Why do you need a mechanic to aseess a used car?

Question

They say when buying a used car, especially one that's not a "certified pre-owned vehicle" you should have a mechanic take a look at the car to assess it. What exactly will the mechanic be looking for?

Answer 1

What a fantastic question!!!

There are many degrees of inspections and each mechanic will have his own set of items to look for.

There are no standards here, it really depends on the mechanic and even then, the quality of an inspection will depend on his/her qualifications, experience and dedication to providing you a thorough inspection.

For example, you take it to a very good mechanic but one who is not very knowledgable on what to look for with paint and/or body repairs or inspecting for flood damages, this of course leaves the inspection with less than desireable results.

But to answer the question, they will normally inspect the basics, such as brakes, any fluid leaks, lights, exhaust system, tires, suspension components, some will check for any stored codes in the computer system etc.

They may not consider some of the tricks sellers will do to hide a problem, for example: I've seen sellers adjust the tire pressure (To prevent it from pulling) on one tire to hide the fact that the car needs and alignment or suspension work.

Another example, although it's not common it does happen and is a serious issue. A dummy air bag cover (They do make these)is replaced on a car that the air bag exploded with out the working components. An unsuspecting buyer will not even know until it's too late.

And a quick road test, I say quick because a "Proper" road test consist of more than just a spin around the block or drive up the high way. it consist of cold and hot driving, inspecting for noises that may be present when cold and not hot or a transmission problem that be there when it's cold and not hot or vice versa.

Even certified pre owned vehicle inspections are in some cases not done properly. (I can say this with confidence based on my prior service manager experience.) And if they are done properly, they may not be repaired according to the manufactuers guidelines.

But to be fair and honest with the mechanic and/or shop, the degree of inspection will also be dependent on how much they charge. A $49.00 inspection will probably just cover the basics while a $99.00 inspection MAY provide a more detailed inspection. In essence, you get what you pay for.

See the links below for more info.

Jerry
http://www.usedcarwise.com

Answer 2

Here's the problem with independent mechanics: All used cars have some thing that could use some maintenance - that's why they are not new cars. All independent mechanics feel they have to find out something wrong with a car, otherwise the person buying their services feels like they are being cheated. It would be better to take a friend that can tell by driving a car if the engine is not missing, the transmission is tight and the brakes generally are working, the steering is aligned,etc. Then set aside about twice what an independent mechanic would cost for the first repair.

Answer 3

there are a thousand small things that could be wrong with a used vehicle, many of which would not be easily apparent to the average person. Besides just basic vehicle safety, (lights, brakes etc.) you don't want to purchase a car that might just take a crap on you before you even make the first payment. Many used car lots employ "drivability" mechanics. Not to perform comprehensive vehicle repairs, but to make the car O.K. for at least a month. Here in Arizona a dealer is responsible for most major repairs for 15 days after purchase, so if their mechanic can take a crap car and make it run and drive properly for about a thousand miles then by the time you see a problem they are no longer legally responsible. The purpose of having a used car checked is to protect yourself from making a very bad investment in something that could cost more to repair than what you paid to purchase it.
One trick is to tell the salesman that you'd like to take the car to your mechanic, and watch is reaction. If you don't like what you see, go somewhere else.

Answer 4

The mechanic will be looking at tire wear, for any seal leaks on the gaskets, condition of brake pads, condition of battery, check your fluid levels, and on how the vehicle rides. Based on these pieces of info, a good estimate can be made of how well the vehicle was taken care of.

Answer 5

all kinds of things that might not be apparent to the purchaser.
bent frame
broken struts and / or springs
front-end, tie rods
differential (rear end)
transmission
compression
brakes
seals and gaskets
electrical system / electronics (starter/celenoid, battery, altenator, plugs, distributor, ignition)
carberator, fuel injection system
radiator, water pump
emissions

find you a good mechanic, kick him 50 -100 bucks, tell him tear it up. worth every penny. so many times i see people buy nothing but problems.

edit >> oh yeah, when talkin to mechanic make a date to fix all minor probs you find. and consider those expenses when negotiating your price. factor in inspection, replacements, and labor. and is it tagged for emissions? or you going to need that too?

Answer 6

Brakes, handling, listen to the engine for strange noises, check belts.

It's hardly worth it to pay one and any strange problems will more than likely not be diagnosed.