1) Ensure you’re not buying into someone else’s problem – Always ask yourself and ask the seller, “Why are they selling the vehicle”?
2) Sellers don’t want to drop their cars off at the dealership to have them torn apart and often given an inaccurate or biased assessment. Dealerships and repair shops are often known for giving inaccurate or overly sensitive assessments to attempt to lure a potential client in one of their own vehicles. The service department is in the business of making money. Oil changes are typically a “loss liter” for the dealership and this is a perfect opportunity for them to look for work or “up-sell products and services” that the vehicle may or may not need which will only confuse you when deciding whether to purchase your potential used vehicle. If you want an accurate assessment you need an actual unbiased independent third-party inspection by a reputable company who specializes in the “inspections” of used vehicles and doesn’t sell products or services or have any reason to report anything that just isn’t true.
3) NEVER rely solely on dealer’s inspections and history reports alone. Remember dealers are in the business of making money and most vehicles are sold AS IS. If they don’t have to recondition something they won’t. It’s becoming very common to see even large franchised dealers not spending the money to properly recondition their own vehicles. Know what you’re buying, avoid having to sink money into your new “used vehicle” right off the get go.
4) Looking at a Certified Pre Owned vehicle? CPO vehicles can still be certified even if the car has been in an accident. Most CPO programs allow for 2 repainted panels. We’ve seen these vehicles with existing frame damage and poor/unsafe repairs. We’ve seen dealers hide behind these CPO programs and we’ve seen many of these vehicles with burnt out brake lights, missing spare tires, etc. How detailed is their inspection if they don’t catch even the simplest of safety items? Don’t overpay for a vehicle that has been involved in accident or has had a substantial amount of paintwork.
5) You cannot rely solely on Carfax reports. An accident might and will ONLY show up on Carfax’s system if there is a police report or if an insurance company pays out on a repair. In our experience, 80% of the cars we inspect have one or more repainted panels but yet show nothing on a Carfax report. These reports can also lag for months even years meaning you go to sell the vehicle 2 years from now and the Carfax now shows an accident and because of this you have to reduce your asking price and it could take longer to sell. You’re required to have your new home inspected correct? Vehicles move, houses don’t, and it’s surprising to hear how many people are not aware of pre-purchase inspections on used vehicles. YOU MUST WATCH THIS NEWS STORY – This is hands down the best video you will see on the inaccuracies and problems of relying on Carfax reports alone. Carfax now recommends having the car inspected in the small print of their website.
6) Emotions always get the best of you on your initial viewing of your potential used vehicle – Our lead inspector is an advanced level Master Certified Technician that inspects used vehicles for a living, we almost always will spot items you didn’t on your initial viewing.
7) Not all vehicles are perfect and as pristine as advertised. Use our report as a bargaining tool. Avoid costly repairs and possible necessary maintenance immediately after purchase. Hopefully all checks out well and you can go in confident knowing you made a wise and educated purchase.
8) For out of state purchasers – Sellers obviously take the best pictures they can when it comes to selling their vehicles. We specialize in out of state inspections and can offer a condition report with high quality HD video of any damage items we may find in/out of the vehicle for an additional $100 compiling a complete condition report. These services are also beneficial when it comes to shipping a vehicle to document the vehicles condition prior to shipping. Our complete inspection with video is always cheaper than a plane ticket just to find the vehicle isn’t at all as advertised.
9) Our lead inspector, Josh is a people person who can translate the “High Tech” automotive lingo into layperson terms and would love to become your trustworthy personal automotive consultant for life! We take pride in this company and focus on offering the best customer service possible. Over only a few years we quickly became the highest rated independent inspection company throughout the US.
10) Our reports come in our own digital format (.pdf) directly emailed to you instantly from the inspection site, you won’t find this with any other service. Your report is easily read on your smart phone iPad, iPhone or other mobile device. They are easily read and understood, written in laypersons terms with items of importance highlighted. Our reports make for easy archiving/sharing and are great for insurance purposes & record keeping. We have the most extensive inspection service including the most detailed reports offering high quality condition reports with photos of damage items emailed and cataloged on our website for out of state buyers.
Compare Used Car Inspections | PDXinspections Featured on KATU News
Established in 2007 PDXinspections is the most progressive, qualified, and locally respected Portland mobile used car inspection specific company. Our lead inspector is an independent Advanced Level L1 ASE Master & GM Master Certified Technician who only performs used car inspections. This certification is highest automotive standard that exists.