Making an Informed Choice: The Ins and Outs of Pre-Purchase Car Inspections

Traditionally, purchasing a vehicle was like a box of chocolates: you never knew what you would receive. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Drivers in Spring and Klein, TX have consistently turned to Repair One for pre-purchase car inspections. Our mechanics offer decades of experience inspecting vehicles and instilling greater peace of mind.

During our pre-purchase car inspection, our technicians will physically and digitally perform a top-to-bottom analysis of your vehicle and all major components and systems. Because there is no industry standard for pre-purchase car inspections, we’ve outlined a few of the most critical items to include.

But First, What is a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection?

When buying a pre-owned or used vehicle, there is much more than what meets the eye. While the shiny paint and cutting-edge accessories are nice, the mechanical components of a vehicle are much more important. And a pre-purchase car inspection is designed to review them all.

The pre-purchase car inspection is a detailed assessment of a vehicle’s safety, mechanical, and cosmetic conditions. The entire goal of the inspection is to reveal maintenance shortcomings or uncover existing conditions that may cause adverse financial problems or safety issues.

At the end of the inspection, you will receive a report to inform your purchase decision. Or you can use the data from the pre-purchase inspection report to negotiate a better price.

For example, if you see the vehicle needs new tires, you may be able to negotiate a price that reflects what you’ll need to spend on new tires.

What Should Be Included In a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection?

While no industry standard exists for pre-purchase vehicle inspections, it should always include an in-depth visual analysis by placing the vehicle on a hydraulic lift. In doing so, technicians can check for leaks and broken components.

It may also include detailed road tests where components like brakes and steering are analyzed. Most importantly, your pre-purchase car inspection should include an analysis of the engine and transmission.

1. Tires

Your tires are the only part of the vehicle that makes contact with the road. Because of this, the inspection must include the following:

Are there any cracks, bubbles, or cuts in the tires?
Are all of the tires of the same make?
Is there a spare tire? Is it inflated?
Are the jack, spare tire, and lug wrench all functional?
Do tires have even tread wear? If yes, this can indicate problems with the suspension and alignment. It may also point to a lack of vehicle maintenance.

2. Exterior

The vehicle’s exterior should be inspected to detect the potential for unreported accidents and possible abuse.

All body panel colors match.
The windshield doesn’t have cracks.
A magnet sticks to all steel body panels.
All seams are aligned.
Does the vehicle have a fresh paint job? If so, the new paint could be used to conceal rust.
Headlights and directional lights are fully functional.

3. Engine

As the most important part of any vehicle, it’s vital to have a thorough analysis of the engine, which may include:

Is the oil filter neck coated with black, thick deposits?
Is it free of oil leaks or fluid leaks?
Does the engine emanate strange odors when running?
Are battery terminals free of corrosion?
Is the check engine light illuminated?
Is the oil dipstick free of black, dark oil?
Are the tailpipe emissions black or blue? Black smoke may mean the engine burns oil, while blue smoke could indicate excessive oil consumption.

4. Transmission

The transmission channels the power produced by the engine to the wheels. Depending on the type of transmission, the inspection points can vary. However, they may include the following points:

Inspect the transmission fluid. This ensures it’s not gritty or dirty and looks clean.
The transmission doesn’t delay or slip when driving.
You do not hear strange grinding noises when you place the transmission in reverse.

5. Suspension

Your suspension is a comprehensive system of shock-absorbing components, including dampers and springs. It affects your ability to maneuver the vehicle.

Does the vehicle rest levelly?
Do all corners respond the same when bouncing?
Does it make creaking sounds when turning corners?
Does the vehicle vibrate when driving?
How well does the vehicle absorb bumps?

Don’t Buy Blind: Contact Repair One for a Full Pre-Purchase Car Inspection

Before you purchase a vehicle in Klein and Spring, TX, it’s vital to have a comprehensive pre-purchase car inspection. And the team at Repair One can help. Our pre-purchase car inspection services can empower you to buy the vehicle of your choice with more confidence.

Call Repair One today at (832) 422-3994 or see us at 8680 Louetta Rd., Spring, TX 77379.