Why You Should Always Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection Before Buying a Used Car

Buying a used car is exciting — but it's also one of the biggest financial decisions most people make. A pre-purchase inspection (PPI) is the single best way to protect yourself from buying someone else's problem.Here's why every buyer in Connecticut should invest in one.

What Is a Pre - Purchase Inspection ?

A PPI is a comprehensive examination of a used vehicle by an independent mechanic — someone who has no financial interest in whether you buy the car. Unlike the seller's description or a CARFAX report, a PPI reveals the car's actual mechanical condition right now.

What We Check During a PPI

Our pre - purchase inspections cover every major system:

• Engine: Compression, leaks, timing chain/belt condition, unusual noises, oil consumption signs
• Transmission: Shift quality, fluid condition, engagement timing
• Brakes: Pad/rotor thickness, caliper function, brake line condition
• Suspension & Steering: Ball joints, tie rods, struts/shocks, bushings, alignment angles
• Exhaust & Emissions: Catalytic converter condition, exhaust leaks, readiness for CT emissions testing
• Electrical: Battery health, alternator output, all lights/signals, power accessories
• Body & Frame: Rust, accident damage, paint inconsistencies, structural integrity
• Fluids: Condition of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid
• Tires: Tread depth, age, even wear (or signs of alignment problems)
• OBD - II Scan: Active and pending diagnostic codes, readiness monitors

What a PPI Can Catch That You Can't

Even experienced car buyers miss things:

• Hidden accident damage — Repainted panels, misaligned body gaps, frame straightening marks
• Pending mechanical failures — A timing belt about to fail looks fine from outside
• Masked problems — Thicker oil to quiet engine knock, stop-leak products hiding radiator cracks
• Emissions readiness — A car with cleared codes may not pass CT emissions until monitors reset

How Much Does a PPI Cost ?

A typical pre - purchase inspection runs $100–$200 . That's a small price compared to the thousands you could spend on a car with hidden problems. Think of it as insurance on your purchase.

Connecticut - Specific Concerns

Connecticut has unique factors that make PPIs especially important:

• Emissions testing required — If the car won't pass, you're stuck with repair costs
• Road salt damage — Years of winter salt can create hidden rust on subframes and brake lines
• Pothole damage — Accumulated suspension and alignment wear from CT roads

When to Get a PPI

Before you commit. The ideal time is after test-driving a car you're serious about but before signing any paperwork or putting down a deposit. Most private sellers and many dealers will allow you to take the car to an independent mechanic.

If a seller refuses a PPI, that's a red flag. Walk away.

We Do Pre - Purchase Inspections Every Day

At Strong's Alignment Services, we perform thorough PPIs for buyers across East Hartford and surrounding towns. We'll give you a written report with our findings — the good and the bad — so you can make an informed decision.No pressure, just honest answers.

Call: (860) 569 - 1440 | 195 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118