Friday, May 1, 2009

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

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