BEFORE YOUR NEXT CAR PURCHASE
Make Sure to Get a Pre-Purchase Vehicle Inspection!
We got a chance to sit down with our Fridley manager, Chad, to hear from him about the value in getting a used vehicle inspected BEFORE you purchase it. Here's what he had to say.
“You don’t want your newly purchased, used car to break down soon after you buy it. Yet, it happens all the time. That’s why, if you’re buying a used car, there’s only one way to guarantee your next vehicle’s quality: a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. It could even save you thousands of dollars.
I’m a location manager at Victory, and a few years ago, a mother kept coming into our shop with several used vehicles. Her daughter just turned 16, and so she wanted to buy her a used car for $5,000 or less. However, she wanted to be sure the cars were of decent quality and wouldn’t have massive repairs.
As time went on, the shopping experience became more frustrating for them. They’d bring in a car they loved aesthetically, but as soon as we’d get it on the lift, we’d notice huge issues that could cost anywhere from $800 to $4,000 in repairs. That can turn an affordable vehicle into an expensive vehicle very quickly.
Much like our bodies, cars can have hidden issues. Not everyone is vigilant about car care, and most used cars we see need about $1,000 worth of repairs. Some sellers may be unaware about their car’s condition — for example, they might park on grass and have never noticed the car leaks underneath.
That’s why nobody can really know what’s going on with a car until a technician gets under the hood and takes a good look at it, inside and out. There are huge benefits to getting a pre-purchase inspection beyond knowing every problem with a potential purchase. After your pre-purchase inspection, you can bring our technicians’ report to your seller and explain the costs so you can ask for a discount. It can be a great asset for negotiating your vehicle’s price.
When people hear about pre-purchase inspections for the first time, they often say, “Wow! Sellers let you do that?” Yes! And if there’s a seller who refuses to allow a pre-purchase vehicle inspection, DO NOT buy that car. That’s a huge red flag in the auto industry. By getting a pre-purchase inspection, you will be able to select a vehicle of guaranteed quality, as well as be able to save your money and keep your family safe.”
- Chad
Two Types Of Pre-Purchase Inspections
At Victory Auto Service we offer two different types of inspections that can be very beneficial when you are looking to purchase a used vehicle. We have a Peace of Mind Inspection as well as a Bumper to Bumper Inspection. There are some differences between these two types of inspections that are worth noting.
Below we will explain the two types of inspections.
Peace of Mind Inspection
Our Peace of Mind Inspections have 55 points we look at and take about 45 minutes to complete. There are 6 different categories we look at on your vehicle in this inspection.
Around The Vehicle: Around the vehicle we inspect things like engine codes, windshield wipers, dash lights, turn signals, lug caps, etc..
Under The Vehicle: Under the vehicle we look for fluid leaks, exhaust function, shocks & struts condition, suspension, etc..
Under The Hood: Under the hood we inspect the battery function, battery terminal, charging system, drive belts, hoses, etc..
Glass & Body: We note any damage to the glass or the body.
Tires / Alignment: We check tire safety and condition, as well as the vehicle's alignment.
Brakes: We look at the condition and thickness of the brake pads to ensure that they are functioning safely.
Bumper to Bumper Inspection
Our Bumper to Bumper inspections have 70 points that we inspect and take about an hour and a half to complete. This inspection looks at all the same categories as the Peace of Mind inspection, but it doesn’t stop there. Think of this inspection as going through your vehicle with a fine tooth comb. This inspection includes:
Road Tests: We test the engine cranking, engine performance, warning lamps, transmission, clutch, alignment, brakes, etc..
Around The Vehicle: Around the vehicle we inspect things like engine codes, wipers, dash lights, turn signals, lug caps, etc..
Under The Vehicle: Under the vehicle we look for fluid leaks, exhaust function, shocks & struts condition, suspension, etc..
Under The Hood: Under the hood we inspect the battery function, battery terminal, charging system, drive belts, hoses, etc..
Glass & Body: We note any damage to the glass or the body.
Tires / Alignment: We check tire safety and condition, as well as the vehicle's alignment.
Brakes: We look at the condition and thickness of the brake pads to ensure that they are functioning safely.
Engine Mounts: We test the integrity of your engine’s mounts while the car is idling, accelerating, in drive, in reverse, etc.
In Depth Scans: We dive in with sophisticated scan tools and find any hidden issues small or large.
Like Chad mentioned earlier, getting an inspection BEFORE you purchase a vehicle not only gives you peace of mind or keeps you from purchasing a vehicle with major problems, it also empowers you as a buyer. Oftentimes sellers are willing to give you a discount on the vehicle you are purchasing when you are able to share with them the estimates of what needs to be fixed. Many sellers are unaware of what their vehicle needs are and will work with you to find a price reduction that is fair.
If you want to schedule an inspection, you can visit our website, VictoryAutoService.com, or call any of our locations. We look forward to helping you find the perfect vehicle!
- Julia M.