With all the excitement of buying a used car, there is one element that is often overlooked, and ignoring this important detail can end up costing you big: the vehicle inspection. You have decided what type of car or truck is right for you. You have tried it and found that it meets your expectations. You have visited the dealer or private seller and agreed on a price. So all that’s left is to sign the papers, buy the car, and walk away happy, right? Incorrect!

It is vitally important to ensure that the purchase of the car is conditional on the vehicle passing an inspection by a qualified mechanic. This inspection will cost around $100, but it is definitely money well spent. A vehicle inspection is more than just a safety or emissions test – it’s a complete inspection of the inner workings of the vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems to ensure that it’s not only roadworthy, but not due for repair. important in the near future, a repair you’ll probably be responsible for if you skip inspection.

When you look at a vehicle advertised in a used car classifieds, you’ll rarely see the description that says something like “this vehicle needs two thousand dollars of work” or “the transmission will fail after you’ve owned the car for a month.” . Unfortunately, many people will hide these details in order to sell their vehicle. Remember, unless it’s a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle sold through an authorized dealer, there will most likely be no warranty coverage left on the car or truck, which means you’ll be hanging on for repairs. That’s why the inspection is so important – it can help you determine if the vehicle appears to be a peach or a lemon!

Of course, proper car maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your car as much as possible, so be sure to ask the dealer for service and maintenance records. This way you can tell if the seller took care of the car or neglected it. Ask the salesperson if he can produce receipts for things like oil changes and tire rotations. If this information is not available with the sale, be careful. Ask the seller if the vehicle has been emissions tested and if those records are available. Every time a vehicle changes hands, it must pass a safety inspection. Ask the seller if security records are available. Remember that some maintenance is common wear, such as brake pads and rotors. So if the seller can produce records and you see these kinds of things, don’t worry, they’re common.

If the seller (dealer or private) refuses to allow the car to be inspected prior to purchase, do not proceed with the sale. Stay away, or better yet, drive… fast. Either way, never forget to do a full vehicle inspection before you consider buying it.