Buying a pre-owned car can be risky. Acquiring any vehicle can become an emotional ride, and although a car may look great, it could have several underlying issues. Cosmetic, safety, and mechanical issues can easily be missed on a quick visual inspection. This is why conducting a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is paramount when buying a previously owned vehicle. In this article, we take a look at the procedures involved in a PPI when considering a pre-owned European car.

Do I Really Need A PPI?

A pre-purchase inspection is highly recommended for all pre-owned cars. PPIs are always recommended on pre-owned cars that don’t offer any warranty. But even when a warranty is offered, a PPI is invaluable in deciding if a car is the right purchase for you. A PPI makes financial sense, as it removes some of the financial risk in buying a car.

Preparing For A Pre-Purchase Inspection

Before arranging a PPI, it’s important to do your research on the vehicle at hand. Every pre-owned car has a history that you should be aware of. Be sure to request the service history of the car, as this will tell you exactly what’s been done on the European car at hand. If the service history isn’t available, or if it’s partial, be very cautious to proceed. It’s also good to research the model you’re interested in to see what the common issues are, and also to check if any recalls have been issued. All this knowledge will serve as a foundation for the pre-purchase inspection.

Find A Trusted Service Facility

Choosing the right facility is an important step in getting your PPI underway. Make sure you look for a qualified facility that employs experienced mechanics. More importantly, mechanics that are experienced in European performance and luxury cars. Choosing a facility that services the brand of car you’re after goes a long way in providing that authoritative voice and insight needed for the PPI. Your mechanic should have the necessary equipment and expertise to inspect the vehicle’s electrics, mechanics, and cosmetic condition of the car. Think you’ve found your trusted PPI mechanic? Then go ahead and arrange the inspection.

The Mechanical Inspection

The mechanical inspection is important, as hidden mechanical faults can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Using an experienced mechanic will ensure that no stone is left unturned. Your mechanical inspector will conduct several assessments on the vehicle at hand, including:

Fluid Check

The level and condition of your engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid will be checked.

Engine Inspection & Test

An engine test involves a compression test to measure the compression level in each cylinder. This gives insight into the health of your engine. Along with this, your engine bay will be checked for leaks and any signs of deterioration. The car will also undergo a thorough test drive to evaluate its overall performance and functioning.

Fault Code Assessment

Your vehicle’s computer will be accessed to scan for any fault codes, either present or previously detected. Fault codes give the assessor insight into potential problems that could be developing.

Component Checks

Your assessor will also check some crucial components, including:

• Suspension, brakes, and exhaust system
• Electrical components
• Transmission

The Exterior Inspection

The condition of a vehicle’s exterior gives insight into whether the car has been cared for or not. Here’s what the inspector will be looking out for:

Condition Of The Body

The body and paintwork are assessed for rust or corrosion, which can easily be hiding under panels or within the engine bay. Dents and inconsistent paintwork are checked to identify if any previous repairs have been made on the body.

Lights & Glass

All exterior lights will be tested, as any malfunctioning lights could point to a wider electrical problem. Your windshield and windows will also be checked for cracks and chips.

Tires & Undercarriage

Tires will be checked for tread depth and signs of wear, as an uneven wear pattern can highlight suspension or alignment issues. Your assessor will also ensure that all your tires are the same brand and model. A car’s undercarriage is hard to access and often overlooked. This will be checked for any damage, or signs of leaks.

The Interior Inspection

The condition of a car’s interior will provide clues on the attention to detail that the previous owner gave the vehicle. Here’s what your assessor will be checking:

Dashboard Check

Dashboard controls and buttons will be checked for functionality. This includes the controls on your steering wheel and an infotainment system check.

Upholstery Evaluation

Signs of wear and tear are looked for on your seats and general upholstery areas, and stains are noted. The carpet and floor mats will also be checked. Finally, the vehicle’s headliner will be checked for stains and sagging.

What Does A PPI Cost?

Budgeting for a pre-purchase inspection is a small price to pay for the benefits involved. A thorough PPI could save you from buying a car that could cost you thousands of dollars in unforeseen repairs. Remember that a PPI will inform you of possible issues with the car you’re interested in. This knowledge can be used to negotiate the asking price and could further sweeten the deal. Be sure to ask your service and repair facility about the cost associated with your PPI.

Pre-Purchase Inspection In Pompano Beach

At Foreign Affairs Motorwerks, we offer a comprehensive PPI for all European vehicle brands. Our professional team of mechanics is well-versed in all European performance and luxury cars. We work on the following great European brands::

• Porsche
• BMW
• Mercedes-Benz
• Audi
• McLaren
• Lamborghini
• Maserati
• Range Rover
• Ferrari
• Bentley
• Rolls-Royce

We pride ourselves in offering the best in automotive servicing, repairs, and performance tuning. If you want peace of mind on a pre-owned vehicle you’re considering, then contact your world-leading Pompano Beach facility to arrange your PPI. Call us today at 954-746-0488 .