Mechanical and Status Checks

Buying a car is a major financial undertaking, and even if you're confident about checking the mechanical condition of the car, there are still many other aspects that cannot be so easily verified.

• Hundreds of thousands of vehicles are reported missing or stolen each year in the US; many of which go on to have their identities altered before being sold on to an unsuspecting person. However, if you buy one of these vehicles, it could be taken and returned to the rightful owner, which means that you'll lose the car and the money you paid for it.
• There are many other vehicles are written off each year after accidents or damage (for example, flooding). However, many of them are illegally repaired and offered for re-sale, usually in a highly dangerous condition.
• Two thirds of all new vehicles sold are bought on finance; if you buy a car with any outstanding finance on it, you could be liable for the unsettled debt.

Vehicle Status Checks

Private vehicle check companies can provides information about a vehicle's title, registration and usage history. These can include details such:

• if the vehicle appears in the salvage or junk vehicles database
• whether it has received damage from hail, flood or fire
• mileage discrepancies or odometer rollback
• if the vehicle is gray market (manufactured for non-U.S. markets that may not comply with emission and/or safety standards)
• if the vehicle has been previously designated as a 'lemon'
• if the vehicle has been designated for rental, taxi or fleet usage
• if the vehicle has been abandoned or forfeited
• any records of theft
• any liens that represent ownership interests or unpaid judgments

There are a number of companies that offer this service, and prices can range from about $20. Many companies offer a guarantee that will reimburse you for any financial loss that you suffer arising from inaccurate or incomplete information supplied to you as part of the status check.

Independent Inspections

Many of us may be daunted by the thought of checking over a car's mechanical condition, so it's worth considering using the services of the professionals who can inspect the car thoroughly and give you a written report on its status. Although such inspections aren't always cheap (starting at around $100, and depending on the age and size of the car), this could be an awful lot less that you'd have to pay out if you bought a car that turned out to be a wreck. You may be able be eligible for a discounted vehicle check if you're a member of a major emergency roadside repair organization.

Vehicle checks are a comprehensive structural and mechanical inspection, featuring a road test and visual examination of components that includes:

• Bodywork
• Brakes
• Cooling systems
• Driveshaft
• Engine
• Interior trim
• Steering
• Suspension
• Tires
• Underbody
• Wheels

Many professional vehicle inspections will also include a vehicle status check to ensure that the car is not stolen, a write-off or has outstanding finance on it.

However, not all cars may be eligible for a professional vehicle check, and so you may need to employ the services of a local mechanic to inspect imports, cars over 7 years old, prestige cars, classic cars or high performance vehicles.