Buying a used car instead of new can seem like a cost-effective choice, however sellers aren’t typically upfront about the condition of the car they’re selling. Whether or not information is left out intentionally, you’re better off safe than sorry when it comes to understanding what you’re putting thousands of dollars towards and what other costs may follow soon after.
A good pre-purchase inspection should check all major systems within your car. Overall, this inspection should verify that all systems of the car you’re considering purchasing are working efficiently. They’ll catch any impending issues and assess wear on key parts, including brake pads, tires, and fluids.
Frame damage: If the car was in a serious accident, there could be residual frame damage that wasn’t repaired – or just not repaired correctly. Structural damage can have a huge impact on how your car runs and how fast certain parts wear out. At the very least, this can cause tires to wear unevenly.
Careless repairs: This can range from insignificant to serious, depending on what was done. Improper installation of modifications or accessories may be simple enough, but if previous mechanics did bad repair work on the engine or transmission, that could end up being very expensive down the road.
Flood damage: By checking parts such as the engine, transmission, exhaust, and radiator, mechanics can spot signs of flood damage so that it doesn’t become a drain on your wallet after you have purchased the car.
Overdue maintenance: This can be anything from keeping up with regular oil changes to ignoring a fluid leak. If the previous owner neglected to address even a small problem, it could turn into a big issue for you after you’ve already bought the car. Catching these issues ahead of purchasing the car means you can choose to back out of the deal or negotiate the price based on any maintenance issues your mechanic finds.
As-is Vehicle Purchases
If you’re purchasing a used car without a warranty, you’re taking on any expenses that come up after you buy the car. That means if something is wrong with the car before you buy it, but it isn’t caught, you’ll still have to foot the bill. This may be relatively minor, but it could also end up being a serious car repair. Excitement over a new car can quickly turn to dread when it becomes clear that regular maintenance was lacking, or corners were cut prior to your purchase.
Pre-purchase Inspection Checks
We invite you for a professional pre-purchase inspection at Clark Automotive in Blaine, MN before you purchase your next used vehicle! Call us at (763) 784-7944 to schedule an appointment, but typically, you can drive right over!
If you are in the market for a used car or truck, Clark Automotive can help you understand the value of a pre-purchase inspection. Sometimes, a vehicle can look perfect from the outside. This can seem to be true even if you look under the hood and look for defects. The benefits of having a third-party inspection to assist you with buying short or long-distance purchases are immense.
At Clark Automotive, we have been in your local auto repair shop for over 17 years. Our mission is always to serve our community and help our customers make an informed decision about their vehicle. Whether you are coming in for a simple oil change or seeking peace of mind for a pre-purchase, our job at Clark Automotive is to always keep your best interests and safety in mind. If you are interested in buying a vehicle, let us help make your decision a bit easier. Do not buy a vehicle without performing a pre-purchase inspection. Having a qualified mechanic inspect the vehicle you are looking to purchase will give you piece of mind.
In this culture today, car buyers must always be on the lookout for a scam. Unfortunately, scammers can easily capitalize on buyers that are not as well-informed on the status of a vehicle and the way that it runs. So, when you are making a vehicle purchase, consider bringing your potential vehicle in for a pre-purchase inspection at Clark Automotive.
Purchasing a used car is a route that many Americans take simply because it is more affordable than buying a brand new car. If you do your research, there are a lot of great used cars in the Blaine, MN area that you can purchase and have for many years ahead. However, there are also bad used cars that may not be worth the investment. Unless you have spent years working on cars, you may not be able to distinguish between a good deal on a used car versus a dud that will cause you financial headaches down the road. Luckily, our team at Clark Automotive, located right in your backyard, offers trusted pre-purchase inspections to help you decide on your next used car purchase.
