This depends on where you are buying the car from. If you are going to purchase a vehicle from a private individual or a small non OEM dealership, then yes, we would recommend getting a licensed mechanic to look it over. The cost will vary in cost depending on where you bring it but should cost between $100-$200. This report will outline any deficiencies of the car. This should also let you know what kind of maintenance the vehicle at the moment or coming up in the near future.
Now if you are considering buying a Certified Pre-Owned car (CPO) from a reputable dealership, they will be doing the inspection before putting the car for sale. You can ask to see the inspection report and what reconditioning was done to the vehicle for it to meet CPO standards. Most CPO vehicles will come with an extended warranty and exchange privileges. The dealership should also be providing you with a Carproof/Carfax report to let you know if the vehicle has been in an accident.
If the car was previously declared as accidented, we recommend at that point to get the vehicle inspected by an independent garage. Remember, the report will solely belong to you and can potentially be used as a negotiating leverage!
Every car dealership in Canada has to provide you with a minimum 30 day warranty and safety check. This is the minimum needed before putting the car up for sale. If you are considering buying a car like this you should probably have it checked by on your own so you know what you are getting into.
Lastly, if the car dealer refuses to have you bring the car to an independent garage, kindly walk away and bring your business elsewhere. This is a red flag!
As always, if you have any questions about getting a car inspected, please reach out to the Autos Consultants.
Comments