WHO SHOULD INSPECT YOUR POTENTIAL NEW USED CAR?
Today's used vehicles are technological marvels
. They contain very sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems, complex frame construction, and have a multitude of computers controlling many systems.
A comprehensive pre-purchase inspections can be either performed by a mobile service or a fixed location. Mobile service should include inspection and diagnostic equipment, and hydraulic lift to get under the vehicle. The Technician is the most important element of the inspection.
What Type of Automotive Technician Do You Need?
To determine what type of Automotive Technician is needed, you need to understand how Technicians are tested and certified. Most automotive Technicians are certified by a national testing organization called National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Technicians need only to be certified in 1 of the 8 general automotive areas to be "ASE Certified". However, only an ASE Master Technician is certified in all 8 areas. A Master Certification is very difficult to accomplish. Most repair shops do not employ a Master Technicians. If they do, the Master Technician is usually the highest paid Technician and works on the most complicated repairs.
A Master Technician is a person that has obtained the required experience and is currently certified in the 8 automotive testing areas below:
1. Engine Repair
2. Automatic Trans/Transaxle
3. Manual Drive Train and Axles
4. Suspension and Steering
5. Brakes
6. Electrical/Electrical Systems
7. Heating and Air Conditioning
8. Engine Performance
The best kind of certified technician is an ASE Certified Master Technician is qualified to inspect the entire vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems; and a ASE Frame Technician is needed to properly inspect for existing and previous frame damage.
What Type of Information Do You Need from a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A comprehensive inspection and consultation by a certified technician should give you the answers (in plain English) to each of the following questions:
1.) What is the current condition of all the mechanical and electrical systems?
A certified technician should inspect each and every system and identify all existing mechanical and electrical problems and any potential problems. A certified technician should also be able to tell you if the previous owner(s) took care of the vehicle. A well maintained vehicle is worth more than a poorly maintained vehicle that will not last as long and will cost more for repairs after you purchase.
2.) What is the approximate cost to fix any problems including needed repairs and maintenance items?
Ask a certified technician to identify each problem and put repairs in terms of miles and money. For example: "the front brakes have 15,000 miles remaining, the broken CV-boot will cost $200 to replace, the timing belt needs to be replaced in 10,000 miles at the cost of $500, etc..."
3.) Is the wear on the vehicle consistent with the mileage on the odometer?
A certified technician should determine if the mileage on the odometer is consistent with the actual amount of wear and tear on the vehicle. Excessive wear and tear could be signs of odometer fraud or a abused vehicle.
4.) Has the vehicle been in an accident or had water damage? If so, what was the extent of the damages, and what are the quality of the repairs?
Existing frame damage or poorly repaired frame damage can be a serious safety issue and can cause chronic mechanical problems. Most vehicles are constructed using a Unibody frame, where the frame is constructed from thin sheets of metal. A certified technician on Body & Frame can tell the extent of any previous body and/or frame damage. The Technician should also tell you about the quality of any frame, body or paint work. The Technician should tell you if the vehicle has any water or flood damage. Water damage does not immediately affect the frame, you will have chronic electrical and rust problems.
Let's say you found a ASE Master Technician to perform a pre-purchase inspection, now's comes the tricky part. Technicians get paid to repair vehicles. The more repairs they suggest, the more they get paid. There is an inherent conflict of interest when repair shops inspects a vehicle and then offers to fix what they have found. Every part and component of the vehicle has a useful lifespan, and some Technicians will try to replace components that sill have useful life on them just to make more money. So a certified technician who is independent from a shop performing any repairs on your potential vehicle is probably the best, as they will be objective and trustworthy.
WHO SHOULD INSPECT YOUR POTENTIAL NEW USED CAR?
By: A D
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