Buying a used car can be risky. When buyers the opportunity to prove emotionally trapped 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 is purchased is in another city and buy before they met in person. To eliminate much of the anxiety and get an accurate picture of the condition of the vehicle, many buyers choose to have a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), conducted before the sale is final.

What is a pre-purchase inspection?

An inspection before buying is a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified technician to determine the aesthetic, mechanical and safety of a vehicle before completing the purchase. Most pre-purchase inspections performed by a certified auto mechanic or technician who has knowledge of the brand and model of vehicle inspected. The intent of the IPP is to uncover existing conditions or to reveal the shortcomings of maintenance that may become potential safety or financial issues for the buyer in the future.

When should I get a PPI?

An inspection before purchase is highly recommended to buy a vehicle without security, or when the vehicle is in another city. When there is no guarantee, the buyer is immediately assuming all risks in the event of a breakdown or major mechanical problem. For this reason, a qualified IBP makes financial sense. Vehicles in other cities have additional challenges if the buyer can not take a test drive. With only a couple of calls, you can often arrange a PPI with a store where the seller may deliver the vehicle out for a few hours. The resulting PPI report gives the buyer greater safety during a long distance.

Where can I get a PPI?

An inspection before the purchase can be made by any competent auto mechanic or technician who understands the vehicle you are buying. Car dealers and independent shops are excellent resources for a PPI in depth and who are familiar with the process. In addition to traditional auto shops, there are now specialized domestic mobile operations PPI inspect vehicles anywhere in the country. You can search online for "Pre-Purchase Inspection" to find larger operations.

What should be inspected?

Unfortunately, there is no accepted industry standard or wide frame for a PPI. The overall cost of inspection, determines the depth and detail of the inspection. A basic inspection is mostly visual, which includes putting the car on a hydraulic lift and the detection of leaks or broken components. Closer inspection involved a detailed road test components such as steering and brakes can be evaluated. A thorough inspection will include checking the engine compression and a computer analysis engines.

How much should it cost and who pays?

The buyer normally pays for the inspection prior to purchase. The basic PPI cost $ 100 to $ 200. For that price, you can expect a good general mechanical and safety inspection (including a test drive) vehicle. A detailed inspection of a luxury car, complex, with extensive engine testing, it could cost several hundred dollars or more.

The pre-purchase inspection is usually completed before the sale, however, some negotiations, the sale is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a PPI. A clean report is an excellent sales tool, while a questionable PPI may terminate the agreement. To be fair to both parties, both buyer and seller must agree on the terms of the PPI before the inspection takes place.