A pre-purchase inspection is a check of a used car by an independent mechanic before you buy it. It can find leaks, warning codes, worn brakes and suspension, and signs of flood or accident damage, so you can negotiate, budget for repairs, or walk away.
What is a pre-purchase inspection?
It is a hands-on look at the car's mechanical condition, done by a shop that has no stake in the sale. The mechanic checks the major systems, scans the computer for stored codes and reports what they find. It answers the question every buyer has: what am I really buying?
Why get one if the car looks fine?
- Many problems cannot be seen on a short test drive
- Warning lights can be cleared before a sale, but stored data may still show issues
- A seller may not know about a problem, or may not mention it
- Repair findings give you facts to negotiate with
What does a pre-purchase inspection check?
- Engine: Leaks, noises, belts, hoses and how it runs
- Computer scan: Stored and pending trouble codes
- Transmission: Fluid condition and how it shifts
- Brakes: Pad and rotor wear, fluid and lines
- Suspension and steering: Worn parts, leaks and alignment issues
- A/C and cooling system: Cold air output, coolant leaks and fans
- Electrical: Battery, charging system, lights and accessories
- Exhaust: Leaks and damage
- Underbody: Rust, damage and signs of past repairs
How can you spot flood damage on a used car?
In the Houston area, flood-damaged cars do show up for sale. Warning signs include a musty smell, damp or new carpet in an older car, silt or water lines under the seats or in the trunk, and rust in places that should not get wet. Electrical problems that come and go can also be a clue. A mechanic can look in places most buyers don't.
What should you do before the inspection?
- Know your needs: Commute, passengers, cargo and towing.
- Set a full budget: Include tax, registration, insurance, fuel and maintenance.
- Research: Check reliability ratings and owner reviews for the model and year.
- Check the history: Get a vehicle history report and look up open recalls with the VIN on the NHTSA website.
- Test drive: Drive on local streets and the highway. Listen and feel for anything odd.
How do you arrange a pre-purchase inspection?
Ask the seller if you can take the car to your own mechanic. A seller who says no is a red flag. Bring the car in, and we will look it over. With our digital inspection, you get photos and notes on your phone, so you can review them before you decide.
R&E Auto Repair offers pre-purchase inspections. For our existing customers, the inspection is free. New to R&E? Call 832-585-0229 and ask about an inspection.
What should you do with the results?
- Minor items: Plan for them or ask for a lower price.
- Major problems: Ask the seller to fix them first, or walk away.
- A clean report: Buy with more confidence and keep the report with your records.
We will also tell you which items need attention soon and which can wait. Our advanced computer diagnostics help uncover issues that do not show up on a test drive.
When to see a mechanic
Book an inspection after you have found a car you like and before you sign anything or pay. After you buy, we can handle maintenance and repairs on your new car. See all our auto repair services.
Found a used car you like? R&E Auto Repair is at 930 Rayford Road in Spring, TX. Every vehicle gets a digital inspection with photos and notes sent to your phone, and no work is done until you approve it. If something can wait, we say so. Call 832-585-0229 or contact us to book a visit. We're open Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 5 PM.