What is a pre-purchase inspection?

A pre-purchase inspection is an independent check of a used car by a mechanic you choose, before you buy. The mechanic typically looks at the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires, frame, leaks and signs of past accidents, and may scan for stored trouble codes. It usually costs a modest fee and can reveal problems that aren't obvious on a test drive. If a seller refuses to allow an independent inspection, treat that as a reason for caution.