse the sale and find a seller who isn't afraid of having the car examined. You could end up saving yourself the hassle of buying a used vehicle that will give you nothing but problems in the future or otherwise be more trouble than it's worth.

What to Expect After a Car Inspection

Depending on how the inspection goes, you might decide to take different courses of action with the vehicle you've been considering.

Flawless inspections

A spotless inspection should make both you and the seller feel comfortable with the deal. You know the car is sound, and they know they aren't going to be in trouble for giving you a raw deal. If that's the case and you love the car, you can feel confident in the purchase.

Inspections that yield minor issues

An inspection that yields a few minor problems can serve as a bargaining tool to negotiate the vehicle's price with the seller. The seller may be more willing to come down on the asking price after you have evidence of necessary future repairs. Be sure to check Kelley Blue Book for the true value of the car you're considering buying. This listed price is a good place to start negotiations.

Red flag inspections

Should your mechanic come back to you with a report full of red flags and unavoidable repairs, you can ask the seller to pay for the repair services. You can also request them to drop the price considerably, or you can back out of the purchase.

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The Final Step: Cover Your Vehicle with Help from an Independent Insurance Agent

Once you find that car that's worth the price and the inspection is clear, don't forget about car insurance. While car maintenance can be expensive, accidents and liabilities are even more so. Plus, car insurance is required to some degree in almost every state. 

Luckily, an independent insurance agent can help get you covered with all the car insurance you need for your next vehicle. They'll get you matched to a policy that offers the overall best blend of coverage and cost. And down the road, they'll be there to help file car insurance claims for you and update your coverage as needed.