A pre-purchase inspection is an independent, third-party professional service that evaluates a vehicle’s condition before a purchase offer is made.
Consumer protection organizations such as the Federal Trade Commission,[1] the American Bar Association,[2] insurance companies, and states recommend an independent pre-purchase inspection.
[4] The inspector also investigates for vehicle identification alteration,[5] lack of recent license plates, salvage title,[6] and odometer fraud.
For commercial transports, evaluators should be qualified inspectors under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Part 396 or state laws.
The decision to purchase an automobile or commercial transport incurs both financial investment and a deep concern for human safety.
Evaluators who stand to gain from the vehicle transaction must disclaim their entanglement in writing so the prospective buyer has complete information.
Prospective buyers should ask for a written conflict of interest (COI) disclaimer of any ethical entanglements of the pre-purchase evaluator.
A conflict of interest disclaimer at a minimum should include statements on: Reports issued by the evaluator should not contain advertising, marketing hyperlinks, or persuasive text.