A pre-purchase inspection is the most important step when purchasing the used vehicle. It is always the buyer's responsibility to determine the true condition of a used vehicle before purchase.

However, a pre-purchase inspection is only as good as the automotive Technician, and all automotive technicians are not equal.  There is a huge difference between a mechanic’s check and a pre-purchase inspection.  A mechanic’s check is usually performed on a vehicle with a specific problem.  An Automotive Technician, certified on a particular system or component, can diagnose and repair that system or component.  However, a pre-purchase inspection requires that the Technician be certified on each and every automotive system and component. Only an ASE Certified Master Technician is certified on every mechanical and electrical system.

A professional pre-purchase inspection by an ASE Master Technician should provide answers to the following questions:

• How has the vehicle been driven?
  Did the previous owner(s) misuse and/or abuse the vehicle? Or, was it driven sensibly?  
• Is the vehicle in good working order?
  Does the vehicle have existing problems, or have someone try to disguise or hide needed repairs? Was regular maintenance performed? What is the current condition of every mechanical and electrical system?
• Has the vehicle ever been in an accident?
  A Body & Chassis inspection will tell if the vehicle was involved in a small non-structural fender-bender? Or, is the vehicle a collection of wrecked cars welded together? What is the quality of all accident repairs?

How to locate a qualified Technician:

Search "used car inspections" on the web or call Auto P. I. Used Car Inspections at 512-454-5999.  Auto P. I. actually goes to the car! They perform a 600-point inspection performed by an ASE Master Technician, and then tell you the unvarnished truth about the vehicle. They normally charge $139 for this service and Auto P. I. gives GTFCU members a $20 discount coupon. Their website also contains valuable information including the “Top10” used car buying myths, misconceptions and mistakes.

Other used-car inspection sources may also include diagnostic and service garages. Just be sure the person performing the pre-purchase inspection is an ASE Certified Master Technician.

• Quick Tip: Re-negotiate your original deal to include any problem uncovered during the inspection. The true value of a used vehicle is its book value minus any existing problems.

If you need additional assistance, please contact us.