The secondhand vehicle market is one of the best places to find a reliable and budget-friendly set of wheels. Unfortunately, it’s also an excellent place to get scammed out of a lot of money. Before you purchase a secondhand vehicle, we highly recommend investing in a pre-purchase inspection. It might add cost to your purchase now, but it can save you a lot of money down the road. Here’s what to know about PPIs:
What’s a Pre-Purchase Inspection ?
PPI is short for pre-purchase inspection. It’s a comprehensive, in-depth inspection carried out by an unbiased, professional mechanic or technician. An auto PPI is meant to assess the vehicle’s many main components to find any hidden problems or possible safety issues before the vehicle is sold or bought.
These inspections are mainly to give both parties (largely the buyer) an idea of the vehicle’s state and need for repairs. Car PPIs are thorough but don’t involve disassembling parts, so they’re not as in-depth as a complete inspection. They can give you some peace of mind about the vehicle you’re buying and help you avoid being blindsided by costly repairs later on. Sometimes, the results can even give you a leg up in negotiations.
During a PPI, the mechanic will test and assess the vehicle’s essential systems. Try to visit a certified service center if you want an PPI, or you might end up with a mechanic who cuts corners. Mechanics are meant to document any issues they find. They’ll provide a detailed report of any discovered or suspected issues. Some mechanics will even give comments on if the vehicle is roadworthy or if it needs urgent repairs.
PPI Coverage
While it isn’t as comprehensive as a full diagnostic or tear-down inspection, a pre-purchase inspection is still one of the most comprehensive automotive-inspection options out there. Its main draw is that no parts need to be removed, but it offers more details than basic safety inspections and maintenance checks.
Exteriors
PPIs often begin with the mechanic or technician thoroughly examining the vehicle’s exterior. Body rust, damaged autoglass, paint damage, and other signs of wear and tear are recorded.
Interiors
Next, the inspector will move on to the interiors. They note any damage on the interior trim, upholstery, and other components. In addition, they’ll check that all interior electronics and electronics are functioning correctly. This includes the following elements:
- Gauges
- Power windows
- Interior lights
- Dashboard
- Wheel controls
- Air conditioning
Mechanical Inspection
The mechanic or technician in charge of the PPI will also run various tests on the vehicle’s critical components, which include the brakes, transmission, engine, suspension, and exhaust. These tests will range from visual tests to road testing and engine-start tests. Mechanics will observe the following:
- Unexpected engine noises
- Informal noise, vibration, and harshness (NHV) levels
- Regular traffic operation
- Proper braking
- Smooth acceleration and gear shifting
- Adequate and non-fluctuating fuel levels
- Undercarriage damage
- Suspension wear
- Electrical system issues
Diagnostics
Mechanics will also usually run a diagnostics check using an on-board diagnostics (OBD) scanner. The scanner links to the vehicle’s onboard computer and scans it for OBD trouble codes, which can indicate mechanical issues without the mechanic needing to dismantle the vehicle.
When Should You Get a PPI?
Going off its name alone, you can probably guess that it’s best to invest in a pre-purchase inspection prior to purchasing a used vehicle. It’s particularly important when buying a vehicle from a private seller. While many are forthcoming about issues that plague their vehicle, others aren’t as scrupulous. Some, however, might simply be unaware of any issues. Even if you’re buying from a secondhand car dealer, request an inspection if the vehicle has high mileage or is out of warranty.
If you need to make an offer on the vehicle before it’s inspected, let the seller know that your offer is contingent on the inspection results. It’s always best to have the inspection before making the offer though, in case you can shave a bit off the price based on the results.
Where Can You Get a PPI?
Most mechanics will be willing to conduct a PPI. Dealership service centers might also be open to it if the vehicle is from one of the brands they service. Find a mechanic or an auto repair shop you can trust, and call ahead in case you have questions or want to schedule the inspection.
How Much Is a PPI?
A pre-purchase inspection will likely cost you between $130 and $200 before additional fees and taxes. The price can vary based on your location and whether you choose to visit a dealership or an independent mechanic. The buyer will typically foot the cost of the PPI, but some sellers might offer to cover it on occasion.
Getting a PPI for a car or other vehicle you’re looking to buy is a solid investment if everything else checks out. That being said, it’s still pretty pricey. Use your common sense and tick as many boxes as possible yourself before committing to a PPI. Ask the seller questions, verify they’re legit, and try to view the car in person. If everything points to the vehicle being a good buy, then you can ask for a PPI inspection for your ultimate peace of mind.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
