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Guide · 8 min read

Used Car Pre-Purchase Checklist

What to look for before you buy — and why a professional inspection pays for itself.

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Pre-Purchase Inspection

The short answer

Before buying a used car, check the vehicle history report, inspect the body and underside, test drive at city and highway speeds, and get a professional pre-purchase inspection. A $150 inspection can save thousands and gives you negotiating leverage.

Start with the history

Run a vehicle history report for title issues, accidents and odometer discrepancies. After Texas floods, water-damaged cars sometimes appear for sale far from where they flooded.

Walkaround inspection

Look for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps, rust underneath, and uneven tire wear. Check that all lights, windows and electronics work, and smell for mildew inside.

The test drive

Drive at city and highway speeds. Note any pulling, vibration, clunks, slipping shifts or warning lights. Test the brakes and A/C.

Why get a professional inspection

A trained mechanic can scan for codes the seller cleared, check for leaks, inspect the suspension and frame, and estimate upcoming repair costs. That report is also great negotiating leverage.

We meet you at the seller's location anywhere in our service area.

Get it fixed by a mobile mechanic

Matt Mobile Mechanic of Austin handles this at your home anywhere around Austin:

Popular areas: Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown

Need a hand? We'll come to you.

Open 24 hours · Upfront pricing · 12 years serving Central Texas

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