This is a non profit site dedicated to giving the general public valuable information on how to get a used vehicle properly inspected, before you purchase. A few minutes reviewing this site can save you thousands of dollars and headaches down the road.

Today's used vehicles are technological marvels. They contain very sophisticated mechanical and electrical systems, complex frame construction, and have a multitude of computers controlling most systems.

The information below will help you select a qualified Technician to inspect a used vehicle, and explain what types of information you'll need from the Technician.

What Type of Automotive Technician Do You Need?
To determine what type of Automotive Technician is needed, you need to understand how Technicians are tested and certified. Most automotive Technicians are certified by a national testing organization called National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).  Technicians need only to be certified in 1 of the 8 general automotive areas to be ASE Certified. However, an ASE Master Technician is certified in all 8 areas. For the 8 types of ASE certifications a Technician should have, click here.

After reading the previous links, you know to that only an ASE Certified Master Technician is qualified to inspect the  entire vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems; and a ASE Frame Technician is needed to properly inspect for existing and previous frame damage.

What Type of Information Do You Need from a Pre-Purchase Inspection?
A comprehensive inspection and consultation by a Master Technician should give you the answers (in plain English) to each of the following questions:

1. What is the current condition of all the mechanical and electrical systems?
   The ASE Master Technician should inspect each and every system and identify all existing mechanical and electrical problems and potential problems.  The Master Technician should also be able to tell you if the previous owners took care of the vehicle. A poorly maintained vehicle will not last as long and will cost more for repairs after you purchase.

2. Has the vehicle been in an accident or had water damage? If so, what was the extent of the damages, and what are the quality of the repairs?
   Existing frame damage or poorly repaired frame damage can be a serious safety issue and can cause chronic mechanical problems. Most vehicles are constructed using a Unibody frame, where the frame is constructed from thin sheets of metal.  An ASE Technician Certified on Body & Frame can tell the extent of any frame damage and body damage. The inspection should also include the quality of any frame, body or paint work. Although a flood damaged vehicle does not immediately affect the frame, you will have chronic electrical and rust problems. To learn more about the types of frames on today's vehicles Click here.

3. Is the wear on the vehicle consistent with the mileage on the odometer?
   The Master Technician should determine if the mileage on the odometer is consistent with the actual amount of wear and tear on the vehicle. Excessive ware and tear could be signs of odometer fraud or a abused vehicle.

4. What is the approximate cost to fix any problems including needed repairs and maintenance items?
   Ask the Master Technician to identify each problem and put repairs in terms of miles and money. For example, the front brakes have 15,000 miles remaining, the CV-boot will cost $200 to replace, the timing belt needs to be replaced in 10,000 miles at the cost of $400, etc...

Top 10 Used Car Buying Mistakes, Myths and Misconceptions
There are 10 mistakes and misconceptions that used car buyers must avoid when purchasing a used or pre-owned vehicle. Chick Here

Knowledge is money. The more you know about a used vehicle the better deal you can make.  The Buyer, not the Seller, is responsible to determine it's true condition before purchase. Have the vehicle properly inspected by a qualified ASE Master Technician and you can negotiate a better deal and will avoid purchasing someone else's problem vehicle.

Can you trust the Technician's Information?
Let's say you found a ASE Master Technician to perform a pre-purchase inspection, now's comes the tricky part. Technicians get paid to repair vehicles. The more they repair the more they get paid. That means there is a inherent conflict of interest when a repair shop Technician inspects a vehicle and then offers to fix what he has found.

Every part and component of a vehicle have a useful lifespan. Some Technicians will try to replace components that sill have useful life on them just to make more money. However, would you throw away a 1/2 empty tube of toothpaste? So don't pay for a repair if the components still have useful life remaining.

It's best if you can find a local company that employs ASE Master Technicians and Frame Specialists that  does not perform repairs.

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The following web pages and links provide more information and can help buyers avoid the most common mistakes and pitfalls when purchasing a used vehicle.