If all of the cylinders measure out at approximately equal compression, and if the numbers lie within the “good” range in the manufacturer’s specifications, that means that the valves and piston rings are in reasonably good shape. They do not put the car on a lift but may use floor jacks to raise up parts of the car as needed. A pre-purchase car inspection is the best way to go in assessing the true health of a used vehicle. Our mechanics do not include a compression test as part of the pre-purchase inspection. Get the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the seller, which you can use to learn about the car. At this time, we do not accept checks, cash, or PayPal. Edmunds.com Rather than a firm estimate, more often, a rough idea of repair costs is given along with guidance as to the urgency of various issues and the overall condition of the vehicle. Toyota Prius - Pre-purchase Car Inspection - Houston, Texas. Exhaust Manifold 2. 2005 Ford E-350 Super Duty V8-6.0L Turbo Diesel, 2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport V8-5.0L Turbo, The mechanics are available 7 days a week from, The mechanic performs a standard 150-point inspection that includes a visual inspection of the fluids, body, brakes, cooling system, suspension, HVAC, tires, and overall external appearance. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Price does not include taxes or shop supply charge. The inspection usually starts with a test drive of 10 to 20 miles. But it is possible to get an idea of an engine’s general wear condition and power-balance. All our inspections are carried out at an RAC Auto Services centre or one of our mobile servicing vans.. You’ll get a full report on the vehicle’s general condition and safety components**, plus a car … A basic PPI will cost $100 to $200. From as little as £99 you can book an RAC vehicle inspection where one of our highly experienced engineers will: Inspect the vehicle at an agreed location, usually within 48 hours of your request … Impressed with all the time and details put into the pre purchase inspection report. The comprehensive inspection includes more elaborate checks on the vehicle’s engine, frame, and a more in-depth visual observation and mechanical testing of the car’s overall performance. Thanks Jason! You'll want to know if the car has been in any accidents, has failed smog checks, or had other past issues. As previously mentioned, the range of prices of the pre-purchase car inspection can vary depending on the package you are getting for your car. Daniel has worked for 33 years now in the automotive field, as an ASE Master Technician for independent shops and dealerships, as a Certified Chrysler Technician, as a warranty claims adjuster for General Motors. If an inspection finds problems but the vehicle is still considered for purchase, it’s normal to give the seller the option of repairing the vehicle themselves or re-negotiating a more fair price. It is best that a seller understand and agree to the scope of the inspection, as well as knowing where it is being done. The buyer typically pays for the pre-purchase inspection. Our mechanics use their judgement and years of experience working on cars to provide their best opinion on the condition of the car, and may suggest potential repairs. Also if an engine light has recently been cleared (and its cause is not repaired), often, it will take a few miles before it will reset a code. Regardless of where a vehicle is inspected, it’s first necessary to get the “okay” for an outside inspection to be done. Always, always, Buyer beware, some of these salvage vehicles may have extensive problems, have voided warranties, and/or not be eligible for comprehensive auto insurance. I was impressed with the detail and quote he submitted to aid in my purchase negotiations. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) When lacking an ideal place, another tactic is to take a vehicle to a shop run by a competitor of the seller. 1. The car must pass the smog within 90 days of the intended sale date. The price of pre-purchase car inspections will vary, and may seem a little expensive. The mechanic will also take photos of the exterior and interior. Pre-purchase vehicle inspections Find out the true condition of a vehicle before you buy Inspections are available Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. This way you can have complete peace of mind about the car you are buying. If a cylinder has low compression, for instance, that will usually lead to misfires and an engine warning light. Make sure that there are no liens against the car—in other words, no bank or other party still holds an interest in the vehicle. 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