It doesn’t matter if you are buying a used car from a dealer or a private party, a pre-purchase vehicle inspection ensures you’ll be getting your money’s worth and then some. Don’t take chances. Get a car history report to ensure it’s safe and reliable, and then let Village Autoworks conduct a pre-purchase inspection to find hidden damages that could your new-to-you dream car into a nightmare.
1. Hidden Accident Damage
Depending on the age of the car and whether the previous driver(s) are completely honest, you might have accident damage that you cannot see. Not all vehicle accidents are reported, i.e. they won’t show up on the car’s history report, and even a minor fender-bender can cause unseen damage that affects how the vehicle handles. We’ll inspect the vehicle thoroughly to see if there is any damage or previous bodywork.
2. Hidden Fire or Flood Damage
The same holds true for fire or flood damage. Depending on the extent of the fire or flood, you may not see any signs of previous trouble and drive off in an unreliable car, truck, or utility vehicle. If there is fire damage, how the vehicle fire started is the most important concern. If the vehicle has a history of electrical trouble, you won’t want to buy it, and untreated flood damage can cause undercarriage rust and rot problems.
3. Invisible Dangers
Aside from fire risks, other invisible dangers on a used car include a worn axle or other suspension part, problems with the brake system, steering issues, and exhaust system problems that could release trace amounts of carbon monoxide into the cabin. A professional pre-purchase vehicle inspection allows us to tear the vehicle apart – figuratively, of course – before you buy it to make sure there is absolutely nothing wrong with it.
4. Poor Mechanical Work
Finally, the dealer or private seller could present to you a pile of receipts proving the used vehicle was maintained per the factory-scheduled maintenance schedule, but what if it was poorly maintained? We don’t mean by the previous owner; we mean by the auto service shop. Poor mechanical work has given automotive service a bad rap, and we can tell if prior maintenance or repair work is shoddy and might cause vehicle trouble.
You can count on Village Autoworks to give the used car you’d like to buy a thorough pre-purchase inspection so you can buy it or another car with total peace of mind. We have two shops to serve you, one in Woodbury, MN, and one in Roseville, MN. Call us today to schedule an appointment.