Ask the Car People.SM


First time car buyer needs used car inspection guide

4 messages,  Last post on Feb 11, 2012 at 6:14 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Subaru Impreza, Car Buying, Car Financing, Car Values, Car Warranties, Sedan, Wagon, SUV

Messages Page 1 of 1

  • All Messages Displayed

#1 of 4 First time car buyer needs used car inspection guide by xeyra

Dec 10, 2011 (8:06 pm)

How does a buyer go about getting a used vehicle, which is up for sale, inspected by a specialized mechanic for that brand of vehicle?
 
KEEP IN MIND: I'm asking from both buying a used vehicle from an opposing brand dealer (i.e. Subaru car in a Mitsubishi dealer) AND a used vehicle from a specialized dealer (Subaru car in a Subaru specialized repair shop or a small dealer with a slight specialty in Subaru).
 
Buying a used car saves money in the short run but how much money you save in the long term depends on how much you have to spend on repairs. Edmunds has yet to create a guide to help first time buyers with the inspection process in my opinion. That's one of the most important parts of buying a vehicle besides getting the best financing and test driving.
 
Have you ever had your used vehicles inspected by a trusted mechanic or a hired one?
 
Say for example I DON'T have a "family mechanic" either. How would I go about finding one that would inspect a vehicle for me? And before you say, no, building relationships just to use a mechanic for his/her expertise is out of the question.
 
Thank you!

#2 of 4 Re: First time car buyer needs used car inspection guide [xeyra] by aatherton

Dec 22, 2011 (5:26 am)

Replying to: xeyra (Dec 10, 2011 8:06 pm)
I would go to your BBB website (bbb.com) and look for "Search Accredited Business Directory". Either enter "auto repair" and your city or zip code, or the page may already have a list of links that includes that item. The link will show you all the BBB member and accredited repair shops. Click on the ones that interest you and see if they have an A+ rating. Go to one of them.
 
In my city I go to an independent import shop that has better facilities than many dealers. In 25 years they have been excellent on all our cars. They are BBB A+. They provide a "Buyer's Inspection" service for $100.
 
You can also subscribe to Angie's List (http://www.angieslist.com/) for your city and read reviews of auto shops.

#3 of 4 Re: First time car buyer needs used car inspection guide [xeyra] by brandon97

Feb 11, 2012 (6:14 pm)

Replying to: xeyra (Dec 10, 2011 8:06 pm)
Sounds like you need an Italian tune up! Give it a good hard run then change the oil. This problem can occur if you do a lot of low miles especially in winter. I don’t think you have anything to worry about.
classic car sales

Messages Page 1 of 1

  • All Messages Displayed
To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement