Buying A Used Car: Is A Mechanical Inspection Necessary? If So How To Do It...

October 20, 2021 · 4 min read

Buying a car isn’t cheap. But looking to buy in the used car market can make the process much more financially feasible. Some people are hesitant to jump into this market, though, wondering if they will be able to purchase a safe and reliable vehicle used. Used cars might have been poorly maintained, have unresolved mechanical issues, or even just be suffering from daily wear-and-tear. While it’s certainly possible to buy a used vehicle without a pre-purchase inspection (PPI), an inspection will save you time and money later on and will give you the peace of mind to know that your vehicle is ready to hit the road.

Where can I get an inspection?

If you’re purchasing the car from a dealership, they will likely let you bring a mechanic to the site to perform a PPI. When purchasing from an individual, you will probably have to bring the car to the technician. Any certified mechanic or automotive technician is capable of performing a PPI. Use someone that you trust and have a relationship with. If this is your first time using a mechanic in the area, do the research beforehand to find someone trustworthy. Most pre-purchase inspections run $100-$200 and can take several hours, so it’s vital that the inspector you choose will provide you with all the necessary information. A local inspector will be able to provide you with specific details about your area. If you live in an area that gets snow, you will need to know important things to look for in outdoor vehicles. A local mechanic can inspect the vehicle for damage specific to the local road conditions. Due to the differences in makes and models, it is also a good idea to choose a mechanic that is familiar with the specific car you are buying. An SUV vehicle inspection differs from a sedan inspection. This will prevent miscommunication and missed problems.

What does an inspection include?

A pre-purchase inspection from a certified mechanic will ensure that the car is mechanically sound and ready to drive. The mechanic will perform a detailed inspection using a vehicle checklist to look for issues that the average buyer would miss. The mechanic will check the engine, the frame, and other internal components. Likely, the inspection will be largely visual. Your inspector will look for rusting and misplacement of parts. However, you can work with your inspector and may ask them to put the car up on a lift to do a more thorough inspection. Even cosmetic damage can be very costly to repair, and a trusted automotive technician can inform you of the costs and potential risks of leaving damage unrepaired. Depending on your technician, they may also take the car for a test drive to ensure that every system is functioning properly. A test drive will allow the mechanic to check the power steering, test the brakes, and listen for sounds that could help diagnose problems with the vehicle.

What do I do with the report?

If the inspector finds issues with the used car you’re looking to purchase, don’t panic! A used car is never going to be in flawless condition. Minor cosmetic issues are usually fine when purchasing the vehicle. For larger repairs, the car can still be a good investment, especially when weighing the cost of a new car against the cost of a used car with repairs factored in. Make sure to get quotes from local mechanics so that you can budget the cost of repairs into the purchase price. Make sure to thoroughly go over the report your mechanic provides and ask for clarification on any points you do not understand before you purchase the car. If you are purchasing the car from a dealer, all major damage should have been disclosed as well. This could be a red flag if major issues come up in the report, so don’t be afraid to challenge the dealer on large mechanical issues. Still, don’t let a negative report scare you off from the vehicle, especially if you really love it. You can use the report to negotiate a better price. And, as long as the vehicle is going to be safe to drive, minor issues aren’t too big of a problem!

Now what?

Check out our used car dealerships and get some inspections going! Purchasing a car, your first used car, or otherwise is a big decision. But it’s also exciting! A new car means more freedom, more opportunities, and more comfortable life. Getting a pre-purchase safety inspection will ensure that you don’t have to worry about your used car! You can know exactly what work needs to be done on it before you’ve even signed the deal, which will make you far more confident in your purchase. Getting a mechanical inspection is always a good idea. It can save you time and money further down the road, catching issues before they worsen into a huge financial hit. Save yourself the later headache, and make sure to get your car inspected before you tear out of the dealership!

May 15, 2024

Lynch Family of Dealerships: 2024 Journal Sentinel Top Workplace

Lynch Family of Dealerships is a family-owned group of Automotive Dealerships and Commercial Truck Centers operating for over 65 years! John and Elinor Lynch began the Lynch family legacy in 1957 out of Burlington, Wisconsin. We now have nine locations across three states. Our dealership locations are; Lynch GM Superstore of Burlington, Lynch Chevrolet of Mukwonago, Lynch Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Mukwonago, Lynch Ford of Mukwonago, Lynch Buick GMC of West Bend, Lynch Chevrolet of Kenosha, Lynch Truck Center of Waterford, Lynch Chicago, and Lynch Denver Inc. We offer a variety of vehicles such as GMC, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Ford, and Hino vehicles. 2024 Top Workplace At Lynch Family of Dealerships, we’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been named as a 2024 Top Workplace by the Journal Sentinel for the fifth year in a row! As one of the most trusted car dealerships in Wisconsin, this is an amazing accomplishment for our dealerships, staff and the customers we serve. At Lynch, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. Which is why we’ve worked tirelessly to create a workplace that fosters growth, creativity, and teamwork. While there are many, a few reasons why our team members love working here are: A Culture of Excellence: From our sales team to our service technicians and everyone in-between, Lynch Family of Dealerships is committed to delivering excellence in everything we do. Whether it’s helping a customer find their dream car or ensuring that every vehicle leaves our service center in top condition, we take pride in our work and strive for perfection. Opportunities for Growth: We believe in investing in our employees. That is why we offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help our team members grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re starting your career or taking the next step in growing your career, we are here to support you. A Supportive Work Environment: At Lynch Family of Dealerships, we have an open-door policy and a supportive work environment where every team member feels valued and respected. We believe that happy employees lead to happy customers. We celebrate each other’s successes and lift each other up during challenging times. Community Engagement: We believe in making a positive impact both within our dealership and in the community around us. We give back to the community through volunteer work, charitable donations and community partnerships. A Focus on Well-Being: At Lynch Family of Dealerships, we know our employees are at their best when they’re happy and healthy. That is why we offer a variety of benefits and wellness programs such as: industry leading health, dental, and vision insurance benefits, paid vacations and holidays, 401K retirement plans with discretionary employer match, paid short term disability, life insurance and AD&D coverage, flexible spending and dependent care, health insurance incentive program, employee discounts on vehicles, parts, and service, health and fitness membership subsidies, employee assistance program and an employee referral program. A Career At Lynch Family of Dealerships With a current staff of over 500 employees, multiple locations and increasing vehicle inventory, we are always looking for more individuals to join our tight-knit team at any of our dealerships. Click Here to Join the Lynch Family of Dealership Team. We’re honored to be recognized as a 2024 Top Workplace by the Journal Sentinel, but we know that our work is never done. Thank you to everyone at Lynch Family of Dealerships for making this possible. Here’s to another year of success and growth!

Nov 29, 2023

Introducing the All New 2025 Tahoe & Suburban

We are thrilled to introduce the newest additions to the Chevrolet lineup: the 2025 Tahoe and Suburban. These SUVs have been industry leaders for over 45 years, and the latest models are no exception. With fresh designs inside and out, a more powerful diesel engine option, and a host of new technology enhancements, these vehicles are set to redefine the full-size SUV market. The 2025 Tahoe and Suburban boast a fresh exterior design with bolder signature lighting, new available 24-inch wheels, and a new interior design centered on an all-new best-in-segment 17.7-inch-diagonal central touchscreen. The new, available second-generation 3.0L turbo-diesel Duramax engine offers 10% more horsepower than current models. With ride and handling enhancements engineered for greater driving refinement, these vehicles are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable ride, whether you're cruising the city streets or embarking on a cross-country adventure. Safety is a top priority for Chevrolet, and the 2025 Tahoe and Suburban are designed with a suite of advanced safety features. The Connected Cameras feature allows customers to remotely view the interior and exterior of their vehicle, providing an extra level of security and peace of mind. The new interior sensor can detect certain types of motion in the vehicle and can help identify if a passenger has been left in rear passenger areas of the vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a first-time SUV owner, the 2025 Tahoe and Suburban are designed to inspire confidence on the road. With a towing capacity of up to 8,400 lbs for the Tahoe and 8,200 lbs for the Suburban, these vehicles are ready to handle your heaviest loads. At Lynch, we are excited to offer these impressive new vehicles at our dealerships in Burlington, Mukwonago, and Kenosha. Our team of automotive experts is ready to answer any questions you may have and help you find the perfect vehicle to fit your needs. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the new 2025 Tahoe and Suburban for yourself. Contact us today for more information on ordering one of these impressive new vehicles. We look forward to helping you discover the Lynch difference.

Apr 22, 2022

Top Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Lynch, a Family of Dealerships around Southeastern Wisconsin, sells a variety of vehicles in various makes and models from 8 different vehicle brands: Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, Jeep, Ford, Chrysler, Dodge, and Ram. Of these brands, there are a few great options for fuel-efficient, gas-powered vehicles. Lynch's Top Fuel-Efficient Models Chevrolet Spark (41 hwy mpg) GMC Terrain (38 hwy mpg) Ford Escape (37 hwy mpg) Chevrolet Malibu (36 hwy mpg) Buick Encore (32 hwy mpg) Jeep Renegade (32 hwy mpg) Buick Envision (31 hwy mpg) Jeep Cherokee (31 hwy mpg) GMC Sierra (30 hwy mpg) Ford Edge (29 hwy mpg) In addition to relying on these 8 brands to supply our dealerships with the newest models, Lynch Family of Dealerships also sells Lynch Certified Pre-Owned vehicles of all different brands and makes, not just the same 8. Top 10 USED Fuel Efficient Vehicles 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid - 59 hwy mpg 2019 Honda Insight - 52 hwy mpg 2016 Toyota Prius - 50 hwy mpg 2017 Kia Niro - 49 hwy mpg 2013 Volkswagen Jetta - 48 hwy mpg 2017 Honda Accord Hybrid - 47 hwy mpg 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid - 45 hwy mpg 2017 Chevrolet Volt Hybrid - 42 hwy mpg 2016 Chevrolet Spark - 41 hwy mpg 2015 Ford C-Max Hybrid - 40 hwy mpg Here at Lynch, every Pre-Owned vehicle is "Lynch Certified" which means that this vehicle went through a series of steps within our Reconditioning Process to ensure both quality and safety in our used vehicles. Lynch's Pre-Owned Reconditioning Process Every vehicle that is traded or sold to our dealership goes through a mandatory list of 22 steps before it can be sold off our lots again. This process includes ensuring all parts work properly, double checking safety features, repairing any leaks or worn parts, testing the battery and replacing if needed, replacing any loose pieces, changing air filters and oil, as well as checking for a spare tire, wheel, and spare tire equipment, and so much more. We know this is a long list, but here at Lynch Family of Dealerships, we promise to take our time to ensure that you receive quality and safety with every vehicle bought from any of our locations.