How To Get a Used Car Prepurchase Inspection
A prepurchase inspection or PPI can help you make sure you’re not buying a lemon when you’re shopping for a low-cost used car. Take the car to a trustworthy mechanic or auto shop to uncover any repairs that may be needed and identify potential future problems.
If the inspection reveals extensive problems, you may decide it’s not right for you. If you’re still interested in the car, you may be able to negotiate a lower price or get the seller to cover the cost of some repairs.
- Have a used car inspected by an independent mechanic before you buy it.
- Even if the seller has their own report, it’s still best to get a prepurchase inspection.
- Expect to pay somewhere between $125-$300 for a typical used car inspection.
What is a used car inspection?
A used car inspection is a detailed inspection of a vehicle by an independent auto mechanic that the buyer pays to identify any potential problems. If you’re buying a used car, it’s important to know how well the car has been maintained, and whether you’ll need to shell out for expensive repairs or services in the near future.
In some states, you can legally buy a used car “as-is”, which means it comes without any kind of warranty, and might not even be roadworthy. In that case, you’ll want to be fully aware of the condition of the vehicle before paying.
There’s not an official standard for a vehicle inspection, so you should ask what the inspection will cover. It typically includes safety items such as seat belts, brakes and lights, as well as mechanical elements like the engine and transmission.
Cosmetic issues such as dents, rust or paint problems are also generally included. You’ll also want to make sure your inspection includes a vehicle history report, title status and a check for open recalls. You can see a comprehensive list of what’s typically included in a used car inspection below.
Check with the vehicle’s seller to see if they will allow you to drive it to a mechanic, or if they require the inspection to take place on site. If a seller won’t allow a used car inspection, you probably don’t want to be buying from them.
Can I trust the seller’s inspection?
Many dealers promote their comprehensive inspections, like a 160-point used car inspection. The car may come with an inspection report showing no problems were found. However, it’s still a good idea to get your own inspection. The dealer’s mechanic may miss something critical, or may not be very diligent in identifying problems that should be fixed before the car is sold.
Cars that are part of a dealer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle program undergo a more rigorous inspection and may come with a factory warranty. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to get an inspection for a CPO car as well.
What is included in a used car inspection?
A comprehensive used car inspection should cover the vehicle bumper to bumper, including putting the car up on a lift to inspect the underside. A typical inspection includes these vital areas:
Under the Hood inspection
Some dust and dirt are normal, but look for signs of fluid leaks, battery corrosion and hanging wires and hoses.
- Fluid levels and leaks
- Belts and hoses condition
- Battery condition
- Start up sounds
- Scan for trouble codes
Interior inspection
Look for signs of water damage from floods or storms. A musty odor or a damp trunk liner could mean the car has been submerged and dried out. Make sure the heating and air conditioning are operating normally, as these repairs can be costly.
- Front and rear seat condition
- Odors
- Pedals
- Instrument panel lights and controls
- Heating and air conditioning
- Sound system
- Infotainment system
- Roof headliner
- Sunroof/moonroof
- Trunk interior
Exterior inspection
Look for signs of abuse or accident repair. Paint color on body panels should match, and tires should have usable tread life remaining.
- Body condition — dents, scratches, paint finish, rust
- Glass condition and window operation
- Lights and lenses
- Suspension
- Tires
Underside inspection
Look for signs of fluid leaks like oil or coolant under the car or on the pavement below. Be aware of dents or blemishes underneath the vehicle that could indicate an accident. Fresh undercoating treatment could be hiding recent repairs or structural damage.
- Exhaust system
- Constant velocity joints
- Fluid leaks
- Frame damage
- Signs of accident repair
Driving test
The mechanic should listen to the car during a cold start to hear any signs of a low battery or a bad starting system. See how the car starts and stops and how it tracks when the brakes are applied. See how it feels when driving over speed bumps and potholes, and at highway speeds.
- Engine performance
- Brakes
- Suspension
- Steering
- Sounds
Status
Check to see if the car has a branded title, such as a salvage title, indicating if the car has been severely damaged or declared a total loss after an accident. Look for any open recalls, especially safety-related issues in the vehicle history report.
Where to find a used car prepurchase inspection
Ideally, you would take the car to a mechanic you already know and trust, but that may not always be possible. In that case, you may want to explore other options, such as:
- Local mechanics or local auto service centers: Ask friends and family if they know someone trustworthy in the area, or find a mechanic who is ASE Certified to perform the inspection.
- National auto service chains: You can bring your car into a chain like Pep Boys, Firestone and Goodyear for an in-depth inspection.
- Other local dealers: If you’re looking at a car from a branded dealer, take the car to another dealer across town who works with the same brand of car. They will be comfortable inspecting the make of car and may be aware of common problems and recalls. If you’re working with a used car lot, you can take the vehicle to any dealer who works with that type of car.
- Mobile services: A mobile inspection company like Lemon Squad connects buyers with qualified inspectors in their local area who conduct used car inspections. The buyer pays for the service and then receives a comprehensive report. A mobile inspection is a good option if you’re using an online car-buying site and can’t see the car in person.
Some independent mechanics specialize in pre-purchase inspections so they are familiar with the process. If you’re buying a premium import like an Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz, find a mechanic specializing in those makes.
If the seller won’t let you take the car off the lot to a mechanic, some mobile inspectors will come to the location. However, a mobile inspector may be unable to do an underside inspection without the car on a lift.
How much does a used car inspection cost?
Prices for a used car inspection vary by location, the type of car and the depth of the inspection.
Nationwide car care chains like Firestone and Goodyear offer free basic courtesy checks that could help you spot obvious issues, and provide in-depth inspections for a fee.
A more detailed inspection, including the underside, may cost $200 or more, including taking photos of inspected areas. A mobile on-site inspection will likely cost you around $150, depending on the service you use. Inspections for exotic cars could run well over $200, while vintage and classic car inspections typically cost over $300.
How to do your own used car prepurchase inspection
If you don’t have the time or money to pay for a used car inspection before purchasing, you can do a basic one yourself. Make sure you’re looking at the car with a critical eye — look for any potential problems, even if it seems like they won’t cost much money to fix. Make sure you check the following items thoroughly before buying.
The car’s history
- Get a CarFax and a vehicle history report
- Look for open recalls
- Check title status with a VIN Check
Exterior
- Matching paint on all panels
- No big gaps between panels
- No loose or missing trim pieces
- All lights work
- Windshield wipers work
Interior
- Seats not ripped or stained
- Headliner not sagging
- No broken interior pieces
- Radio/infotainment works
- Check for water damage under the floor and trunk mats
- All lights work
Tires
- Tire tread depth of 2/32 of an inch or 16 millimeters is considered worn out and should be replaced.
- All tires are wearing evenly and consistently
Driving
- Doesn’t make noises when you start it or come to a stop
- Doesn’t vibrate at highway speeds
- Doesn’t pull to one side when you apply the brake
Mechanical
- Doesn’t smoke or make noises on start up
- No sign of leaking fluids
- Fluid levels are correct
- Belts and hoses not cracked or breaking apart
- Battery not corroded
- No warning lights on dashboard
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