So I'm looking to buy my first car. I'm going to buy something used and have come across a dealership that sells previously leased cars. I've looked up reviews for this particular dealership and most are 4 stars or higher. The cars are pretty cheap, however most have been in a previous accident (I'm assuming that's why they're cheap) I have next to no knowledge of cars so I am going to take any potential purchases to an independent shop for an inspection. So my question is will any mechanical issues or potential mechanical issues be found by a mechanic?
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I don't see how anyone can answer your question and know that a mechanic actually will find all of your issues. It's an unreasonable question.– DucatiKillerCommented Aug 4, 2015 at 16:18
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2 Answers
Finding evidence of accident damage depends on the extent of the damage and the quality of the repair. You don't want to pass up a potential good deal just because it was in a minor accident as long as it was properly repaired. If it was a minor accident and a fender was replaced and factory parts were used along with quality paint refinishing it might go unnoticed and not effect long term reliability. You want to avoid ones that have poorly repaired frame damage or salvage titles. Also the level of the inspection is directly related to how much time you are willing to pay for the mechanics time. If possible get a list of the things the mechanic will check and add any areas you have concerns about. Ask for an estimate of what they will charge for the repairs. You can take this information to the seller and use it as a bargaining point to lower the price. If the deal is good it may be worth paying $300 for a brake job after the sale if the car is selling for $1000 less than similar cars in your area. Many dealers in my area will include the state mandated inspection sticker in the price. I generally decline the sticker and have the inspection done independently.
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Great concise answer. I might add, that if there is properly repaired work which is noticed, this can become a bargaining chip by which you can get the price of the car down with. Some states require full disclosure by the dealership if there is any previous damage done to the vehicle (California ... probably others). If the dealership does not disclose things, even if they don't know about it, they can be held liable ... yes, CA has some strange laws. This may not help other countries, but there may be local laws. Your mechanic can probably tell you what those are, so ask.– Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦Commented Aug 4, 2015 at 0:08
If you are asking if the mechanic will spot all mechanical issues with the car or any potential mechanical issues then you may have to adjust your expectations. A component can appear fine one day and pass inspection only to fail the next day. In this circumstance the only way you would have recourse against the mechanic who inspected the car for you would be if they are willing to guarantee their inspection.
Mechanics are only human beings and may miss things. They also may only be able to inspect components based on the tools, methods and time available to them.
That said, what a professional will give you is a far better feel for the overall condition of the vehicle. Also, if they do spot something then you can have the seller repair it prior to buying the car.
answered Aug 4, 2015 at 10:16
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1Agree. What a mechanic will give you is an unbiased, 3rd party opinion on the state of the vehicle ... at least that's what you are paying for in theory. The dealer (or person) wants to get rid of the car, so you cannot trust their opinion explicitly. In most cases you cannot trust your own opinion, because you are gaining an emotional attachment to the vehicle. The mechanic should provide you with a clear picture, but that picture is not always complete, nor should we expect it to be. As you say, they are only human.– Pᴀᴜʟsᴛᴇʀ2 ♦Commented Aug 4, 2015 at 10:27