Purchasing a new vehicle is a serious financial decision. It’s important to ask a mechanic about their opinion on the purchase beforehand. This is especially true if you don’t plan on buying new.

Ask A Mechanic: Automotive Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Here are just a few things you should ask a mechanic before purchasing a car:

What are Common Repairs on this Type of Vehicle?

If you have a certain make and model of car in mind, it’s always a good idea to ask a mechanic if they often see that type in their shop. And, if they do, what it typically is in for.

No matter what the slick car salesman says, your mechanic is going to be more honest with you about what he has to fix. This can give you a better idea of the quality of the vehicle, as well as your maintenance costs over the next few years.

This is a great question to ask if you intend to purchase a new or used car.

Do You Perform Pre Purchase Inspections?

If you plan on going the previously owned route, then you will need to ask your mechanic more specific questions about the vehicle you want to buy.

Most dealerships will let you take your car out for a spin and most auto shops will take a look at the vehicle to make sure it’s worth what you’ve been asked to pay for it (for a reasonable fee, of course).

A thorough pre-purchase inspection should include a survey of the:

  • Tyres and suspension components
  • Braking system, parts, and lines
  • Fuel lines, fuel tank, and exhaust system
  • Electrical components
  • Engine components
  • Air conditioner and heater
  • Body, glass, and frame
  • The condition of the interior 

Is this Car a Money Pit?

While this question tends to apply more towards used cars, if your mechanic tells you about a certain newer model they see in the shop all the time after asking them question number one, you might want to avoid that as well.

If you have a used car in the shop for a pre-purchase inspection, ask your mechanic to be brutally honest with you. After all, as much as you might like them, you don’t want to see them too often.

After inspecting each of the above components, your mechanic should be able to tell you what it would cost to get (or keep) the car roadworthy. You can then decide if that’s the best choice for you.

Need to ask a mechanic about a pre-purchase inspection?

The friendly team at Sutherland Automotive is here to help. Feel free to get in touch today.