A pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of a used car by a technician you choose, done before you pay. It typically covers the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires, fluids, electrical systems, signs of accident or flood damage and a computer scan for stored trouble codes, followed by a test drive. In Georgia it matters more than many buyers realize: the state's lemon law covers new vehicles, not used ones, and many used cars are sold "as is," which means problems found after the sale are usually yours to fix. An inspection that costs a small fraction of the price can save you from a very expensive mistake.
Why the inspection matters in Georgia
The Georgia Lemon Law, administered by the Consumer Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Law, applies only to new vehicles. Vehicles bought or leased as used are not covered. Dealers who sell more than five used vehicles in a 12-month period must display the Federal Trade Commission's Buyers Guide on each used car, and that sticker tells you whether the car comes with a warranty or is sold "as is." A private seller does not have to provide a Buyers Guide at all. Either way, the inspection is the buyer's best protection.
What a thorough inspection covers
| Area | What the technician looks at |
|---|---|
| Computer scan | Stored and pending trouble codes, readiness monitor status, signs that codes were recently cleared |
| Engine | Leaks, noises, smoke, oil condition, belts, hoses, mounts, cold-start behavior |
| Cooling system | Coolant level and condition, radiator, hoses, fan operation, signs of overheating |
| Transmission | Shift quality, slipping, fluid condition and leaks where checkable |
| Brakes | Pad and rotor thickness, fluid condition, pedal feel, parking brake |
| Suspension and steering | Worn joints, leaking shocks or struts, play in the steering, alignment clues |
| Tires | Tread depth, uneven wear, age from the date code, matching brands |
| Body and frame | Panel gaps, paint mismatch, overspray, frame damage, rust |
| Electrical and comfort | Lights, windows, locks, AC and heat, infotainment, warning lights |
| Flood signs | Silt under carpets, rust on seat rails and under the dash, musty smells, fogged lights |
| Test drive | Acceleration, braking, shifting, noises, vibration, pulling, cruise behavior |
A good inspector gives you a written report with photos where possible, separating safety issues, near-term repairs and minor items. That report is also a negotiating tool.
Paperwork checks you can do yourself
- Match the VIN. The VIN on the dashboard, the driver-side door jamb and the title should all match.
- Check for open recalls. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup. Recall repairs are done free at franchised dealers.
- Look at title history. The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System lists approved data providers that report title brands such as salvage, flood or junk. Commercial history reports add accident and service records, though none is complete.
- Check theft and salvage records. The National Insurance Crime Bureau offers a free VIN check for reported theft and total-loss records.
- Confirm the title is clean and in the seller's name. Be cautious if the seller cannot produce the title or it is in someone else's name.
- Ask about emissions. If the car is registered in one of the metro counties that require testing, ask when it last passed. The Georgia emissions testing guide explains the rules.
Flood-damaged cars
Georgia sits within reach of hurricanes and tropical storms that move up from the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, and flooded vehicles from storm-hit areas anywhere in the country can be cleaned up, moved and sold elsewhere. Water damage can lead to electrical failures and corrosion that appear months after the sale. Signs include a musty or heavily perfumed interior, new carpet in an older car, silt or water lines in the trunk or under seats, rust on seat mounting bolts and corrosion on wiring under the dash. Walk away if you see them.
Mobile or shop inspection?
A mobile inspection happens wherever the car is, which suits private sales and out-of-the-way dealer lots. The technician can scan the computer, inspect what is visible from above and below with a jack, and drive the car. A shop inspection can add a lift, which gives a better view of the underside, frame, exhaust and leaks. For an expensive car or one with signs of past damage, a lift inspection is worth the extra effort. The comparison of mobile mechanics and shops covers the general tradeoffs.
Rough costs
| Inspection | Typical range (verify) |
|---|---|
| Basic mobile inspection with scan and test drive | About $100 to $200 |
| Comprehensive inspection on a lift | About $150 to $300 |
| Specialist inspection for luxury, European or performance cars | About $200 to $400 or more |
Prices vary by provider and vehicle. Choose the inspector yourself; the checks in how to choose a mobile mechanic apply here too.
Red flags from the seller
- Refusing an independent inspection or insisting on their own inspector.
- The engine is already warm when you arrive, which can hide cold-start problems.
- The check engine light was recently cleared, shown by monitors that are "not ready."
- Pressure to decide immediately or to pay a deposit before the inspection.
- A title that is missing, branded or in another person's name.
- Payment requests by wire transfer, gift cards or other unusual methods.
Using the report
If the inspection finds only minor items, you can buy with more confidence. If it finds repairs, get estimates and ask the seller to fix them or reduce the price. If it finds frame damage, flood signs, a failing transmission or major engine problems, the best decision is usually to walk away. The guide to transmission warning signs helps you judge one of the most expensive findings a report can contain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia's lemon law cover used cars?
No. The Georgia Lemon Law applies only to new vehicles. Vehicles bought or leased as used are not covered, which is why an inspection before purchase is so important.
What does "as is" mean on a used car?
It means the car is sold without a warranty from the dealer, and the buyer is responsible for repairs after the sale. The FTC Buyers Guide on a dealer's car tells you whether it is sold as is or with a warranty.
Should I get an inspection on a car from a dealer?
Yes. A dealer's own inspection checklist is not independent. A technician you choose works for you and has no interest in the sale.
Can a mobile mechanic inspect a car at the seller's house?
Yes, that is a common use of mobile inspections. Ask the seller's permission in advance, and consider a shop with a lift for higher-value cars or cars with signs of damage.
How do I check a used car for recalls?
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup page. Open safety recalls are repaired free of charge by franchised dealers for that brand.