Inspecting a Used Car Before Buying: Why It's So Important
Inspecting a Used Car Before Buying: Why It's So Important
Posted on February 13, 2023
Would you buy a pair of shoes without trying them on and checking them out first? How about a new suit for work? Chances are that you wouldn't buy anything important without making sure it fits you and it fit for purpose. So isn't it surprising that so many people simply look under the hood, drive around the block and then feel ready to buy a used car Given the potential cost of the transaction and the cost of repairs should any be needed, it is surprising that so many people don't thoroughly check a car before buying it.
When buying a used car, you generally have three options. You buy privately and inspect it yourself or with a friend. You buy privately and pay an inspection company to check the car over or you buy certified used from a dealership.
Buying Privately With Self-Inspection
There is nothing wrong with buying a used car privately as long as you know what you're doing. No pre-purchase inspection on the roadside can compare with a dealership check, but it can identify the most obvious issues. Less obvious ones may not be so easily identified.
Better still is to take a friend or colleague who is an auto technician. They can use their expertise to check the car over before you pay for it to make sure you're getting exactly what you're paying for. However, even this cannot identify every potential issue with a car.
Buying Privately With a Paid Inspection
Paying for an inspection company to give the car a once over is more popular than ever. They act as your eyes and ears and add a professional overview to a used car purchase. They can quickly identify any obvious shortcomings and any likely issues with the car before you buy.
It is important to know that not all inspection companies use auto technicians for this job. Not all companies warranty their work and not all of them guarantee what they do. Many of them will only ever guarantee the inspection of an engine and transmission too, which leaves a lot of car for you to deal with should anything happen.
Buying Certified Used Cars
Buying a certified used car from a dealership such as Car Nation Canada offers several benefits. The car has been inspected by a certified auto technician. It has been repaired, serviced, safety checked and prepared for sale. All our work and all major elements of the used car itself has then been certified.
Buying a used car from us also comes with a warranty. In the unlikely event something does go wrong, it is likely to be covered under warranty so you won't have to foot the bill.