Auto P.I.
Austin Telco has teamed up with Auto P. I. Used Car Inspections (formerly LemonBusters) to provide pre-purchase inspections for our Members.
Did you know that 1 in 4 used cars on the road today have altered odometers; 90% of used vehicles have maintenance items not performed; over 40% of accident repairs are substandard; and 1 in 15 used cars have been rebuilt from salvage?
Never buy a used vehicle without having it professionally inspected for mechanical and electrical problems and for previous accident damage. You can't negotiate your best deal unless you know the true condition of the vehicle. Make sure you are not buying somebody else's problem vehicle.
No matter where you buy a used car, from a dealer or individual, you need to determine the TRUE condition before purchase. Don't rely on the seller or salesperson's hype or an online history report. A good looking used car can be a wolf in sheep's clothing, and cost you thousands in repairs after the sale. To find out if you are buying a safe and reliable car, you'll need to know the following information.
Pre-Purchase Inspection. A professional pre-purchase inspection is different than a test drive or having a friend look over the car. The buyer should test dive the vehicle and look for obvious problems like electrical accessories not working, the “check engine” light is on, smoke pouring from the exhaust, A/C not working, or the car’s reverse gear does not engage! Once the vehicle passes your examination, make an offer contingent upon a professional pre-purchase inspection.
Automotive Technicians are not created equal. Today’s vehicles are so technologically advanced that most technicians only certify in one or two automotive areas. Only ASE Certified Master Technicians are qualified to inspect and diagnose every mechanical and electrical system. And to ensure you don’t buy a previously wrecked vehicle, the frame systems need to be inspected by a Frame Specialist. A pre-purchase inspection performed by a Master Technician and Frame Specialist should provide answers to the following questions:
How has the vehicle been driven? Did the previous owner(s) misuse and/or abuse the vehicle or, was it driven sensibly? Premature wear and tear will cost you more in maintenance and repair costs!
Is the vehicle in good working order? Was regular maintenance performed? Does the vehicle have existing mechanical and electrical problems? Have some systems been tampered with to hide problems? Hidden and existing problems can cost you hundreds to thousands to repair after you purchase the vehicle!
Has the vehicle ever been in an accident? Was the vehicle involved in a small non-structural fender-bender or, is the vehicle a collection of other wrecked cars welded together? Un-repaired accident damage and shoddy frame repairs will compromise the car's structural safety and also create chronic mechanical problems!
A professional pre-purchase inspection should give you the answers to these questions and the approximate costs for any needed repairs. Once you know the true condition, you can negotiate your best deal or you can avoid buying a used car that becomes a financial nightmare.
Auto P. I. mobile service includes a 600-Point, mechanical, electrical, and frame inspection, plus a Texas title search. An inspection from Auto P. I. will help you determine the TRUE condition of a used car before you buy.
To schedule an inspection call Auto P.I. Monday thru Saturday 8:00am - 5:30pm at 454-5999.
Learn more about Auto P. I.'s 600 Point Inspection and helpful tips when buying a used vehicle.
