Used Car Shopping: An Inspection Checklist
What Does a Pre-Owned Car Inspection Include?
Before getting registered with our pre-owned vehicle inventory, all cars, trucks, SUVs, and minivans are required to clear a meticulous car or truck inspection checklist of all minor and major systems. The checklist includes many specific criteria and items which often differ from one car lot to the next. This makes sure that every pre-owned vehicle is in ideal condition. Most of the components can get designated into three essential categories: mechanical, service, and electronic. Review what goes into a pre-owned car inspection checklist.
Mechanical Inspection
From DSG transmissions to the brakes, updated mechanical components are in every function of modern cars and it’s vital that they’re working properly to avoid accidents and expensive repair bills. A comprehensive inspection can review these parts and many others like engine parts, transmissions, 2WD or 4WD systems, the car battery, the exhaust, and cooling systems (the radiator and hoses). If the vehicle is either an EV or a hybrid, the drive battery can only be serviced and inspected by a professional.
Electronic Review
Now more than ever, modern vehicles have electronics like computers, dashboards, touchscreen stereos, NAV systems, and cameras. So it’s imperative that they receive and pass the same meticulous inspections as the other components. A comprehensive inspection of the electronics includes all external, internal, and emergency lighting, as well as digital displays and driving lights. Most critical, however, are the proper functions of any onboard computer and any additional electronically controlled systems, such as the ignition, engine settings, the brakes, blind spot detection, and mobile phone integration.
Report of Vehicle History
A comprehensive vehicle inspection can expose any known concerns, but it might not identify some issues that occurred before. To fully understand the life of your car we partner with vehicle history professionals like CarFax and AutoCheck. These services display the full history of a car or truck and will typically provide information such as previous accidents, warranty service, mileage inconsistencies, oil changes, and title problems. Recognizing the entire account of the car you are ready to buy lets you make the best decision possible.
Buy, Sell, or Trade at Sterling McCall Acura
Sterling McCall Acura invites you to buy, sell, or trade with us, online or in-person. Our pre-owned vehicle inspections are rigorous and our vehicles are guaranteed for quality. Experience a real difference in car-buying. Visit us today for a great selection of new, used, and certified pre-owned cars and SUVs in Houston, TX. Our friendly Acura team is standing by to serve you.
