Why get a pre-purchase auto inspection?

Most of us can remember a story about a friend or family member who bought a bad used car. They went to the local dealer, found what looked like a great buy and drove away after a short test-drive. Days later a problem appeared and a "great deal" turned out to be a lemon. Because state "lemon laws" don't apply to used cars and because many cars are sold "as-is," without any warranty, getting an independent inspection before you buy is a critical step.

Nearly all auto service facilities, from dealerships to independent garages, offer some type of pre-purchase inspection. The going price is about $200 to $300. Most repair facilities will give a quick description of the number of points in the inspection and how it is conducted. Consumers should be aware that not all who claim to be pre-purchase inspectors do a thorough job. The findings of an inspection are not guaranteed, but with a good inspection you should know what you are getting.

Experts agree that a good inspection serves several functions:

• Verifies the equipment, or options, on the car
• Confirms the condition level of the car
• Reveals hidden problems with the body, frame or engine
• Finds engine codes that can reveal engine problems
• Builds confidence in the value of the vehicle

A good inspector will spot major problems and give you peace of mind. Afer all, you want your next used car purchase to be an investment, not a liability.

While no inspection is guaranteed to find every flaw in a used car, a trained eye can help you avoid serious problems. Given the fact that thousands of dollars are at stake, an hour of your time and a hundred dollars is good insurance against the unknown. To learn more about how the Lemon Squad helps consumers avoid bad used cars, please visit our website.