How do you inspect a used car if you buy it from the owners vs dealership?
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Anonymous
| Husband wants to get the car inspected at a dealership instead of hiring a mechanic to bring with us. Which is more common? |
Anonymous
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Depending on what it is, just used or CPO, value, type, application, etc. If you take a mechanic, why not do a full PPI at his garage?
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Anonymous
I am trying to figure out what is the norm. Seller's are telling me it's inconvenient for them to go anywhere. |
Anonymous
| i have taken it to my mechanic. |
Anonymous
| I would agree to a quick check somewhere local but not driving all over town. I wouldn't hand the car over to you until cash payment in full. |
Anonymous
| You can get their paper records and see if the car was regularly maintained. |
Anonymous
So you just ask the dealer if you can take it to a mechanic? |
Anonymous
Op here: that's what I am trying to figure out. Do you bring a mechanic with you? We're new to the area and don't have a mechanic. Dh doesn't want to buy from a dealership but I think it's smarter to do so. |
Anonymous
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I'll look a car over on-site, but I charge standard labor rates including travel time. Around here that usually ends up being about $120-$180 (labor is $60/hr).
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Anonymous
| There are a few mobile car inspection services in the DC area, and they are a pretty good option because most sellers don't want the hassle of bringing the car to a repair shop. Congrats on not being a lazy arss like the majority of people who buy used cars from dealerships. Buying from a private party is an easy way to save 3k if you have a little patience. Just make sure they have a clean title in hand when you pick it up. |
Anonymous
| I take it to my trusted mechanic who does state inspections. If he says yes, I buy. If he says no, I won’t buy it. |
Anonymous
| Op here: thanks! This helps! |