What should the Auto Pre-Purchase Inspection cover?
What should the Auto Pre-Purchase Inspection cover?A test drive is an extremely important factor of a Pre-Purchase Inspection. Either as a tool causing additional focus of some particular automotive systems or to build your confidence in the car your considering. So a comprehensive review of all the auto’s systems, verify the functionality of the car’s options and features, confirm or disprove what you as the potential buyer deem the car’s condition to be. The inspection must expose hidden problems, if any, such as frame damage or prior and poor quality repairs and major crash repairs. Some companies do a 100 or 150 point inspection. What you should inquire about is what those checks cover. They should cover all operational systems of the car, such as:
- Ignition System
- Brake system
- Cooling system
- Suspension system
- Starting system
- Charging system
- Computerized controls
- Engine mechanical system
- Transmission
- Drive Train
- Lighting system
- Heating and Air Conditioning systems
- Window system
- And much more.
The Inspection results compared to the price being considered for the car?
We at Clark Automotive Clinic enter this area with a great caution, but with the ability to compare the considered pricing relative to what the various car lots or individual parties are asking. It is not the inspections goal to tell you what the car is worth, but rather to gauge if the price being considered is reflective of the cars condition and operational status together with market pricing influences. If you are paying $4000 dollars for a car deemed at that value, it would be expected you would not need to accomplish very many repairs. On the other hand if you’re getting that preverbal great bargain, you need to know at what cost in future repairs. Why is it a bargain?
How to coordinate the Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Clark Automotive Clinic will work with you to coordinate the inspection. If needed, we will speak with the seller so that they know whom you are taking the car to. We will strive to work around yours and the seller’s time constraints. We will need approximately 90 minutes to accomplish the inspection. We generally have to stay late to accomplish these inspections to work around everyone’s scheduling difficulties.
Other items to be accomplished during the inspection:
We prefer to have some time with you the buyer during the car inspection. The goal for that time is to go over any questions or concerns you may have about the auto you are considering. It is also good for you to be on part of test drive with us to review the operation characteristics of the car you are considering.
We will review the expectations you have for the car you’re looking to purchase. I recall a younger customer whom purchased a sporty car without an inspection and then brought it over for diagnostics. The issue being he had already paid for the car. The driver’s door hinge was worn, the car had a salvage title, and the super charger was not set up properly. Further the customer intended to drive the car in the winter. The wheels and tires, though new, would not offer any traction due to being so oversized.
If appropriate, we may advise that you the buyer review what the car will cost to insure. It is too late after you have purchased the car to find out you cannot afford to pay for the insurance.
Contact Clark Automotive today for an honest answer to your vehicle!
Blaine, MN Vehicle Repair Shop
Shop Location
9985 Davenport St. NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Phone: (763) 784-7944
Email: info@clarkautomotiveblaine.com
Shop Hours
MON – FRI 8:00 – A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
SAT (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
