Don't Buy a Used Car Without This Checklist
Buying a used car in Louisville? Our Pre-Purchase Inspection gives you the leverage to negotiate—or the wisdom to walk away.
Buying a used car is high-stakes poker. The seller wants the highest price. You want a reliable vehicle. The problem is, the seller knows the history of the car, and you don’t.
At SBC AutoLab, we serve as the neutral third-party consultant in this transaction. We don't care if you buy the car or not. Our only job is to reveal the truth beneath the wax and Tire Shine.
Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, here is why a professional Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is the smartest investment you can make.
1. The "Code Clear" Trick
One of the most common scams we see is the "Code Clear." The Scam: A seller has a Check Engine Light. They disconnect the battery or use a cheap scanner to clear the code right before you arrive for the test drive. The light is off, so you think the car is fine. The Consultant’s Counter: We use factory-level diagnostic tools to check the "Monitors." If the car's computer says "Not Ready" or shows it was reset 5 miles ago, we know the seller is hiding something. We can often dig into the "Permanent Codes" history to see what they deleted.
2. "Lipstick on a Pig"
A freshly detailed car can look brand new while hiding thousands of dollars in rot. The Reality: Fresh undercoating often hides structural rust. A steam-cleaned engine bay often hides oil leaks. The Inspection: We put the vehicle on a lift—something you can't do in a driveway. We inspect the subframe, the brake lines, and the suspension bushings. We look for the "tell-tale" signs of flood damage or accident repairs that didn't make it onto the CarFax.
3. Leverage for Negotiation
A Pre-Purchase Inspection is not just a safety check; it is a financial tool. The Strategy: If our report finds that the car needs $600 in rear brakes and a $200 battery, you now have a printed, professional document to show the seller. The Result: You can negotiate the price down by that $800. In almost every case, the cost of our consultation pays for itself in the final sale price.
4. The "No-Go" List
Sometimes, the best deal is the one you don't make. There are certain red flags—blown head gaskets, slipping transmissions, severe frame corrosion—that make a car a financial total loss. We are the ones who will look you in the eye and say, "Do not buy this car."
Don't Gamble with $10,000
You wouldn't buy a house without a home inspection. Don't buy a car without an AutoLab inspection.
Whether you are looking at a private party sale or a used car lot, bring us in as your consultants before you sign the title. We ensure that your new car is a dream, not a nightmare.
