Finding the used car that’s right for you takes time. And when you finally find ‘the one,’ it can be tempting to rush through the process to get into the driver’s seat. Before you fully commit, there’s one more important step to take—and that’s a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). So what is a pre-purchase car inspection and why do you need one?
Honest and Professional Pre-purchase Car Inspection in Melbourne, VIC
We have been in the automotive industry since 1984, ranging from apprentice, through to master technician, workshop foreman, controller, service advisor and service manager, in numerous premium vehicle businesses. We have built a level of loyalty that in the 21st Century is vital. After all, customer service and care is a point of difference.
We hope we are able to help you out with your needs. Our business is also known as Prepurchase Check.
No piece of car-buying advice is more often ignored than this: Have a mechanic inspect a used car before you buy it. Why do buyers plunk down thousands of dollars on a car with little more than an around-the-block test-drive and a glance under the hood? Three reasons often deter car buyers from taking this vital step:
• Some consumers don’t know that good used-car inspections are readily available
• Many car buyers don’t want to pay the extra money for an inspection
• Some people anticipate a hassle getting a dealer or private party to agree to an inspection.
Most sellers will let you take the car for an inspection or agree to have a mobile inspection performed at their home or place of business. If the seller hesitates, you might wonder what they’re hiding and consider walking away from the deal. It can be an obvious red flag, no?
What Is A Pre-purchase Car Inspection?
A PPI (Pre-purchase Inspection) is a vehicle inspection performed by a licensed mechanic or a qualified inspector who will give the vehicle a thorough inspection to determine its cosmetic, mechanical and safety condition. The inspector will pinpoint any existing conditions and highlight potential issues that could arise in the future and will investigate to make sure any previous damage has been properly repaired.
By learning more about what’s happening under the hood, you could end up more confident that you’re making a great purchase, decide that it’s not the right ride for you, or uncover some details to leverage in your price negotiations.
How Much Does A Pre-purchase Car Inspection Cost?
Typically, a pre-purchase car inspection may cost you around $200. At German Precision, the vehicle inspections start at only $245 (most cars are $245-$325) and others may range up to $395 or more if more specialised. Customers will always receive an accurate quote based on the type of car or location or other considerations.
Certain models/vehicles will attract a premium rate, due to further attention needed and inspection time.
Once we have assessed the vehicle, you will be in a better position to decide whether it is worth purchasing.
Why You Need To Get A Pre-purchase Car Inspection
Peace of mind is the first and foremost reason for getting a mechanical vehicle inspection. When you’re spending thousands on an asset, you should feel confident you’re not getting a lemon that may end up costing you down the track in repairs. And you can rest assured that any safety issues with the vehicle will be brought to your attention. It means you won’t inadvertently end up driving around in a death trap!
How Vital Is The Pre-purchase Inspection?
Experts agree that a qualified specialist should inspect used cars before the final negotiation for purchase. The ordinary car buyer, even if mechanically savvy, really can’t do it justice. A thorough, professional inspection can tell you whether you’re about to buy a peach or a lemon.
Smart sellers, too, know the value of a presale inspection. Having the car thoroughly scrutinized by a reliable third party before listing it provides an additional selling point in the form of a written report. While this is useful information and lends credibility to the seller, you should still insist on getting your own independent inspection before making the purchase.
I’ve Had The Vehicle Inspection. Now What?
From the vehicle inspection and the vehicle history report, it’s now time to decide whether to buy the car.
If you feel like it’s the right vehicle for you, go back to the seller to negotiate the price.
If you’re buying from a dealership they’ll take care of the rest for you, so you can avoid making mistakes when buying a used car.
And if you’re buying privately you’ll have to check into the rules and regulations around finalising a private used car sale in your area.
Pre-purchase Car Inspection
As much as some of us think we’re backyard mechanics, you can’t go past actually getting a used car checked out by a professional to determine whether it is mechanically sound. There’s nothing worse than driving away with your new purchase, only to find that it has an issue that is going to cost you dearly.
Have a professional inspector like German Precision to do a thorough pre-purchase car inspection in Melbourne to ensure that your dream car is operating properly and not a scam.
If you are looking for the best pre-purchase car inspector in Melbourne, do not hesitate to contact German Precision or Prepurchase Check today!
sources: edmunds.com, autoking.com.au, carfax.ca, strattonfinance.com.au
