Can I Take Car To a Mechanic
At any reputable Dealership the salesperson or buyer may drive the car to a mechanic of the customer's choice, provided it's within a fair range of the Dealership, I highly recommend having an independent inspection on any used vehicle where the full Mfg warranty has expired
I must admit my main goal was selling a car and hated it every time a buyer wanted to make it subject to an independent inspection, i would use every trick in the book to convince buyer it was not necessary but at same time within knew the buyer was making the right decision.
Some Mechanical Inspections are a Joke
I have accompanied hundred of buyers for an independent mechanical inspection as many dealers will insist salesperson accompany inspection - short test drive - open hood listen for engine noise - on hoist check with light for oil leaks - tires off - check rotors, brake pads and cylinders, complete inspection 10 - 15 minutes mechanic was satisfied and the deal sealed.
RED FLAG This type of inspection in most cases is done for free becauce consumer knows mechanic or family has been dealing with mechanic for years, but what really is happening here is consumer feels good no inspection charge, and mechanic feels good not having wasted to much time not being paid.
Pay To have It done right
Most consumers are satisfied with a quick mechanical visual inspection - Don't be!- If you are going to have the vehicle checked pay to have it done right.
Include a compression Check-Up
Think of it as a chest X-ray for your engineInclude a diagnostic check- Up
, do not skip this important service. A diagnostic check will tell you if there are any problem codes stored in the vehicle computer, and what problems they indicate. A check engine light will not always be present, and can easily be cleared by seller, so the only way to know if something is present is with a diagnostic check. If the light was recently cleared, but the problem not fixed, the computer may take awhile before it picks up the problem again. If the perimeters have all been run, and no codes or light is present the car has passed this test.You can expect an inspection such as this to cost anywhere from $100 to $300, much more than the quick look or visual inspection, but it is worth every penny when purchasing a vehicle.
AUTO TAB FOR VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS " get a FREE booklet "
Here is a great website I stumbled upon that explains how to deal with * Check Engine Light is On * Fuel Economy is Down * Engine Hesitates, Stumbles, Lack normal Power * Engine Cranks, but won't start * Engine Stalls, Misfire Code & Cylinder Misfire.When you turn the key, but before you start the engine, the instrument panel will light up and you should note " Check Engine, Service Engine Soon or a picture of an engine " if you dont then it's been disconnected.
