So you'd like to buy a car from a private seller and want to get it inspected by a mechanic first. If you don't know any mechanics in the area where would you go: chain place (firestone, pep boys, jiffy lube, etc) or the mom and pop xyz mechanic. I'm thinking it'll be hit or miss either way. What are your thoughts?
Pre-purchase car inspection: chain vs mom and pop
- Thread starter gallydif
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For the average buyer looking at a totally unknown car I would go to the dealer and maybe pay a little more.
They have the recall info and service performed on the car under warranty and maybe more, they know the weak points of the car.
I wouldn't deal with a "service advisor" these morons are for the most part beyond incompetent, talk to the service manger and tell him you want this car gone through in detail.
You wouldn't do this with just something you are considering but a real buy if it checks out good, it might cost a few bucks.
If everything is good then a quick trip to a good body shop to look for repairs that may be hidden and paint thickness to make sure its not a buffed out hacked pig.
A lower end used car is probably fine with a basic go over by a mom and pop operation, chains are hit and miss.
They have the recall info and service performed on the car under warranty and maybe more, they know the weak points of the car.
I wouldn't deal with a "service advisor" these morons are for the most part beyond incompetent, talk to the service manger and tell him you want this car gone through in detail.
You wouldn't do this with just something you are considering but a real buy if it checks out good, it might cost a few bucks.
If everything is good then a quick trip to a good body shop to look for repairs that may be hidden and paint thickness to make sure its not a buffed out hacked pig.
A lower end used car is probably fine with a basic go over by a mom and pop operation, chains are hit and miss.
Doesn't matter where you go. Either the technician is going to have the drive and attention to detail to truly find out what is what with the car, or not.
We have serviced plenty of trucks and boats that were subjected to very expensive and professional surveys/inspections that had absolutely horrific details overlooked.
We have serviced plenty of trucks and boats that were subjected to very expensive and professional surveys/inspections that had absolutely horrific details overlooked.
I go to the dealer; they best know the vehicle and what to look for. Just tell them you want to approve any service before it's done, and have them make a distinction of what must be done versus what will need attention soon when they create the inspection document. You can then take the vehicle to anyone you like for any necessary service or DIY.
I haven't done it often, but for my GMC truck it was $85 and the Mazda dealer charged me about the same. I also always use the Mazda dealer for wheel alignments (any make / model) because they are equipped to do 4-wheel alignments (as required for RWD vehicles with fully independent suspension, eg: Miata and RX7) and will align to my spec, and will align with a staff member in the drivers' seat (they grab one of the women, or one of the parts counter guys). YMMV
Now, if you are asking about some requirement to Safety Inspect a vehicle before it can be registered, go to the guy who accepts bribes.
I haven't done it often, but for my GMC truck it was $85 and the Mazda dealer charged me about the same. I also always use the Mazda dealer for wheel alignments (any make / model) because they are equipped to do 4-wheel alignments (as required for RWD vehicles with fully independent suspension, eg: Miata and RX7) and will align to my spec, and will align with a staff member in the drivers' seat (they grab one of the women, or one of the parts counter guys). YMMV
Now, if you are asking about some requirement to Safety Inspect a vehicle before it can be registered, go to the guy who accepts bribes.
A AAA approved shop?
Yo, Johnny2bad: You said, "Now, if you are asking about some requirement to Safety Inspect a vehicle before it can be registered, go to the guy who accepts bribes."
So glad you said that. The spontaneity and clarity was refreshing.
So glad you said that. The spontaneity and clarity was refreshing.
When I worked at a tire shop we did a free umpteen point check whenever we had a car in for (unrelated) service. We put stuff up on a lift and checked ball joints for a new battery-- and the customer, watching, was like ???
We'd have done it for free if you walked in and didn't buy anything, even.
Tip is to go on a slow day, bring donuts, and have them let you out in the shop so you can see the car on a lift.
We'd have done it for free if you walked in and didn't buy anything, even.
Tip is to go on a slow day, bring donuts, and have them let you out in the shop so you can see the car on a lift.
One of my coworkers did something that I thought was brilliant. She did have a local shop that she liked, though. She paid a mechanic $100 to ride with her and check out a few of the cars she was interested in buying rather than taking the cars to the shop.
A few years ago I purchased a Honda at the insurance auction and immediately took it to a "mom and pop" shop nearby. I had never used the shop and they had good reviews on FB and the inter-webs. Once I got to the shop I noted how busy they were but mostly how clean the shop was. I mentioned to the manager/owner that I was impressed by how clean the shop was. He told me that he and his employees take pride in the shop and keeping it that way also made it a safer environment for employees and customers. I told the manager the specifics of my purchase and that I wanted an inspection and a safety/reliability check over of the entire vehicle. After a few hours the manager called and said everything looked great, although he recommended that I change the transmission fluid soon because it appeared to be the original fluid and was getting a little dark and smelly. I asked him if he could could change the fluid and he said yes for $30. No brain-er! When I picked up the vehicle he handed me my bill and a printout of what all they checked with measurements and a compression test. That day they earned my business for a measly $100. Call it dumb luck on my part but their customer service was outstanding. I have returned that by sending at least a dozen friends to him.
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