Before you buy a used car, you should always have it inspected by a reputable mechanic. A pre-purchase auto inspection (PPI) can help you avoid buying a lemon, and it gives you leverage when negotiating the purchase price.
Here are three reasons why you should always get a PPI before buying a used car.
1. You Avoid Buying a Lemon
The term “lemon” is often used to describe a used car that turns out to be a dud. Maybe the car has numerous mechanical problems, or maybe it just doesn’t live up to your expectations. Whatever the case may be, buying a lemon can be a huge disappointment – and a major financial headache.
A PPI can help you avoid buying a lemon by giving you an independent assessment of the car’s condition. The mechanic will look for any signs of major mechanical problems, and they’ll let you know if they think the car is worth its asking price. This information will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you’re not about to make a huge mistake.
2. You Have Leverage in Negotiations
If the PPI comes back clean, then congratulations – you’ve found yourself a great deal on a quality used car! But even if there are one or two minor issues with the vehicle, having a PPI can still give you some leverage in negotiations.
For example, let’s say that the PPI reveals that the car needs new brakes and new tires. You can then use this information to negotiate with the seller and try to get them to lower their asking price. In many cases, sellers are more than happy to negotiate when presented with objective evidence of needed repairs.
3. You Know What You’re Getting Into
Even if the PPI doesn’t reveal any serious problems with the car, it will still give you valuable insights into its current condition and future maintenance needs. After all, even the best cars need regular tune-ups and repairs as they age. Having this information upfront will help you budget for ongoing maintenance costs down the road.
A pre-purchase auto inspection (PPI) is an important step to take before buying any used car. A PPI can help you avoid buying a lemon, and it gives you valuable leverage when negotiating the purchase price. Be sure to bring your PPI report with you when meeting with the seller so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to buy the car.