What can a pre-purchase inspection find that a vehicle history report won't?

A pre-purchase inspection finds the car's current mechanical condition, which a vehicle history report does not show. A history report lists what was reported about the car, such as some accidents, title brands and recorded mileage. An inspection checks what is actually there today: leaks, worn brakes and tires, stored and pending trouble codes, rust and frame condition, signs of past collision repair, and how the car drives. The two do different jobs, so a clean report is not a reason to skip the inspection.

What a history report can and cannot tell you

The Federal Trade Commission's guidance on buying a used car puts it plainly: a vehicle history report may list accidents and flood damage, "but typically it will not list mechanical problems," and it "is not a substitute for an independent vehicle inspection." Reports depend on what was reported to the companies that compile them. A repair paid in cash at a small body shop, or damage that was never claimed through insurance, may not appear at all. The FTC also suggests paying for an independent mechanic's inspection even on a car the dealer has certified, and going to another dealer if one will not allow it.

What an inspection checks that a report cannot

Our pre-purchase inspection covers:

• Engine running condition
• A scan for active, pending and history trouble codes
• Fluid condition
• Undercarriage: rust, leaks, frame condition and evidence of prior collision repair
• Suspension condition
• Brake measurements and tire condition
• Electrical accessories and A/C operation
• A road test

You get a written report. Pending codes are worth knowing about: a fault can be on its way to turning on the check engine light even when the dash looks clean on the day you see the car.

When to schedule it

Book the inspection while you are still negotiating, before you sign or pay. What the inspection finds can change the price you offer, or tell you to walk away. A typical inspection takes 60 to 120 minutes, and more complex vehicles take longer, so plan the appointment with the seller ahead of time.

Pre-purchase inspections at Mango Automotive Montana Ave

Mango Automotive Montana Ave is at 6240 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79925, on the Northeast corridor with access from Hawkins Blvd, Airway Blvd and Loop 375. We are open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed Saturday and Sunday. Call (915) 200-0250 or read more about our pre-purchase vehicle inspection. You can also see what else we handle at our Montana Ave shop. If the car you buy needs work later, eligible repairs are backed by our 5-year/60,000-mile warranty.

Common questions

Can I inspect a car I am buying from a private seller?

Yes, and it matters even more there, because a private sale usually comes with no dealer warranty. Ask the seller to bring the car to the shop at an agreed time. A seller who refuses an independent inspection is telling you something too.

Does a pre-purchase inspection cover an EV's high-voltage battery?

Only partly. We scan for high-voltage system warnings and check the 12-volt battery, brakes, suspension, alignment, A/C and tires, but we do not assess the high-voltage battery pack's state of health beyond what the scan reports.