Buy a vehicle with confidence: All about pre-purchase inspections

Today’s vehicles are made to last years, so it’s no wonder there are so many pre-owned vehicles on the road. Still, it’s natural to be a little anxious when you buy a used vehicle. You worry that it has something wrong with it mechanically or that it hasn’t been well maintained. That’s why a pre-purchase inspection is well worth the cost. You pay now for peace of mind in the future.

If you don’t have maintenance records for the vehicle, assume the worst and get started with an oil change. The inspection by a qualified service technician that comes with a full-service oil change will reveal basic problems. Be sure to bring up any specific concerns with your mechanic.

A more intensive inspection can find hidden problems like body damage and sealer in A/C units, which can be major expenses down the road. Purchasing a Carfax report may let you know if the vehicle’s been in a major accident and give you a title history. You can find out if that ’91 Buick really was owned by a little old lady who only drove it to church on Sundays. If you’ve done your homework, there’s no reason to believe that with proper maintenance your used vehicle won’t last for several years.

The lesson here? Be an informed consumer and you’ll rest a little easier knowing you did your part to prevent buying a lemon.