Don’t Skip A Pre-Purchase Car Inspection. Here’s Why.
Most drivers today aren’t comfortable taking a look under the hood. Getting a pre-purchase car inspection, or PPI, before buying a used car is a smart investment. You can save money and hassle by allowing an expert to examine a used car's high-wear and costly repair elements to see if you’re getting a good deal or a lemon.
Go beyond visual inspections and test drives with a used vehicle inspection at Traverse City’s trusted shop, Garfield Auto.
What Is A Pre-Purchase Inspection for Used Cars?
A pre-purchase inspection (or car PPI) is a detailed vehicle inspection performed by a trained automotive mechanic. The inspection evaluates a used car or truck's mechanical, aesthetic, and safety condition. The results will cover a range of topics, including:
A market value estimate, or a fair price for the vehicle
Immediate and long-term repair needs
Important safety issues
Any overdue warranty issues
The goal is to provide an accurate description of the vehicle. Pre-purchase inspections empower potential buyers to make informed car-buying decisions with information they couldn’t gather otherwise.
Related: How to Buy A Used Car
What Will A Pre-Purchase Inspection Look For?
A good used vehicle inspection will include several aspects of the vehicle's safety, mechanical, and other components. In many cases, buyers will already have a car history report. This helps the mechanic focus on historical accidents and repairs more closely to ensure accuracy. From there, the technicians will look for rust, leaks, or damaged components. It’s also a good idea to let the technician take the car for a test drive to evaluate performance on the road.
Where Can I Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Schedule an appointment with Garfield Auto! Prep-purchase inspections are a big part of what we do, and we appreciate the opportunity to help buyers make smart decisions. No matter your budget, any car purchase is a big financial investment, and we take pride in helping shoppers know what they’re getting. We require an appointment for a pre-buy vehicle inspection, so get in touch when you need a car mechanic to check out a used car.
Do Dealerships Allow Pre-Purchase Inspections?
Some dealerships do not allow third-party inspections. If you’re buying a used car from a dealer, ask if they allow pre-buy inspections when you first start shopping so you know if a PPI will be an oyou're
If you’re buying a car from a private seller, make sure a PPI is a part of your test drive, if possible.
Schedule Your Vehicle Pre-Purchase Inspection with Garfield Auto!
Get an expert car inspection before you buy with the trusted mechanics at GarfiWe'veuto. For over fifty years, we’ve helped Northern Michigan drivers purchase and maintain vehicles with a range of repair and maintenance services. We combine modern repairs and technology with expert old-fashioned customer service. Contact us today for a service appointment!