Why do I need a BlueStar report when buying a used vehicle?
For many people, purchasing a vehicle is one of the largest investments they will make. At the same time, buying a used vehicle can also be one of the most risky investments a person will make. Purchasing a used vehicle only to discover that the vehicle is in need of hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs can be devastating.
BlueStar Auto Inspections is dedicated to helping buyers avoid this situation by providing a detailed, unbiased, mechanical and maintenance inspection of the vehicle and posting a report of the inspection results online for potential buyers to review prior to purchase.
How does BlueStar differ from Carfax and Autocheck?
Carfax and Autocheck provide you with the history of the vehicle. A vehicle history report includes items such as title information, number of previous owners, private or fleet/taxi use of the vehicle, records of past maintenance and repair work, and any known air bag deployments. Such information is useful and should be obtained when purchasing a used vehicle. However, Carfax and Autocheck do not provide information on the current mechanical and maintenance condition of the vehicle, making the services completely different. Another important difference is that Carfax and Autocheck reports are generated by searching databases. A BlueStar Report is generated by a live, certified mechanic who will put the vehicle on a lift and complete a comprehensive mechanical inspection, providing you with everything you need to know to make your purchase with confidence.
What mechanical categories are included in a BlueStar Inspection?
A BlueStar Inspection covers 50 key mechanical and maintenance categories on the vehicle that most buyers cannot inspect themselves. These categories include more than 200 various parts and components that make up the vehicle’s key systems including steering and suspension, drive-train, exhaust, brakes, cooling and HVAC systems, and more. To view a sample BlueStar Report, click here.
If I find a vehicle I like, but does not have a BlueStar Inspection Report, what should I do?
First of all, you should never purchase a used vehicle without first having a thorough, independent inspection performed. If a vehicle you like does not have a current BlueStar Inspection Report, ask the seller to have the vehicle inspected before you finalize your purchase. You could also, with the seller’s permission, borrow the car for an hour and take it to a nearby BlueStar inspection station and have it inspected yourself. If a seller or dealer does not have or allow for a BlueStar inspection, there is probably a reason they don’t want a third-party mechanic inspecting the vehicle and it may indicate something is wrong with the car.
What is a VIN, where do I find it on the vehicle?
The VIN, or “Vehicle Identification Number,” is a unique number assigned by the manufacturer to every car produced. Typically, the VIN is permanently ingrained or affixed on the driver’s side of the vehicle, near where the windshield meets the dashboard. Most used car listing sites and publications require the seller to list the VIN in the vehicle listing.
As a seller, what is the benefit of having a BlueStar Inspection performed prior to listing my vehicle for sale?
A BlueStar Inspection and Report will give potential buyers confidence in your vehicle. The BlueStar Report for your vehicle will speak for itself, allowing you to prove to buyers that your vehicle is in good condition, and helping you sell your vehicle quickly and at its full value.
Is my investment protected if it has a warranty?
Private sellers do not offer warranties. Those offered by used car dealerships, if offered at all, typically only cover certain parts of the vehicle and usually only last 30-90 days. The vehicle may currently be in need of maintenance or repairs that may not obviously manifest or cause the vehicle to become un-drivable for several months. A BlueStar Inspection may reveal such conditions to you before you purchase the vehicle.
Some warranties are not fully transferable for the 2nd owner or the coverage period is shortened. Also, just because it's under factory warranty doesn't mean it might need new brakes, tires, battery or other expensive maintenance items not covered by the factory warranty. Some warranties are even void if the maintenance was not done on time. Warranty providers will not pay a claim if it is deemed a pre-existing condition. Always get it inspected before your buy. A lot of lease returns don't have maintenance performed because the car will be returned soon. However, some dealers turn around and sell it without doing those maintenance items either and pass it off by saying it's still under factory warranty.
If I am purchasing a used vehicle from a dealership that already inspected the vehicle, do I still need a BlueStar Report?
Absolutely. Most used vehicle dealers conduct some level of inspection and reconditioning of the vehicle prior to sale. However, a BlueStar Inspection covers many key components that are not usually covered during a standard used dealership inspection. In-house dealership inspections are usually less than 100 points and often rushed as the mechanics juggle lots of tasks. Also, reconditioning standards vary greatly by dealer and are subject to what they deem necessary to repair. Some show the Repair Order of what was fixed on the car. However, it does not show what was inspected and deemed not necessary to repair or replace. Maintenance can be expensive. People trade-in cars and sell them often when they are tired of repairing them and want something new. Don't get stuck with someone else's problems that were not repaired. Know what you are getting into before you buy. Get an independent BlueStar inspector. It's great to trust, but always verify. During a BlueStar Inspection, the vehicle will be placed on a lift, allowing the technician to inspect many vital components of the vehicle that may not be covered during other inspections. A certified technician will complete our signature 50-category, 200-point plus inspection, providing you with an in-depth, unbiased report of the current condition of the vehicle.
