Why is a pre-purchase inspection so important?
The purchase of a used vehicle involves several stages and imposes certain duties. Among them is a mechanical and general inspection. This is strongly recommended when dealing with a private individual, even if you're fairly familiar with the vehicle's maintenance and repair history.
In the case of a model at a dealership, an inspection will usually have been carried out before the vehicle is put back on the market, certainly when it's a so-called “certified” example. However, it can be risky to rely on this blindly. A buyer has every right to request an independent inspection at another location of his or her choice, by an expert who is not involved in the sales process.
Don't rush
Whether it's love at first sight or the fruit of a good shopping spree, it's best to avoid rushing the transaction so that you can leave with the vehicle as quickly as possible. The inspection stage allows you to validate or invalidate your choice.
As Carfax Canada explains, a pre-purchase inspection must be carried out by a qualified, licensed mechanic or automotive technician, who will perform a complete inspection of the vehicle to determine its cosmetic, mechanical and safety condition. He or she will identify existing problems, as well as those that may arise in the future.
Where and how much does it cost?
When buying from a private individual, it's a good idea to agree to take the vehicle to a mechanic with whom you have a good relationship and can trust. Can't think of a name? CAA-Quebec has a list of preferred partners, as does the Automobile Protection Association (APA). The latter also offers an inspection form on its website, which you can print out and take to the workshop.
As far as dealerships are concerned, most can inspect if they haven't already done so. Again, as a consumer, you have the right to demand it. Usually, a no-obligation offer and a refundable deposit are considered acceptable preconditions for an inspection.
Now, what's the average cost of a good inspection? Roughly $100 to $200, depending on the shop and the scope of the inspection - a pittance compared to the total price of the vehicle, especially to prevent a purchase you could greatly regret. Calculate 1 to 2 hours, depending on the model. Ideally, the inspection should include a test drive to see how the vehicle handles on the road.
