A car pre-purchase inspection is an essential step before buying a car. It can help Australians avoid buying a lemon or at least be aware of potential problems to negotiate a better price. For those new to the scene, an automobile that is found with several issues regarding safety, value, defects or utility after a purchase, is often called a ‘lemon’.
What is a Pre Purchase Inspection?
A car pre purchase inspection is when a qualified mechanic inspects a used car before you buy it. They will look for any mechanical or electrical issues that could cause problems down the road or within the near future. This is different from a test drive, which only gives you a feel for how the car drives and not necessarily how reliable it will be. It is like getting a second, yet expert opinion, on a purchase you are about to make. After all, buying a car is not cheap and a big milestone for many in their lives. It is pricey investment, that you just do not want to go wrong.
Why Car Buyers Should Opt for an Assessment?
1. Save Money
A pre-purchase inspection can save you bucketloads of money by identifying any potential problems with the car before you buy it. This way, you can negotiate a lower price or walk away from the deal altogether. The last thing you want to happen is to find out that the car you just purchased, is riddled with damages and due for repairs, meaning huge bills to pay.
2. Avoid buying a lemon
Nobody wants to end up with a lemon, but it happens often. A pre-purchase inspection can help you avoid this by ensuring that the car you are interested in is in a reasonable condition. Nothing is more valuable than the safety of you and your passengers inside the car. Be sure to check that your car is in a condition that gives you peace of mind. You may have just scored yourself a bargain knowing that you are able to bargain on the price if certain areas need further work or improvement.
3. Peace of mind
Once you’ve had a pre-purchase inspection done, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that the car you’re about to buy is in good condition. This can be especially helpful if you’re buying a used car sight unseen (e.g., online) or a car that is in another state. There is only so much detail you can obtain from a photo and the ad description. After all, it pays to get a non-biased expert opinion on the car before making any decision as opposed to getting advice from the seller, whose main goal is to sell the car. Once you sign the papers and proceed with the transaction, there is no going back on it. It never hurts to be a little extra cautious when buying a car these days.
4. Protection from crooked sellers
Unfortunately, some dishonest sellers may try to pass off lemons as used cars. A pre-purchase inspection can help protect you from these crooks by glorifying that the vehicle is actually in the condition they claim it is. You will be surprised how often many make a living off these scam-like car sales, do not fall victim of this trap and keep crooked sellers at bay. A pre-sale car detail is a fantastic way to boost the value of your car, but it should not be used in a way to hide defects, so it is always highly recommended to have a qualified mechanic to diagnose really what is underneath your hood.
5. Verify if the parts are original
Sometimes, sellers may try to pass off aftermarket parts as original. This cannot be easy to spot unless you know what you’re looking for. A pre-purchase inspection can help verify that the parts on the car are original or have been replaced, which can ultimately give you a better idea of the car’s real market value. Are you getting exactly what you are paying for?
How to get a car pre-purchase inspection:
1. Find a qualified mechanic – Ask friends or family for recommendations. One keynote is to find one that is not associated with the seller, especially if you are buying from a dealership. Last thing you need, is for the mechanic to strike a deal with the dealerships to mark the vehicle in a better condition than reality to get the sale. If you are serious about making the smart decision of getting your car of interest thoroughly and professionally assessed, then Schmicko, may be a prime option for you. With no affiliations or connections with dealerships, they only select highly-vetted and experienced Mechanics to give you a fair and honest assessment. Obtain quality reports at your convenience so that you can make a well-informed decision on the car of your dreams.
2. Schedule an appointment – Make sure to schedule the inspection well in advance of when you plan to buy the car so that you have time to get a second opinion if needed.
3. Get the results – Once the inspection is complete, the mechanic will give you a comprehensive report detailing any problems they found attached with detailed images, reports, opinions and much more across many pages. Be sure to ask questions if anything is not clear.
5. Use the information – Use the information from the inspection report to help you decide whether or not to buy the car or negotiate a lower price if there are significant problems.
So, there you have it. Buying a car should be an exciting time of your life with zero stress along the way. The last thing you want to experience are hidden defects, costing you more even after the sale has taken place. Buy with confidence today and opt for a pre-purchase inspection, it is well worth the investment. Happy buying!
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