Why is a Pre-Purchase Inspection Important?
A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is a detailed vehicle inspection performed by a qualified automotive technician in order to determine the mechanical, cosmetic, and safety condition of a vehicle before its purchase.
The automotive technician will pinpoint any existing issues with the vehicles, as well as give insight into potential issues that could arise in the future. The intent of a pre-purchase inspection done before you buy a vehicle is to have a non-bias third-party opinion of the overall condition of the vehicle, giving you knowledge on if the price is justified or not.
When to get a Pre-Purchase Inspection
A pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended when purchasing a vehicle from a private dealer, private party, or from a franchise dealer and the vehicle doesn’t come with a warranty.
When there is no warranty, the buyer immediately assumes all of the cost in the event of a breakdown or mechanical issue. For this reason, a PPI makes financial sense. While it might cost you $100 – $200 to get it done, a pre-purchase inspection can save you thousands of dollars in the long run if any issues were to go unnoticed.
Where to get a Car Inspection
If you’re buying the vehicle from a dealer, you can ask them to perform the inspection onsite. If you’re worried about the dealership inspection being biased, most dealers are open to you taking the vehicle for an inspection by an independent mechanic. If you are getting the inspection done offsite, ideally you will take the vehicle to a reputable automotive shop.
If you’re located in the Okanagan and purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, bring it to the European automotive experts at T3 Performance. You can book your vehicle inspection with us by calling us at 250-503-4819 or using our online contact form to book an appointment.
What is Checked in a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
The mechanic will perform a thorough inspection to check for many areas during the PPI.
A pre-purchase inspection should include a check of the tires, frame, suspension, glass, lights, brakes, radiator, belts, hoses, fluids, battery, body condition, and exterior surfaces. It’s also helpful for the mechanic to take the vehicle for a test drive so they can assess its steering, and braking, and listen for any obvious mechanical issues.
The inspection itself typically takes an hour or so, but it could be longer.
How Much Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost, and Who Usually Pays?
This could be something the buyer and seller negotiate, but typically the buyer will cover the cost of the inspection. Usually, a pre-purchase inspection ranges from $100 – $200. This price can be higher or lower depending on the level of detail with which the inspection is conducted.
The pre-purchase inspection is typically completed before the sale of the vehicle; however, in some negotiations, the sale could be contingent on the completion of a satisfactory PPI. An inspection report is a great tool to ensure a fair deal is struck when buying or selling a used vehicle.
I’ve had the Vehicle Inspected, Now What?
Depending on what you learn from the vehicle inspection, it’s now time to decide whether to buy the car or not.Â
If you feel like it’s the right vehicle for you and the inspection is positive, go back to the seller to negotiate the price. If the vehicle inspection is less than favorable you may choose to not purchase the vehicle, or use the report to negotiate a lower price factoring in the mechanical work needed.
A pre-purchase inspection is the last step in deciding if the car you’re considering is the right one for you. By providing yourself with the information from a PPI, you can be confident about the vehicle’s current state and potentially gain some leverage for negotiating the final price.
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