Unless you are buying a car at an auction, you are under no obligation to purchase it without first having it inspected by a mechanic of your choosing. In almost all circumstances, it is in your best interest to take this opportunity to ensure you know exactly what you are buying. 

Why Take a Used Car to An Auto Mechanic Before Buying It?

While they are not obligated, most dealerships have no issue with you taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic before deciding to buy. Most have spent money reconditioning their used vehicle, but there is always a possibility they missed something.

One of the bigger issues is cars that are advertised as never having been in a wreck, but the mechanic finds proof that it has been. If it wasn’t documented correctly, the dealer or private seller will have no way of knowing this, but an inspection can identify engine and body repairs that might not have been made correctly following an accident.

While you might be savvy enough to check the fluids and the state of the tires, a professional mechanic will fully inspect the inside and outside of the vehicle looking for any problems or those that might quickly become an issue and cost you way more than the price of the inspection.  

What Will the Inspection Cover?

Many auto shops offer a pre-inspection service and will provide you with a complete list of what it covers. This might vary from one location to the next, but generally, expect them to perform a visual inspection of the auto body to check for dents, rust, or cracks that might indicate frame damage or previous repair work. They’ll also visually look for problems with the tires, wheels, brakes, and suspension.

Most will also perform a road test to listen and feel for signs of parts going bad, like the brakes or bearings, and determine how the electronics are faring. To get a full picture of how the car is operating, they will take it over hills, bumps, and potholes to reveal any suspension, transmission, or engine performance issues.  

With the car parked, they will check the condition of the coolant, oil, and transmission fluids. If these liquids are low or burnt, it could indicate it’s been a while since the car saw any maintenance. As a result, the engine, transmission, and radiator have likely developed a lot of wear and leaks. 

If you’re thinking about buying a used car, first bring it to the mechanics at Ken Marcotte’s Professional Auto Service in Loveland, OH, for a full inspection. Their ASE®-certified mechanics have over 30 years of industry experience working on most makes and models. They use the latest car diagnostic equipment to quickly identify any issues and will take the time to explain what is wrong and how they can fix it. Call them today at (513) 683-7852 to schedule an appointment and visit their website to learn more about their services.