Pre-Purchase Inspection
German vehicles, such as BMW, Audi, and Mercedes, are a substantial financial investment, whether you purchase a new or used one. Investment like these calls for an informed decision, and this is where a pre-purchase inspection is essential.
A pre-purchase inspection, or PPI, is a series of assessments conducted on a vehicle by an independent third-party technician to evaluate any underlying issues and its overall condition.
Attention to Detail, Committed to Quality
At Momentum Motorworks, our technicians have decades of experience working with all models of:
This experience allows us to perform the most thorough pre-purchase inspections possible. Our mechanics know the ins & outs of each model & know exactly which areas can cause the most problems. Our thorough inspections will ensure that you know the exact condition of the car you’re getting and from there, we’ll help make annual maintenance as easy & convenient as possible for you.
Significance of PPI in Birmingham
With its shiny exterior and pristine interior, a vehicle may appear good to you as a buyer, but it may have serious underlying issues and progressive damage that you will miss. This is where a pre-purchase inspection helps you in the following ways;
- A PPI reveals hidden malfunctions, such as frame damage from previous accidents, early transmission damage, or even slow oil leaks.
- It ensures the buyer’s safety by pointing out hidden damages that are repaired later.
- It gives the buyer a negotiation leverage that could bring the selling price down, covering the repair costs.
- It also gives the buyer a roadmap for future maintenance, which will increase the vehicle’s longevity.
- Additionally, it provides the buyer with the peace of mind and satisfaction that come with a good purchase.
Procedures of Pre-Purchase Inspection in Birmingham
As a buyer, you need an experienced and expert technician to conduct the pre-purchase inspection. That’s why Momentum Motorworks is the ultimate choice for a pre-purchase inspection of German vehicles, as we have been specializing in the repair and service of Mercedes, BMW, and Audi models for more than two decades.
A pre-purchase inspection at Momentum Motorworks typically includes the following procedures;
- Preparation: As a buyer, be upfront about your intention of doing a pre-purchase inspection of the vehicle. If the seller refuses the inspection, then it is a serious red flag for the deal. Our mechanics in Birmingham start the pre-purchase inspection only after getting permission and access to the vehicle from the seller. It is beneficial for the buyer to be present during the inspection, allowing them to assess the vehicle’s condition firsthand.
- Initial Assessment and History Review: As the first step, the paperwork for the vehicle is checked, which includes its history, service records, previous accidents, and maintenance records. The vehicle identification number (VIN) is checked and matched against databases at our shop, Momentum Motorworks, in the city of Birmingham.
- Exterior Inspection: It is the inspection of the vehicle’s exterior. Our team at Momentum Motorworks checks the vehicle for rust, dents, and paint inconsistencies. The tire, windshield, and light conditions are also checked for any cracks or chips. Finally, our team in Birmingham checks the alignment of the tires, body panels, and doors.
- Interior Inspection: Our mechanics in Birmingham inspect critical components, including fluids, belts, hoses, valves, and oil lines, as part of this service. The engine bay is checked for any leaks, corrosion, and any signs of poor repair work.
- Undercarriage and Safety Inspection: Under this inspection, mechanical components and their performance are checked, ensuring the safety of both the driver and passengers. Vehicle frame inspection is the most crucial inspection, during which the frame is checked for any bends, cracks, or non-factory welds that may indicate significant accident damage. Our technician near Birmingham also inspects suspension, brake, exhaust, and transmission systems.
- Electronics and Performance Check: Using the OBD scanner, all electronic components are checked for damage or malfunctions. The engine performance is also inspected by analyzing the feedback codes.
- Test Drive: Our technician performs the final test drive to understand the dynamics of the driving experience.
After completing the assessment, our team will prepare a final report detailing the mechanic’s findings in the form of an itemized list of comments and concerns. We inform you if the vehicle requires any repair work, along with a list of repairs and their estimated price, so that you can make an informed decision regarding the purchase.
Our ASE-certified master technicians have been working on these German brands for more than twenty years. That’s why the people of Birmingham trust us for auto services such as pre-purchase inspection. Located at 2075 Old Montgomery Hwy, our shop also serves the German auto owners of the surrounding areas, including Alabaster, Homewood, Helena, Hoover, Mountain Brook, and Vestavia.
Schedule an Appointment Today
From our one main location in Hoover, Alabama we proudly serve customers from all over Birmingham and surrounding areas like Pelham, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood, Alabaster, Helena and more.
Please call or visit us today to schedule an appointment for a pre-purchase inspection or with any questions for one of our expert technicians.
