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How to Get a Vehicle Check Before You Buy
You can learn a lot about a car from close-up photographs and a history report, but getting a professional inspection is one way to find out whether the vehicle you’re considering buying is a sound buy. A good mobile mechanic can take the vehicle on a test drive, make a thorough examination and provide you with a comprehensive written report that includes his assessment of the state of the car’s mechanical components and electrical systems. The mechanic should be licensed, insured and bonded. Ideally, he should be certified to work on your specific model of car. If you’re buying from a dealer, ask for the contact details of the inspector.
The vehicle inspector will check for safety issues like airbags and seat belts that are in working order. He’ll also look for leaks in the engine, transmission or cooling system as well as rust on the body and under the car. He may also test the brakes and steering, and run a diagnostic scan on it with his computerized scanner.
When he’s finished, the inspector will write up his report and give you copies for your records. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get a mobile inspection service for the price of a prepaid oil change. It’s still a good idea to pay for the independent inspection, however, because it can be an important level of insurance that you’re not getting duped into buying a bad car.
If a car seller won’t let you take his vehicle for an independent inspection, it’s a red flag that he’s hiding something. Many reputable dealers will accompany buyers to a local mechanic of their choice. If he claims that it’s against company policy, or that it’s impossible to do because of insurance restrictions, walk away.
The best time to check a vehicle is before you start it up and drive off the lot. First, inspect the exterior of the car for obvious damage. Look at the tires for wear and tear and to see if the spare is in place. If it is, open the trunk and check the condition of the tire and the integrity of the spare.
Check the interior of the car, with doors shut and windows up. The cabin should smell clean and be free of signs of smoke or mold. Smell the tires, too. A smell of burning rubber indicates poor maintenance. Look for excessive wear on the driver’s side front tire, which might be a sign of aggressive driving.
Lastly, pull the dipstick and examine the engine oil. It should be a dark red color and have a smooth residue when rubbed between your fingers. If the oil looks blotchy, feels gritty or has metal flakes in it, that’s a sign of overheating. Squeeze the rubber hoses running to the radiator, A/C and other systems. They should be firm and supple, not rock hard or cracked. Check the transmission fluid as well. It should be a clear red, not brown or black.try a free car check
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