What a pre-purchase inspection is
A pre-purchase inspection is a check of a used car before you buy it. You bring the car to a shop, or the seller does. A mechanic goes over it from bumper to bumper. Then you get a clear list of what is good and what is not.
At Athens Import Auto Repair, we have checked used imports for buyers since 1991. James Miner, our owner, is an ASE Master Technician. He has worked on foreign cars since 1972. He knows where each brand hides its problems.
What we check
A good inspection covers more than a test drive. Here is what we look at.
We also drive the car. We listen for rattles and feel for shakes. Then we go over what we found with you.
- Engine: leaks, noises, belts, hoses and the oil condition.
- Transmission: fluid, shifting and any leaks.
- Brakes: pad and rotor wear, fluid and lines.
- Tires and suspension: tread, wear pattern, shocks and struts.
- Body and frame: rust, past crash repair and paint that does not match.
- Computer: we scan every module for stored codes, not just the engine.
Why used imports need one
Imports are great cars. But some repairs on a BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi or Land Rover cost real money. A clean wash and a nice interior can hide a lot.
Oil leaks, cooling problems, a stretched timing chain or worn air suspension are common. These show up a lot on older German cars. None of them show on a walk around. An inspection finds them before you pay for the car.
Japanese imports like Honda, Toyota and Subaru tend to have fewer surprises. But they still wear out. A Subaru Outback may have a head gasket leak. A high mile Honda Accord may be due for a timing belt. We check for these too.
For UGA students and parents
Every fall, many students buy a first car near campus. Many parents help from out of town. Sellers on the big listing sites are not always honest. A pre-purchase inspection puts a neutral set of eyes on the car. Oconee County families buying for a new driver do the same. A first car should be safe before it is anything else.
Parents, you can call us and set it up from anywhere. Your student brings the car in, or the seller does. We call you and go over what we found. That way the whole family knows what the car needs before anyone hands over money.
How to set one up
Ask the seller if you can take the car to a shop. A seller who says no is telling you something. Most honest sellers say yes.
Call us at 706-353-3880 and tell us the year, make and model. Bring the listing if you have it. We are on Winterville Road on the east side of Athens, GA, near the Loop and Lexington Road.
What to do with the results
Sometimes the car checks out. Great. Buy it and enjoy it. Sometimes we find a few small things. You can ask the seller for a lower price, or plan the repairs.
And sometimes we find a big problem. A bad transmission, a bent frame or a hidden crash repair. Then you walk away. That is the best money you will spend on the car you did not buy.
Key takeaways
- A pre-purchase inspection is a full check before you buy.
- We check the engine, brakes, body, frame and every computer.
- Used imports can hide costly problems under a clean wash.
- Parents can set it up from out of town and get a call back.
- If a seller says no to an inspection, walk away.
