Whether you’re buying a brand new car, or a used one – it’s a big investment. An advantage of a used car is that it is much cheaper than buying a new car. But used cars have a history; without knowing what it is, you might find yourself saddled with more than you expected. Here pre-purchase car inspections (PPI) play a pivotal role. A pre-purchase car inspection in Essendon is a detailed testing done by a professional mechanic to examine a automobiles problem before making a purchase. Here are ten reasons why you should never skip this crucial step:
Uncover Hidden Issues
Cars are complex machines, and sometimes problems aren’t so apparent on a test drive. A pre-purchase inspection can detect difficult hidden mechanical, electrical, or structural problems that may cost you thousands of dollars to fix later on. Opting for a trusted car inspection service ensures you get a thorough evaluation to avoid unexpected issues. These inspections come with a picture of the vehicle, from the very beginning to the end, and nothing will surprise you once you actually sign the deal at the showroom.
Ensure Safety
The car you drive depends on your safety and that of your passengers. A pre-purchase car inspection checks important safety components like brakes, tires, suspension and airbags. Your safety on the road can be compromised by faulty systems. Finding out what potential hazards could cause roadworthy judgement will help you decide whether or not the vehicle is roadworthy.
Validate the Asking Price
A car’s condition directly affects its market value. An inflated price puts sellers on parity with the perceived condition of a car. Get objective information about the car’s value, the car’s condition and prepare yourself for negotiating a fair price with a pre-purchase car inspection.
Protect Against Fraud
Unfortunately, not all sellers are honest. Some may roll back odometers, conceal major repairs, or sell vehicles with cloned VINs. An inspection can identify these red flags, protecting you from falling victim to fraud and ensuring the car’s authenticity.
Verify Maintenance History
Other than providing you with a maintenance history, most reputable sellers won’t guarantee this. By performing a pre-purchase inspection, claims made in the service records can be corroborated. For example, if it turns out the timing belt was just replaced, then the mechanic can verify this during the inspection.
Assess Structural Integrity
Accidents can ruin vehicles’ structure that compromises their performance and safety. No matter how much you mend the car, there is a chance that underlying problems like frame damage, or even incorrect alignment, can persist. A pre-purchase car inspection includes in structural integrity and whether or not the car has received irreparable damage.
Check for Flood or Fire Damage
Cars that have been flooded or burned out may look fine at first but there are problems, like corrosion or electrical faults, that are hidden deep down. Knowing which clues an experienced inspector will look for, you can rest assured that your car’s history is in great shape.
Save Money in the Long Run
A couple of hundred dollars for a pre-purchase car inspection might save you from thousands in future repairs. By finding problems before you buy, you’ll avoid owning costly problems that you previously would have. It’s essentially an investment that will save your wallet, and get you good value for your money.
Gain Negotiation Power
If the inspection shows minor things, such as things that you can correct yourself, you’re in a better position to negotiate the price. You also have the option to ask the seller to fix the problems before making the sale. If you fail to have a pre-purchase car inspection done, you are giving away your leverage to get a fair deal for your next car.
Boost Your Confidence
Getting a new car can sometimes be an emotional affair if you want that particular model. However, emotions can cloud judgment. A pre-purchase inspection is a rational impression as to the state of the car and allows you to make a decisive and educated decision.
Conclusion
An inspection of the car before you buy it is a must. You’re not only trying to avoid a bad deal, you are wanting to be safe, protect your investment and make an educated decision. Skipping this step can look like a good way to save time up front but down the road it can really cost you. Whether you’re buying at a dealership or from a private dealer, never leave without a pre-purchase car inspection.
