A vehicle is one of the largest purchases most people make in their lives. When you’re looking for a used vehicle, you should know about its past and how that affects its current performance. To get these answers, you need to get a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) done before you close the deal.
Why a Used Car Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is Important
What Is a PPI?
Anyone looking to buy a second-hand vehicle should invest in a PPI. This is a detailed assessment of a vehicle’s mechanical, cosmetic, and safety condition. A PPI should be done before the purchase of a used vehicle and completed by a certified automotive technician with knowledge of the specific vehicle’s make and model.
Whether you’re browsing dealership or private seller listings, a PPI is a highly recommended step in your process to give you an extra layer of security on your final decision.
How to Get One
You have a right to a PPI as a consumer. When you find a vehicle you’re seriously considering buying, ask the dealership or seller to help you arrange a PPI. A non-binding offer to purchase and a refundable deposit are common pre-conditions to the inspection. If a seller won’t agree to a PPI, take it as a sign to walk away.
A PPI may cost between $100 and $200 and is usually covered by the potential buyer. This price may vary depending on where you live and the make and model of the vehicle.
PPIs are available onsite at dealerships, but you can also bring the vehicle to an independent mechanic. This should ideally be someone you already have a professional relationship with.
Finding your own mechanic is recommended because if the inspection is done by a third party with no personal interest/stake in the vehicle, you’re more likely to get a completely honest and unbiased report. You can get a PPI done at any . You can also refer to this list by CAA of recommended inspection facilities.
What’s Included
There’s no industry standard for a PPI, but you should have certain expectations of what will be covered. A basic inspection is mainly visual, and the mechanic will look for any exterior damage or rust. Be sure to request a thorough PPI to get an accurate report on the internal components of the vehicle.
A detailed PPI should include an assessment of:
- engine
- battery
- mechanical system
- broken/rusted components
- leaks
- tire tread
- exhaust
- lights
- HVAC
- fluid levels and condition
- windows and windshield
- windshield wipers
- hoses and belts
If you have a vehicle history report, the mechanic will pay special attention to any previous damage or repairs to make sure they won’t cause you any future problems.
Your mechanic should also take the vehicle for a test drive to assess the steering, braking system, and to listen for any strange noises. Including the test drive, the entire procedure should take between 45 and 90 minutes.
Ongoing Maintenance
A satisfactory PPI can be the final green light you need to close the sale of your next vehicle. Once everything is said and done, don’t forget to keep up with your own maintenance routine to get the most out of your new ride.
If you’re interested in doing your automotive maintenance yourself, some useful tools and accessories to have include:
For more maintenance tips and DIY guides, check out our blog.
If you have any questions about PPIs or used car maintenance, visit a NAPA Auto Parts store to chat with an expert.
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