Thursday, May 28, 2009

Know what you're buying: - Get a Vehicle Inspection before you buy your next car.

For most people buying a car is the second most expensive purchase after their home. Few people buy a house without the safeguard of a survey, so when it comes to buying a car, why not enjoy the same “peace of mind” with a professional inspection and report?

Comprehensive Vehicle Inspections gives you an expert opinion on mechanical condition, vehicle operations and previous accident damage check, plus full examination inside and out, including appearance of items such as bodywork, upholstery and the operation of the vehicle locks, windows, in-car entertainment options, interior heaters and air conditioning.

It includes a full vehicle safety check and road test, verbal report and multi page written report. The car inspection services report covers the entire vehicle and involves a full mechanical and body check. This includes a road test, test, full and detailed inspection of the body, interior, motor, transmission system, exhaust, suspension and steering, brakes, tyres, under body, electrics, cooling system and instruments. The report includes comments on the vehicles defects to enable you to know the extent of work required and whether it is urgent.

A Basic Vehicle Inspection is suitable if you are confident to carry out basic checks on cosmetic appearance and bodywork yourself, but need an expert opinion on mechanical condition, vehicle operations and previous accident damage checks. It includes a full vehicle safety check and road test, verbal report and multi page written report.

Vehicle inspections may seem a hassle but may save you a lot of money getting problems fixed. Having the defects identified prior to purchase will provide you an indication of the actual value of car and negotiating power.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

5 Tips To Get You The Best Buy On Your Next Used Car

These days cars are lasting much longer than they used to do. With so many people cutting back on finances many families are considering buying a used car.

Smart consumers know that buying a used car can be a much better deal than buying a new one if you know what you are doing.

Here are some tips that you can use to make sure you get the most out of your used car purchase.

1. Due Diligence

When you make any major purchase, it's Important for you to do some research and purchasing a used car is no different. If you do the right research you'll know the perfect make and model that suits your needs. You'll also be able to determine the fair market value of this type of car and therefore, you'll know when you're getting a good deal at the used car lot.

In addition you'll be able to research Important details about the car, like recalls her things to look for and used models that may help when evaluating used cars and negotiating deals.

2. Check Out The Car

When you find a car that you like, it is wise to check the car's history. This will give you Information regarding the repairs as well as any problems with the car. You can do this for a small fee online and it can save you from buying a car that's been in a flood or other major disaster. You won't want to buy a car that's been a major accident that could've damaged or bent the frame and it may be impossible to tell by just looking at the car so checking on the history is vital. You can find out the history of any car by going to Carfax.com.

3. Think Safety

In order to keep your family safe in the car, you want to consider the safety features of any used car you going to buy. Obviously, the newer model cars will have more safety features. According to reports, 80% of traffic accidents are made worse because the cars lacked safety features.

4. Check the Documentation

You should check out the documents included with the used car cheerfully. Make sure that the cars are not stolen or that there were no liens on the vehicle and also be sure to check that the signature on the bill of sale is the actual possessor of the car.

5. Vehicle Inspections

Before you make any deals on the used car, you must inspect the entire car. Look for Ross to especially around the wheel wells in the frame and carefully scrutinize it for any damage. Don't forget to check the tires and the interior as well. If you don't know much about cars, you can always ask to take it to vehicle inspections station. Anybody on the up and up selling a car should not object to this. If any flaws are found, and then you can use this as negotiating leverage and lost the flaws are so major that you no longer want the car.

Buying a used car can take a bit more work than buying a new one as there are many things to check out. However, doing thorough vehicle inspections will make sure that you get a great used-car at a fraction of the cost you could buy new one for and that will last for years to come.

Always Get a Lemon Check

Buying a used car can be a great way to save money, but it can also cost you a lot more if you end up buying a lemon. Having vehicle inspections prior to purchasing a used car is one of the most important things you can do, and too many people skip this step. Having the car inspected by a professional is one of the primary ways you can find out if something is wrong with the car. Believing whatever the seller tells you about the car is not enough; no matter how sincere or honest the person appears to be. After all, their motivation is to sell the car.


The best place to have a lemon check performed is through a professional inspector. It's worth spending the money to have the car inspected. If any repairs are needed, you can price the repairs and determine your best option, such as negotiating for a lower price or walking away.


Having a used car inspected prior to purchase is probably the most important step in the process. Here are three good reasons why you should get a lemon check.


1. You'll learn more about the Car While a seller may be honest; it's possible that he or she is unaware of problems with the vehicle. Alternatively, it could be that the seller knows that repairs are needed and wants to sell the car rather than pay for repairs. Unfortunately, not everyone is honest, and the only way you can determine the true state of a car is to have it thoroughly inspected. A vehicle that looks great from the outside may have serious problems inside. A skilled, independent mechanic can give you an honest opinion about the state of the car.


A lemon check can also alert you to other problems such as mileage fraud or other hidden problems with the car. If you run across any suspicious activity, such as adjusting mileage or other problems, you can walk away from the sale. If you skip having the lemon check, you will never know about these issues prior to purchasing the vehicle.


2. You'll save money having vehicle inspections done on a potential purchase will only save you money in the long run. The check will determine whether you should invest in the vehicle to begin with, and will give you an idea of potential repairs and the estimated cost. Simply avoiding a lemon can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars, from the initial cost of the vehicle (that you won't be able to resell) to any repairs.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Planning on purchasing a used vehicle or selling one?

A quality used vehicle inspections will give you the peace of mind you are looking for. Would you spend $5,000 $10,000 or even $25,000 on a used car that you have not seen? Order a professional, accurate, and detailed pre-purchase used car inspection and take the worries out of buying a used car. The professional automotive experts will provide an unbiased, professional, expert opinion and thorough inspection of the vehicle. Don't rely solely on Vehicle History Reports that do not always show the entire history. Many times Used Car Inspection fee pays for itself several times over by uncovering needed repairs in order to bring the vehicle up to the standards that it is advertised as. This will allow you to re-negotiate the purchase price with the seller based on how much needed work our Used Car Inspection reveals. Order a quality Used Car Inspection today

Vehicle Inspections have saved consumers hundreds to even thousands of dollars off their purchase by performing a used car inspection on a vehicle that they found on the Internet but had no way of looking at it themselves or just wanted a professional opinion. With inspection report and high quality photos provided by, many customers have negotiated better deals on their vehicle purchase because the inspection found defects with the vehicle that was not listed in the seller's advertisement.

If you are selling a car you can have 3rd party professional proof that the car you are selling is as good as you say it is, with a full report and plenty of high quality detailed pictures to back it up.

All About Vehicle Inspections

A Pre-Purchase used vehicle Inspections is a detailed assessment by a qualified individual to determine the cosmetic, mechanical, and safety condition of a vehicle before completing the purchase. A Used Car Inspection is highly recommended when purchasing a used vehicle without a warranty, or when the vehicle is located in another city or state and if the buyer cannot examine the car in person. When there is no vehicle warranty, the buyer is immediately assuming all the risk in the event of a breakdown or major mechanical problem that may be a pre-existing condition. The buyer is also assuming the risk of a vehicle that has been previously damaged in an accident or flood. For these reasons, a quality Used Car Inspection / Pre Purchase Inspection makes financial sense. We see false advertising on a regular basis and the professional used car Inspections will uncover deceptive sales tactics that are sometimes used to mis-represent the vehicle. The resulting Used Car Inspection / Pre Purchase Inspection Report and numerous photos will give the buyer added security and protection during a long-distance or even a close to home transaction.

A professional vehicle Inspections will determine existing problems such as previous accident damage, odometer discrepancies, needed mechanical repairs and maintenance items, prior substandard repairs, misuse and abuse, etc. Without a professional inspection, you could be buying a vehicle that is not worth the asking price or a vehicle that has previous or substandard repairs.

Do not rely on a CARFAX or other history reports as your only source for researching your new pre-owned vehicle. CARFAX only offers information about registration and ownership, repair and maintenance service performed by the dealership and SOME accidents. This data is often incomplete and unconfirmed. If an accident was not reported through the insurance company, it won't show up on the CARFAX report. Professional vehicle inspector will check the entire vehicle from bumper to bumper and identify any body damage or evidence of previous body repair and even signs of abuse or neglect that can be seen visibly that a CARFAX report has missed. CARFAX also does not report on the current condition of any vehicle as they DO NOT physically inspect the vehicle; therefore, any mechanical or electrical issues like internal engine or transmission problems will not be included in their reports. A Professional inspector also provides detailed Vehicle Inspections report in order to help you to make the proper decision on what you are purchasing so you will have the peace of mind that you deserve.

The Anatomy of a Pre-Purchase Inspection

What is it necessary to look for when purchasing a pre-owned car? Here is a comprehensive list of activities to be done during pre-purchase vehicle inspections.

The customer's preliminary inspection:

* Try to be the first one that starts the car that day, making note of any noxious fumes, odd noises, or starting difficulties. Turn the car off for a minute while still cold, and restart it to check for cold restarting problems.

* While traveling down side streets, stop and start frequently, noting brake and transmission performance. If all is well to this point, then take the road test to higher speeds. After the car has reached operating temperature, turn the car off and restart it in 20 minutes (this is called a hot soak). Difficulty restarting the car after a hot soak could be an indication of trouble.

* Ask to see all the service records on the car.

If the car passes these tests and the buyer and seller come to terms on price, then it's time for the second stage of the pre-purchase inspection: a test drive and formal inspection with your repair facility.

• The test drive: The test drive route should include left and right turns, smooth and rough pavement, slow back streets and fast-paced main arteries. This gives the technician a chance to see how the vehicle performs under various road conditions. During the test, vehicle ride, transmission operation, brake performance, and engine performance are scrutinized. The technician listens, looks, smells, and feels for anything out of the ordinary. The technician also checks the operation of the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), stereo system, seats, windows, locks and latches, and equipment such as map and courtesy lights and rear defoggers.

• Under the hood inspection: A doctor can tell what our health is by analyzing our bodily fluids; the technician can tell the health of a car's systems by analyzing the fluids also.

* Engine oil dipsticks are checked for heavy varnish or black deposits. The presence of these may indicate the engine has been habitually run low on oil and/or the oil has not been changed.

* Power steering fluid is checked for color and the presence of metal flakes. Blackened fluid impregnated with metal flakes is an indication of wear in the system.

* Automatic transmission fluid should be red and clean. A brown color with a burned smell can be an indication of a worn transmission.
* Engine coolant should be "Clean-n-Green" (or orange in some cases). The presence of dirt may mean anything from neglect to serious engine damage.

* Brake fluid should be clean and full. Low brake fluid can be an indication of worn brakes or a leak in the system.

* Check belts, hoses, and pulleys for proper operation and condition.

• Undercarriage inspection:

* Rusted brake and fuel lines

* Major fluid leaks

* Loose or damaged suspension and steering parts

* Manual transmission and differential levels and condition

* Brake friction material and hardware

* Condition of exhaust system

* Tire condition (wear, tread depth, etc.)

* Condition of frame (rust or severe damage)

* External Inspection: Check all the lights. Also, a close look at the body by a trained eye usually brings to light any collision repairs or paint work that might have been done. This should be brought to the attention of the buyer, but should not necessarily disqualify the car, unless the repairs were done improperly.

Inspections and their prices will vary based on the car. It might cost up to $200, but you could save thousands by not buying a "money pit." Be an informed consumer! Have vehicle inspections done on the next pre-owned car under consideration.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Checking a Used Car Before Buying

Before you make any committing to buy any used cars, a comprehensive inspection is must. Your potential car needs a thorough inspection by an experienced mechanic even if you have properly inspected the vehicle yourself. If not the mechanic, you can take the help of automobile vehicle inspections services. They charge nominal fees for their services.

Whatever you choose, the seller must not have any problem in getting the inspection of used car done. However, if the seller is reluctant and not allowing you to do the inspection; then you should consider it as an indication of some problem with the vehicle. In that situation, the best option you have is to stop the current dealing and leave the place for another car deal.

When you go for used car inspection process, try to remember certain effective things in your mind. Try to check all the fluids of the vehicle thoroughly. The fluids must be in a golden or slightly brown color, while the antifreeze should be fluorescent green, orange or red, but should not be rusty. It is often seen that a geyser of hot antifreeze drenches the engine. Check it by removing the radiator cap. You need to remain careful while checking fluids. Look under the oil cap, if it has a milky color, the problem is in head gasket of the engine but if the automatic transmission fluid is red or pink, then there is no problem. Make sure that the fluid is not giving burning smell. These vital fluids are very important to notice and if there is anything suspicious about them, it is better that you do not make the deal.

Often the transmission fluid is used as a trick in the oil to reduce valve noise. Oil in the radiator if visible, it can be a sign of a blown head gasket. Sometimes the burnt ATF can also be visible. Try to avoid these bad signs as it can dump your car later. Sometimes the fresh and clean oil is seen, this is again a suspicious point. To clear your doubt, check the oil after a test drive to see the change, if other checking points are over. Park the car on a clean floor after the test drive and put some newspaper under it in order to check the leakage of engine if any.

When all the checking is over; start the car and listen the sound of engine carefully for sometime. At this stage, if the car does not start easily and does not idle smoothly, then you should take a test drive.

While taking a test drive of the car make sure, that the test drive is lengthy and more than 30 minutes. During driving, check the steering and the brakes.

Therefore, it is essential that you take each and every aspect of the used car into consideration, before you reach at your final decision about buying a vehicle.

For vehicle inspections service in Australia call MTA Vehicle Inspections or visit http://www.mtavehicleinspections.com.au

Inspection of A Used Car

Buying a used car requires a thorough inspection, to check for any hidden snags or any irregularities in the cars functioning. The test drive is also an important part of inspecting the car. However, even before the test drive, you should do an inspection of the used cars exterior. The used cars current condition, as you find out from the inspection, should be according to what the seller has informed you about the car. Also, the used car’s condition as it is now should be in proportion to what it was when it was new.


There are many specific things you must look for when conducting a vehicle inspections of a used car. The first rule is that you must always have the inspection done in day light, as this gives you the exact condition of the used car. The first thing to look for during inspection is whether the used car has any rust or rust bubbles in it. Rust is the cars greatest enemy, and is very difficult to repair completely.


The first place to start while having a used car inspection is the underside of the car. The floor plans, the metal railings along the car’s perimeter, etc must be checked for rust; and also look for any part that has been newly replaced or has a marked difference from other parts. This might indicate that the used car has had an accident or has had some part repaired, and you must check for this during the inspection.


The used car inspection is not complete without checking the tyres. If the tyres are not in good condition, you might find ridges on them, which will indicate any harsh use or use of old tyres. Last but not the least; the vehicle inspections is completed by a thorough walk around the car, looking to see if you can spot any irregularities, or any signs of damage.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Car inspector helps buyers, sellers

Buying a used car can be a daunting task in itself but once an acceptable vehicle has been found, the fear of buying someone else's problem is ever present. Even selling a car that turns out to have problems can come back to haunt someone months after the sale.


Australia based MTA vehicle inspections, offers buyers and sellers peace of mind by providing a thorough vehicle inspections. Pre-purchase inspections are nothing new and are recommended by car experts, but many used car buyers dismiss the idea because of the inconvenience. Convenience is no issue with MTA vehicle inspections. MTA brings their knowledge right to the vehicle, making the inspection process convenient.


Buyers should contact MTA vehicle inspections once they have found a vehicle they are ready to buy. An inspection can be usually being scheduled within 48 hours. MTA Vehicle Inspections will do a complete inspection including an examination of the body and frame for accident damage. The customer receives a written report, including an estimate of necessary repair costs and an approximate selling price.


MTA Vehicle Inspections recommends that those interested in selling their car should have the vehicle inspections done to uncover issues that might impact the sale. A presale inspection provides the same detailed report to the seller that a buyer would receive.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Some Great Classic Car Inspection Tips

When buying classic cars, there is always a danger that you will get less than what you pay for. Vintage vehicles may appreciate in value, but always remember that these cars are ten to twenty years old--and that means there is a great possibility that there are some damages and scratches that will lessen its value.


As a general reminder, do not buy a car hastily. Take the time to inspect everything, from the exterior to the upholstery, and even the tires. Here are a few quick inspection tips when buying classic cars.


1. If you don't know a thing about cars, contact an expert.


If you think you don't have enough knowledge about classic cars, it is best to contact a professional for a vehicle inspections before you purchase. If you inspect the car without the proper knowledge, it is almost similar to not inspecting it at all. And even if you do have a car geek side, it might still be best to contact a professional to assist you. They might even give you a tip as to how much the vehicle is really worth.


2. Make sure you see all the paperwork and documents.


Always look for all the paperwork, from repair records to Vehicle Identification Numbers. Be suspicious of sellers who could not show all the proper documents, especially if the deal is too sweet. You would not want to risk buying a stolen car.


3. Inspect every inch of the exterior.


Check everywhere for rust. If you see one, see to it that it's just surface rust that could be wiped off. Also look for signs of repair, and cross-check with the paperwork. If you see a repair made that's not in the documents, ask the seller about it. Make sure that all the repairs have been made properly.


Inspect the mirrors, hinges, and all of the hard-to-inspect spots, like the space in between doors. And of course, check the body for any scratches or bumps. Don't forget to bring a magnet, as that may help in detecting iron fillings used to makeshift-repairs for dents.


4. Inspect every inch of the interior.


Check out the upholstery. Look for cracks, stains, and loose threads. Inspect the dashboard, the door, and headliner for any damage or watermarks. If the classic car is a convertible, check out the convertible top, especially if it's made of textile. Make sure that there are no tears. Look at all the glove compartments. Dust is okay, but hard to remove sticky stains are not.


5. Check under the hood and all other mechanisms.


Look for leaks, loose wirings, and rust. Check for water in the oil and fuel filter. Inspect the belts for tears and possible stress. Do know the history of the particular car, and make sure that the engine is original (unless the owner says that it's modified). Honk the horns, operate the wipers, and check the handbrakes.


6. Go for a test drive.


Ask the owner to start the car. Black or blue smoke out of the exhaust is not a good sign. Start the car yourself and listen to how the motor hums when idle, as well as when revved. Take the car for a ride, and observe the car's performance. How well does it accelerate? Is the suspension handling high-speed stresses well? Are the brakes too light or too strong? Is the steering wheel responsive enough? And finally, check the tachometer, speedometer, and odometer.


Correct vehicle inspections may help you save a few bucks, especially if you know what to look for.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Pre-Purchase Inspection for Used Vehicles

When people are doing research on how to buy a used vehicle, they often see information encouraging them to have an independent pre-purchase inspection done of the vehicle before purchasing it, but people may wonder whether or not it’s worth the money. It is almost always a good investment.


It is generally a good idea to have this vehicle inspection done even if the vehicle has been certified and inspected by the dealer. Ask your regular car mechanic to do the inspection for you. If you don’t have a regular car mechanic ask family and friends for their recommendations. Or look for certified facilities.


There are also companies that specialize in vehicle inspections. Their services often include an estimate of what the vehicle is worth so you’ll know whether or not you’re being asked to pay too much money for the vehicle.


A company specializing in vehicle inspections may be your best bet if a dealer won’t allow you to take a used vehicle you’re looking at off the lot (maybe because of insurance reasons). Companies specializing in pre-purchase inspections usually will come to where the vehicle is. They will do a fairly thorough job of inspecting the vehicle and find obvious problems that could cost you a lot of money down the road.


Make sure to get a written copy of the inspection report, including the estimated costs for any necessary repairs the vehicle needs. Make sure the report includes the make, model and VIN of the vehicle. If the vehicle needs repairs done and you still want to purchase it, you can use the inspection report to help negotiate a better purchase price.


Having vehicle inspections done can help you avoid buying someone else’s problem or lemon. Almost everyone knows of someone who has had a bad experience when buying a used vehicle – both private party and from a dealer. People may unknowingly buy a vehicle that was in a major accident, didn’t show the accurate mileage, was in a flood, or was a salvage vehicle – all things that can cost major repair dollars down the road and major headaches. Having a pre-purchase inspection done can help you avoid having your own horror story to share.

Used Vehicle Inspection

Purchasing a used vehicle can be risky. When excited buyers get emotionally caught up in the vehicle purchase, they often miss mechanical, cosmetic, and safety issues during visual inspections and test drives. These problems are compounded if the vehicle being purchased is located in another city and is purchased prior to being seen in person. To eliminate much of the anxiety and get an accurate picture of the condition of the vehicle, many buyers choose to have vehicle inspections done before the sale is final.


What is a Vehicle Inspections?


A vehicle inspection is a detailed assessment by a qualified individual to determine the cosmetic, mechanical, and safety condition of a vehicle before completing the purchase. Most pre-purchase inspections are done by a certified mechanic or automotive technician who is knowledgeable in the make and model of the vehicle being inspected. The intent of the vehicle inspections is to uncover existing conditions or to reveal maintenance shortcomings that may become potential safety or financial issues for the buyer in the future.


When should I get a vehicle inspection?


A vehicle inspection is highly recommended when purchasing a vehicle without a warranty, or when the vehicle is located in another city. When there is no warranty, the buyer is immediately assuming all the risk in the event of a breakdown or major mechanical issue. For this reason, a qualified vehicle inspection makes financial sense. Vehicles in other cities present additional challenges when the purchaser is unable to take a test drive. With just a few phone calls, you can often arrange a vehicle inspection with a local shop where the seller can drop the vehicle off for a few hours. The resulting vehicle inspections report gives the buyer added security during a long-distance transaction.


Where can I get a Vehicle Inspection?


Automobile dealerships and independent specialty shops are excellent resources for thorough vehicle inspections, and they will be familiar with the process. You can conduct an online search for “Vehicle Inspections” to find larger operations.


What should be inspected?


Unfortunately, there isn’t an industry-wide accepted standard or schedule for Vehicle Inspections. The cost of the inspection generally determines the depth and detail of the inspection. A basic inspection will be mostly visual, which includes putting the car on a hydraulic lift and checking for leaks or broken components. A more involved inspection will include a detailed road test where components such as steering and brakes can be assessed.


The vehicle inspections are usually completed before the sale; however, in some negotiations, the sale is contingent on the completion of a satisfactory vehicle inspection. A clean report is an excellent sales tool, while a questionable inspection can end the deal. To be fair to both parties, both the buyer and the seller should agree on the terms of the Vehicle Inspections before the inspection takes place