Buying a new or used car is an exciting process, but that process can quickly go downhill if you realize your new car isn’t all that it seemed. At University Auto Repair, we recommend that you include a pre-purchase inspection in your used car buying process. Our team of skilled mechanics will thoroughly inspect your potential vehicle so you know what you are getting into.
What is a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection happens before you make the final deal to purchase a vehicle. It is recommended that this be done by an unbias third party. Most dealers or private sellers will not have an issue with you taking the vehicle to a mechanic of your choice before you agree to buy.
What Happens During the Inspection?
During a pre-purchase inspection, your mechanic will inspect and test all the major systems and components of the car. This includes the engine, transmission, brakes, and even the structure of the vehicle. During the process, the technician will be able to determine if the car is safe, if it has been maintained, if there is any undisclosed damage, and possibly predict future problems.
With this information, you can determine if the vehicle is in the condition the seller claimed it was in and if it is worth the asking price.
Why is a Pre-Purchase Inspection Important?
In short, having a car inspected before you buy it protects you. Hopefully, the dealer or seller has been honest and disclosed all the information they have to you. However, that is not always the case. There is also the possibility that the vehicle has issues that the seller is unaware of. Either way, you need to know the actual condition of the vehicle before you get stuck with a car that ultimately needs repairs 5 miles down the road.
While Arizona is one of the few states that has a lemon law that protects used car buyers, it is not as extensive as you may think. The Arizona Lemon Law protects used cars for 15 days or 500 miles. And even then it is not full protection and you may still end up footing at least part of the repair bill.
If you are in the process of buying a used vehicle, call University Auto Repair in Flagstaff to schedule a pre-purchase inspection. Our expert mechanics will arm you with all of the information you need to feel confident in your purchase.
