Nationwide Pre-Purchase Car Inspection from Lemon Squad

A pre-purchase car inspection is similar to the process of ordering a home inspection before signing a real estate purchase agreement. For most Americans, buying a used car is a significant investment that deserves to be rationalized with adequate due diligence, particularly when it involves exotic, vintage, classic, commercial, or luxury vehicles. The idea is to get a thorough inspection report and price appraisal to anticipate the cost of future maintenance, potential value appreciation and whether the purchase makes financial sense. Here are the various evaluation components of an expert pre-purchase car inspection. A pre-purchase auto inspection may include but is not limited to:

Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Involves Evaluating the Mechanical Parts

This main component of the pre-purchase car inspection, which should be conducted by a technician certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), starts with a visual check under the hood. The idea is to determine the condition of the parts that make up the various systems of the car, including the powertrain, suspension, electrical, emissions, and differential. Parts that look like they should have been replaced long ago will suggest the level of maintenance given to the vehicle before it went on sale.

Pre-Purchase Auto Inspection Involves Researching Ownership and Maintenance Records

Many dealerships, auto service shops, and insurance companies across North America contribute collision, maintenance, and vehicle ownership records to a centralized database. When available, reviewing these electronic records provides a clear history of a vehicle insofar as how many owners it went through, whether it was involved in accidents, and how often it was in the shop for scheduled maintenance or repairs.

Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection Involves Checking the Body, Chassis, and Interior

Used car dealerships and sellers can apply a few cosmetic tricks to make a vehicle look good to prospective buyers, but pre-purchase car inspectors can check the quality of the paint, body work performed, upholstery, and undercarriage.

Pre-Purchase Automobile Inspection Involves Running On-Board Diagnostics

Vehicles equipped with OBD-II ports can be scanned by technicians to determine the health of various systems that connect to engine or powertrain control modules, particularly