We see it a few times a month. Someone brings in a car they bought two weeks ago from a Facebook Marketplace listing or a small lot, and it needs a $2,500 repair the seller somehow forgot to mention. Sometimes the seller really didn't know. Sometimes they knew exactly.
Either way, the buyer is now stuck with it. Most private-party sales are as-is, which means once the money changes hands, the problems belong to you.
A pre-purchase inspection costs a lot less than that kind of surprise. Here's what it is, what we look for, and how to set one up when you're shopping for a used car in Longview, Kelso or anywhere in Cowlitz County.
What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Actually Is
It's simple. Before you buy, you bring the car to a shop you trust, and a technician who doesn't care whether the sale goes through looks it over from top to bottom.
That last part matters. The seller wants to sell. You want to buy, and after an hour of test driving and haggling you probably really want to buy. We're the only people in the deal with no stake in the outcome. We just tell you what we find.
What We Check
Every vehicle is a little different, but a solid inspection at Esty's covers these areas.
Computer scan. We plug in a professional scan tool and look for stored and pending trouble codes. We also check the readiness monitors. If those show the system was reset recently, it can mean someone cleared a check engine light right before you showed up. That doesn't always mean anything shady is going on, but it's worth a conversation with the seller.
Engine and fluids. We look for oil and coolant leaks, check fluid condition, listen for knocking or ticking, and look for signs of overheating. Dark, burnt-smelling transmission fluid tells us a lot about how the transmission has been treated.
Timing belt status. If the engine has a timing belt, we'll check whether it's due. A belt replacement that's overdue on a car you just bought is an expensive surprise. On many engines, a belt that breaks takes the engine with it. (More on timing belts here.)
Brakes and tires. We measure brake pads and look at rotors. Tire wear tells its own story. Uneven wear on one edge usually means an alignment or suspension problem underneath.
Suspension and steering. Worn ball joints, tie rods, bushings and struts don't always make noise yet, but they show up when the car is on a lift.
Underneath the car. We check for rust, damage, fluid leaks and signs of previous accident repair. In a part of the state that gets as much rain as we do, we also look for water intrusion and corrosion where it shouldn't be.
The test drive. We drive it ourselves, paying attention to how it shifts, brakes, steers and sounds once it's fully warmed up.
When we're done, you get a clear rundown of what's fine, what's worn but okay for now, and what needs attention soon. If something needs repair, we'll give you an estimate so you can use it to negotiate or walk away.
How to Set One Up With a Private Seller
Most honest sellers have no problem with an inspection. Here's how to handle it:
- Ask early. Once you're seriously interested, tell the seller you'd like a shop to inspect it before you buy. Do this before you start negotiating price.
- Call us to schedule. We'll find a time that works for you and the seller. Most inspections can be done while you wait.
- Pay attention to how the seller reacts. If they refuse or come up with excuses, that tells you something. A seller with nothing to hide usually doesn't mind.
- Use the results. A clean report gives you peace of mind. A report with a few issues gives you leverage on the price. A report with major issues just saved you from a bad purchase.
Buying From a Dealer? Still Worth It
Dealership cars often come with their own inspection checklist. That's a good start, but it was done by the people selling you the car. A second opinion from an independent shop is quick, and any dealer that stands behind their inventory shouldn't object.
This is especially true for used trucks and higher-mileage vehicles, where one problem with the transmission, the four-wheel-drive system or the engine can cost more than you saved by buying used.
Used Car Inspections in Downtown Longview
Esty's Auto Center has been helping drivers across Longview, Kelso, Castle Rock, Rainier, Clatskanie, Toutle, Cathlamet, St. Helens, Toledo and Winlock make smart decisions about their vehicles. Our Certified Master Technicians will give you a straight answer about the car you're thinking about buying, with no pressure in either direction. Learn more about our vehicle inspections.
Call us at (360) 747-8493 or request an appointment online. We're at 1064 15th Ave in downtown Longview, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.