Did you know that 1 in 4 used cars on the road today have altered odometers? And that 1 in 15 used cars have been rebuilt from salvage? To reduce the risk of buying a bad used vehicle, you should follow the 3 simple steps listed below. But first, some general information:

No matter where you buy a used car, either from a dealer or individual, and no matter what kind of used car you buy, young, old, or a certified used vehicle, the buyer must determine the TRUE condition before purchase. A good looking used car can cost you thousands in repairs and headaches after the sale.

Regardless of what the seller or salesperson tells you about the vehicle, it is your responsibility to determine the true condition of the vehicle before purchase. Did you know that any oral statements made by the salesperson, about the condition of the vehicle, are not enforceable in a court of law? Only written documents are enforceable in the courts and there is no Used Car Lemon Law in Texas.

Before you buy, follow these steps:

BE AWARE! Many salespeople and sellers may pressure you to buy the car after the test drive. Just because a car runs well during a test drive DOES NOT mean it doesn't have hidden or potential problems or frame damage. Remember, you will be responsible for all repairs after the sale.

• Step 2) Negotiate your best deal. Ask your loan officer or go online for pricing information about the vehicle. Your negotiated price (written, of course) should be contingent upon a pre-purchase inspection and should be based on the assumption that the vehicle is in good mechanical condition, has never been wrecked, and there are no repairs or maintenance items needed. If you know there are known problem items, these items should already be reflected in the negotiated price. 

• Step 3) Get a Professional Unbiased Inspection. There are many types of pre-purchase inspections. However, only an inspection from a experienced ASE Certified Master Technician who is also certified in frame analysis is able to give you a complete inspection. Auto P. I. performs a 600-Point mechanical, electrical, frame inspection, and title search which gives you all the pertinent information you need to conclude your deal.

After the inspection, any previous negotiated price can now be re-negotiated based upon the true condition of the vehicle. The dollar amount to fix any mechanical or electrical problems, accident damage, or other problems, revealed by the inspection, should be either deducted from the original negotiated price or fixed by the seller before purchase.

Click here for information & pricing on our
600-point Pre-purchase inspection

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