When Should You Get a Pre-purchase Inspection?

What is a pre-purchase inspection?

A pre-purchase inspection is the process an automotive technician goes through when they check a used vehicle’s condition. During the optional pre-purchase inspection, the mechanic ensures the vehicle is safe to drive and up to quality standards, or finds any red flags and potential problems.

We go into more detail about when to get a pre-purchase inspection, as well as what the inspection covers, below.

When to get a pre-purchase inspection

Generally speaking, it’s worth getting a pre-purchase inspection any time you’re buying an extended warranty or a used car, regardless of make, model, age or mileage. There are niche exceptions we’ll discuss below, but in the vast majority of cases, you’ll likely be glad you got one.

Do certified pre-owned vehicles need pre-purchase inspections?

The above statement also applies to certified pre-owned (CPO) cars and newer vehicles still under their factory warranties. Even though certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles typically come with some sort of “quality guarantee” and a complimentary extended warranty, it’s best to have an independent mechanic take a look under the hood (and everywhere else). Here’s why:

1. A good PPI will catch things that your warranty simply won’t cover. Auto warranties generally only cover factory defects, not issues resulting from damage, misuse or neglect. Therefore, it’s not a safe bet to assume the warranty will protect you from any current (or pending) issues.
2. Not all CPO programs are the same. Generally speaking, a manufacturer-certified car must pass rigorous quality standards set forth by the automaker itself, but a dealer-certified car may simply be a used car the dealer wants to sell faster or at a higher price. In fact, we’ve seen dealer-certified cars with rust, cracked windshields and bald tires.
3. CPO status doesn’t guarantee perfection. While the risk that a CPO car will be a lemon is lower, it’s not entirely gone, and there may still be serious issues that the seller missed or neglected to document. There’s also an argument to be made that CPO programs present a conflict of interest. In essence, buying a CPO vehicle means you’re trusting the seller of the vehicle to perform the PPI for you.

In the end, even a manufacturer-certified used vehicle with a squeaky-clean CARFAX report can still benefit from a third-party PPI.

“Lately there have been a large number of vehicles being misrepresented by the seller, including big brand dealers. Mostly due to the fact that their inspection process is weak or nonexistent,” Eric Hamilton, founder of Whyte Knyte Inspections, wrote in an email to ConsumerAffairs.

“One car that I inspected at a Ford dealer was very nice to look at, but behind the body panels were bent frame pieces and missing parts. Someone had wrecked the vehicle and instead of replacing all of the affected parts, they just put on new fenders and a bumper cover, making this vehicle very unsafe if ever in an accident,” he added. “Oh, by the way, this car had a ‘clean’ CARFAX report.”

Do hybrids and electric vehicles need pre-purchase inspections?

Electric vehicles (EVs) and especially hybrids share many of the same mechanical components as gas-powered cars (brakes, air conditioners, etc.), so it’s wise to have a professional mechanic look over everything before committing to a purchase.

You may also want to reach out to a local EV specialist and ask about their PPI process. Ideally, you’d want to find an automotive technician who can thoroughly inspect the battery and provide what some call a “range report” on its expected remaining life span.

Are there any used cars that don’t need pre-purchase inspections?

By default, it’s best not to skip a PPI since it can save you from purchasing a pricey — and possibly even dangerous — lemon. That being said, you might choose to make an exception in these cases:

• The vehicle comes from a brand known for build quality and reliability (e.g., Mazda, Lexus).
• It has low mileage (probably less than 25,000 miles).
• You know the owner personally and feel confident in how well they treated the car.
• You’ve seen detailed service and maintenance records for the vehicle.

However, we’ve neither seen nor heard of anyone regretting a PPI. Even if everything comes up green across the board, the $200 or so you’ll spend is a relatively small expense for additional peace of mind before making such a big investment.

» LEARN: What is a vehicle service contract?

What does a pre-purchase inspection cover?

A thorough pre-purchase inspection typically includes a comprehensive evaluation of the vehicle's mechanical, electrical and structural condition. During a pre-purchase inspection, most mechanics examine the following areas:

• Engine performance: Includes visual checks for leaks, noises, worn belts and overall engine condition.
• Transmission and drivetrain: Inspecting for slipping, fluid condition and shifting smoothness.
• Brakes: Assessing pad wear, rotor condition and braking responsiveness.
• Suspension and steering: Ensuring the car handles properly without excessive play or noise.
• Tires and wheels: Checking for uneven wear, tread depth and alignment issues.
• Battery and charging system: Confirming the battery's health and electrical system performance.
• Fluid levels and condition: Including oil, coolant, brake and transmission fluids.
• Body and frame integrity: Looking for signs of rust, repairs or frame damage.
• Interior condition: Assessing upholstery, seat functionality and electronics.
• Road test: A drive to evaluate handling, acceleration, braking and noise.

A detailed PPI can also help uncover evidence of previous accidents, flood damage or neglect. Some mechanics may provide a written report with photos or diagnostic codes that support their findings. If you're unsure whether a specific component will be checked, ask the inspector in advance.

Pre-purchase inspection cost

The average pre-purchase inspection costs around $183 to $322, according to RepairPal, though there are several cost factors at play. A mechanic may charge on the higher end if you drive a luxury vehicle, for example. The cost of a pre-purchase inspection varies depending on your location, the type of vehicle and whether the inspection is performed on-site or in a shop.

• Basic inspections may cost as low as $100 to $150 and include a standard checklist of mechanical and safety components.
• Comprehensive inspections can cost closer to $200 or more, particularly for high-end, hybrid or electric vehicles, or if the mechanic comes to the seller's location.
• Dealership inspections may also be more expensive but can include brand-specific diagnostics and tools.

While you may be tempted to skip this step and save money upfront, the cost of a PPI is a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of buying a car with hidden issues. Many buyers find the peace of mind well worth the investment.

How to get a pre-purchase inspection

The following steps will help you connect with a local automotive technician and schedule your pre-purchase inspection.

1. Determine whether the inspection will be on-site or in the shop

Before calling up local garages, determine whether you can bring the car to the mechanic or if you need the mechanic to come to the car. The answer will depend on what type of seller you’re buying from:

• Dealers and used car lots typically won’t let the car leave the lot unless you’re on a test drive. They also rarely have return policies, so you’ll need to schedule an on-site PPI. If a dealer refuses to let you perform one, it’s best to walk away.
• National used car retailers such as CarMax and Carvana also won’t let you drive off with the car to get a PPI, but they do come with 10- and seven-day return policies, respectively. That means you should be able to schedule your PPI early in the return window and return the car — or negotiate some free repairs — if your mechanic finds issues. There is some risk involved with this method, though, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of the seller’s return policy before you put your faith in it.
• Private parties can have mixed reactions to PPI requests. Some may allow it if you present it as a condition of purchase. If they’re a friend or family, they may even allow you to take it to the shop yourself. You shouldn’t be surprised if a seller rejects your request for a PPI, though if that’s the case, it’s best to just walk away.

2. Connect with a top-rated local mechanic

Pre-purchase inspections are common, so it shouldn’t take long to find a mechanic willing to perform one for you. It may take a bit longer to find one who’s mobile, but if you call enough shops, you’ll likely find one eventually.

If you’re getting an inspection for a rare or expensive vehicle, try to find a mechanic that specializes in that vehicle’s make or model. They’ll know what common issues to look for and how much certain repairs may cost you, so they can generally offer better advice than a generalist technician.

Be sure to find a reputable mechanic with good reviews. Dustin, a ConsumerAffairs reviewer from Kansas, wrote: “Pre purchase inspection. Purchased car on advisement, insane and obvious issues missed. … From missed massive air bag deployment, bad clock spring, half the intake missing, alignment, shocks, fluid levels, at least three dangling connectors, two engine codes, and missing bolts, sheet metal screws and zip ties everywhere. … 20k investment, based all on the supposed expertise of what I can only assume are blind basket weavers employed as service techs for automobiles.”

3. Schedule your PPI

In terms of timing, it’s best to schedule your PPI right after your test drive. Be sure to get the seller’s permission since they’ll need to be available to meet with your mechanic and give them access to the vehicle.

As we mentioned earlier, some sellers may not let you perform a PPI on-site. But if your seller offers convenient returns, you may be able to get your “pre-purchase” inspection done after the actual purchase. If the seller refuses to let you inspect the vehicle and won’t offer a return window, it’s probably best to just walk away.

» READ MORE: Tips for first-time car buyers

Getting a pre-purchase inspection before buying an extended warranty

You may only think about getting a pre-purchase inspection before buying a car, but it could also be a worthwhile investment if you’re signing up for an extended warranty.

Some extended warranty companies may require that you get a PPI before your coverage begins, but it’s a good idea to get one even if your warranty company doesn’t require it. Why? Most extended warranty companies exclude preexisting conditions from their coverage.

A PPI establishes what condition your vehicle was in when your extended warranty started.

In theory, that means your warranty won’t pay to fix anything that was wrong with your car before you signed up. In practice, it means your warranty won’t pay to fix anything that you can’t prove wasn’t wrong with your car before you signed up.

Having an inspection report from right before your coverage started can help you avoid claim denial if the warranty company thinks the issue might have been a preexisting condition.

If your extended warranty is through your car’s manufacturer, it may even be wise to have the PPI done by your local dealership.

» SIMPLIFY YOUR BUDGET: Prepaid maintenance plans