It’s no secret that it takes time and effort to find the next car you’d like to purchase. Simply finding the right car that meets your needs and budget can be exhausting enough. Unfortunately, this tempts many into rushing through the buying process, throwing caution to the wind.

Before you get behind the wheel, one vital thing every person buying a used car should do before committing to buy is take the car in for a Pre-Purchase Inspection.

What is a Pre-Purchase Inspection?

A Pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is an assessment done by a qualified individual that determines the car’s cosmetic, mechanical, and safety conditions before buying a used car. This can uncover existing conditions, reveal shortcomings in maintenance, and/or give the future buyer confidence that the car he or she is buying doesn’t need extensive and costly repairs after the purchase.

Basic inspections are mostly visual, checking for broken components or leaks. More involved or detailed inspections include a thorough road test to assess brakes and steering, as well as an engine and system check. Though it costs a bit more, detailed inspections are highly recommended to give you a complete assessment of the health of the used car you may purchase.

Where You Get Your PPI Matters

The overall intent of getting a pre-purchase inspection is to allow a third party to assess the vehicle you plan on purchasing to determine that the used vehicle is in good order. Though used car dealerships usually do their own inspections, they typically will do the bare minimum required to cut costs while still being able to sell the car legally.

This is where a trusted mechanic such as Aposhian Garage comes in. We can determine the issues the car may have that the dealer may have omitted during the negotiations. If the car you’re planning to purchase is from a private dealer or a private party, inspections are especially important.

The Steps in Getting a Pre-Purchase Inspection

The overall process of getting a PPI isn’t difficult once you know what’s involved. Simply give us a call at Aposhian Garage before you meet with the seller, letting us know when you’ll be coming in for a PPI ahead of time. Pre-Purchase Inspections generally range from $100-$200 depending on whether you opt for a basic or detailed inspection. Detailed inspections generally take at least an hour to fully assess your car, as we take great care to ensure we do a thorough job every time.

Generally, it is the buyer that is responsible for the inspection fee. The reason it is so highly recommended to pay this fee is because it can help you avoid paying thousands of dollars for repairs down the line for issues you knew nothing about.

After The PPI is Complete

Once the Pre-Purchase Inspection of the car is complete, you know have the information needed to make an informed decision. If the car needs maintenance or repairs, you may be able to negotiate a lower price, or opt not to purchase that vehicle altogether. If the inspection goes well, you can now make your purchase with confidence.

At Aposhian Garage, we do our best to continue to be a highly trusted and friendly mechanic for the Salt Lake City area. So, if you’re thinking of buying a used car, feel free to give us a call anytime, and we can lend a hand with your Pre-Purchase Inspection!