Guide to Luxury Car Pre-Purchase Inspection

Most people recognize the importance of having an inspection completed before you buy a home. But far fewer bother with conducting a pre-purchase inspection on a used car. They look over the car themselves, give it a test drive, and assume that what they see in that one encounter is good enough to vouch for the car’s condition. But there could be bigger issues lurking under the hood, just waiting to surprise you after you buy that used car. And if you’re buying a luxury car, those repair costs can often be even higher! Here’s what you need to know about getting a pre-purchase inspection from Land Rover body shops.

Always Go with a Pro

As we already mentioned, your examination of a used car shouldn’t be your only way of verifying a vehicle’s condition. Unless you’re extremely car savvy—and, in the case of luxury cars, have in-depth knowledge of that specific make and model—then you’re not likely to catch minor issues that could grow into big ones down the road.

Ask the seller if they can bring the car in for a pre-purchase inspection at a professional body shop; preferably, you should use one that’s certified and specializes in the make of car you’re buying. These professionals will be able to do a more thorough examination of the car and provide you with a full report of their findings. Please note that, in most cases, the buyer foots the bill for the pre-purchase inspection, but you can talk to the seller about this.

What Should Be Inspected?

Just as with a home inspection, your vehicle inspection should check every single part of that car for issues. Here’s a basic breakdown of what a professional would look at:

• Full undercarriage inspection – This would include looking for rust, rot, or other corrosion and checking for repairs from past accidents was done properly.
• Full mechanical inspection – Typically, the mechanic won’t take anything apart with tools but will conduct a thorough examination of all the following parts:
  • Engine
  • Transmission
  • Driveline
  • Steering
  • Suspension
  • Brakes
  • Fluid levels
  • Oil
  • Hoses
  • Belt
  • Lines
  • Connections

• Full electrical inspection – This should include examining all visible wiring, testing of all features (windows, locks, radio, etc.), and close examination of the car’s battery. The mechanic should also perform a full diagnostic scan of the onboard computer to ensure the sensors and wiring function properly.
• Full-body inspection – The mechanic should take a close look at the car’s body, from bumper to bumper, checking the condition of the body panels, quality of the paint job, signs of repairs, and the condition of smaller parts like trim, seals, and emblems.
• Full tire and wheel inspection – While the tires of a car are easy to replace, a mechanic can give you an idea of their current condition and how soon they’ll need to be replaced.
• Full test drive inspection – Finally, the mechanic should test drive the car to ensure it performs well under various conditions.

If you need Land Rover Houston service or a pre-purchase inspection, call or stop by Bemer Motor Cars today.