Found a used car that seems like the perfect fit? Before you buy, make sure you know what you’re getting.
Even a vehicle that looks great and drives well can have hidden mechanical issues, overdue maintenance, or worn components that could lead to unexpected repair costs after the purchase.
At McCormick Automotive Center, our pre-purchase car inspections in Fort Collins give you a clearer picture of a used vehicle’s condition before you commit. Our experienced technicians inspect key systems and components, identify potential concerns, and help you make a more informed buying decision.
Before you buy, schedule a pre-purchase inspection with McCormick Automotive Center.
What Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Include?
A test drive can tell you how a vehicle feels, but it doesn’t always reveal what’s happening under the hood or beneath the vehicle.
During a pre-purchase inspection, our technicians take a closer look at the vehicle’s major systems and components, including:
Our goal is to give you a clearer understanding of the vehicle’s current condition and help identify issues that may not be obvious during a test drive.
How Long Does a Pre-Purchase Inspection Take?
A thorough pre-purchase inspection at McCormick Automotive Center typically takes about 90 minutes.
Taking the time to carefully evaluate the vehicle allows our technicians to look beyond its appearance and assess the components and systems that can affect its safety, reliability, and future maintenance needs.
Why Have a Used Car Inspected Before Buying?
Even a well-maintained used vehicle can have developing mechanical problems, worn components, or upcoming maintenance needs that aren’t obvious during a test drive.
A pre-purchase inspection can help you:
- Identify potential mechanical or safety concerns
- Understand upcoming maintenance needs
- Anticipate possible repair costs
- Negotiate with more information
- Decide whether the vehicle is the right investment for you
A pre-purchase inspection can’t predict every future repair, but it can give you valuable information about the vehicle’s condition before you commit to buying it.
What If We Find a Problem?
Finding a problem doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t buy the vehicle. It means you’ll have more information to make your decision.
If our technicians identify repairs or maintenance needs during the inspection, we’ll explain what we found and can provide an estimate for recommended work. You can use that information to evaluate the overall cost of the vehicle, negotiate with the seller, or decide whether you’d rather keep shopping.
The decision is always yours. Our job is to help you understand the vehicle you’re considering.
We Make Pre-Purchase Inspections Easy
We know buying a used car takes time, so we make the inspection process as convenient as possible. You can drop the vehicle off and get back to your day while our technicians complete the inspection. We’ll keep you updated by phone, text, or email and explain what we find along the way.
In some cases, we may even be able to coordinate directly with the dealership to arrange vehicle drop-off and pickup.
A pre-purchase inspection is a simple step that can help you avoid unexpected surprises and make a more informed decision before you buy. If a seller is unwilling to allow an independent inspection, that’s worth considering carefully before moving forward with the purchase.
When Should You Schedule a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
The best time to schedule a pre-purchase inspection is after you’ve found a used vehicle you’re seriously considering but before you finalize the purchase.
Ideally, arrange the inspection before signing paperwork or exchanging money so you can use the results to make a more informed decision about the vehicle.
When Should You Schedule a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
The best time to schedule a pre-purchase inspection is after you’ve found a used vehicle you’re seriously considering but before you finalize the purchase.
Ideally, arrange the inspection before signing paperwork or exchanging money so you can use the results to make a more informed decision about the vehicle.
SCHEDULE A PRE-PURCHASE INSPECTION
Considering a used vehicle? Fill out the form below to tell us a little about the car you’re looking to purchase. A member of the McCormick Automotive Center team will reach out with pricing and help you schedule your pre-purchase inspection in Fort Collins.