PPI for a used car?

dave 911 · dave 911's Garage

I'm helping my son buy his first car. We're looking at 2004-2007 Civics, Accords, Corrollas and Mazda 3's. I haven't bought a used car in over 20 years. We have been looking at dealers primarily - there is a large automall near our house with 15+ new car dealers and lots of used inventory.

Do you get PPI's for all used cars that you buy? How do you arrange this with the seller - if you find one that looks good (which we have), do you have the PPI done before dealing, or make an offer contingent on the PPI? Or just rely on the car fax? Are dealers open to you taking a car for an inspection? My concern is 'letting a good slip by' vs. buying into some problems....

stomachmonkey · 04-28-2013, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave 911

......Do you get PPI's for all used cars that you buy?

It's a good idea. Even if you have a lot of experience certain makes/models/years have their own unique common issues that a pro wrench may have seen before and know to look for.

How do you arrange this with the seller - if you find one that looks good (which we have), do you have the PPI done before dealing, or make an offer contingent on the PPI?

Make offer, arrange for seller to bring car to wrench unless seller is willing to let you take it there. Renegotiate for anything major, don't nitpick over a blown tail light bulb.

Or just rely on the car fax? Are dealers open to you taking a car for an inspection? My concern is 'letting a good slip by' vs. buying into some problems....

Carfax is not 100%. It's only as good as the info it receives. Cars can be in accidents and never reported so do not show up on Carfax.

Dealer should not have an issue with an independent inspection.

Rule #1, don't fall in love with anything you are buying.

Drisump · Drisump's Garage

Offer contingent on a clean PPI, if there are issues brought up by the PPI; downward revisions to the price are the accepted practice (or the seller attending to (paying for) rectifying those issues). Cheers

Christien · Christien's Garage

If the dealer doesn't want you to take it to a garage (of your choice) for a PPI, pass on the car (assuming your garage of choice is a legit licensed mechanic, not your brother in law's backyard "shop"). I wouldn't buy a car over $2 or 3000 without a PPI. You want to look for undisclosed accident damage, flood damage, repainted panels, fluid leaks, etc.

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

The last car I bought privately was my P car. No $$$ down and the seller let me take it to an indy garage for a PPI. Had a carfax done on it but showed no accident.
However the bundle of receipts for work done showed an accident by first owner incurring about $1100 to fix it so it was more of a fender bender.

The Miata I bought from a dealer showed me copies of work done on it. Privacy did not seem to be an issue. I got a ppi done before I bought it. It came up clean.
I cannot remember if I had to put $$$ down for a down payment.

If you find a car you like obviously have a ppi done but try and not put $$$ down as a down payment. Leave your own car there so they know you are coming back.
Ask for receipts for work done. Private sellers are more likely to hand over receipt info. That is why I like dealing privately plus they are not prof. negotiators. And don't fall in love with the first one you see!Enjoy your search.

onewhippedpuppy · 04-28-2013, 05:56 AM

Don't rely on Carfax! I have owned multiple cars that I purchased knowing they had been in minor accidents, but with a clean Carfax. Personally I don't balk at accident damage if it is disclosed by the seller and professionally repaired. Most cars have been in at least a minor fender bender it seems.

PPI is only as good as the mechanic, and in most cases the good mechanics are not at the dealerships. I have had several PPIs done at the request of the buyer when selling cars, they frequently do not find the flaws that I disclosed myself. Personally I have never paid for a PPI, but I'm also a hardcore DIY mechanic and generally know what to look for.

Just a side note, you'll get more honesty and a better deal shopping with individuals. We have one Mazda6 and two Mazda3 in my wife's family, all in the hands of teen drivers. All three have been fantastic cars, in my opinion they are better than the similar Honda and Toyota offerings for much less money.

Steve Carlton · 04-28-2013, 06:16 AM

My suggestion would be to negotiate a price first contingent on a PPI. If you don't, the dealer will want more money knowing you've invested a PPI into the deal. I'd avoid a car with an accident on the Carfax. It taints the value. You could run the car by a body shop as well for an "accident" PPI. Any reputable dealer will let you take the car for a PPI. If they won't, I'd walk.

stomachmonkey · 04-28-2013, 07:17 AM

Another vote for the Mazda3.

Have one as a DD. Do standard fluids get in and drive. 2.3 in a stick has plenty of get up n go even with 4 people on board.

Big trunk plus fold down rear seats.

They are a great value.

dave 911 · dave 911's Garage

Thanks for all the quick feedback gang! We're off shopping today, I'll keep you posted. We'll see if the Mazda 3 we saw yesterday is still available...