CARCHEX Vehicle Inspection Resources

In 1988 airbags became required safety devices in all automobiles. Combined with proper seatbelt use, an airbag greatly reduces the risk of injury in a car crash. Still, airbag issues such as the recent Takata airbag recall remind us that mechanical devices may be subject to failure and poor design. Another important issue is airbag [...]

Incredibly, many people never even think about this. When you go to buy a car, new or used, do you bother to ask if it’s ever been damaged? You might be surprised by the answers you get to this question. Even more surprising are the government requirements for vehicle damage disclosure. Let’s find out more. [...]

Looking to buy a used car? Then a thorough pre-purchase inspection is important. It takes more than just a quick look to make sure you get your money’s worth. In this article, CARCHEX shares the details of a comprehensive car inspection checklist. General Data The first step in car inspection is gathering general data. This [...]

Today’s used auto market has plenty of non-gasoline vehicles to choose from. What should you look out for when buying a used hybrid or electric vehicle (HEV)? Let’s find out. Buy any used car with confidence. Get a pre-purchase used vehicle inspection from CARCHEX before you buy. Battery The fuel cell is the most important [...]

Emissions testing determines the level of air pollutants emitted from the exhaust of a motor vehicle. The first emissions testing was done in California in 1966. Since then, many states began requiring testing for all registered vehicles. If a vehicle fails the emissions test, repairs must be done and the vehicle retested. Pre-purchase vehicle inspections [...]

Look for rust along the frame rails which run directly under the doors. You should also check for rust inside the wheel wells and along the exhaust system. Irregular lines in the paint often mean the car was damaged and repainted. Look along the body contour for any bumps or waves. Let’s take a closer [...]

That new car smell – everybody loves it. But is it worth it? The auto industry recalls over 20 million vehicles per year. If you buy used, you might actually gain a big advantage, like sidestepping an inconvenient or dangerous recall. Let’s look at why buying used may sometimes be the best choice. Buy any [...]

Mississippi just got rid of them. Florida, Alabama, Hawaii and many others don’t require a state vehicle inspection either. Does this make sense? Is it safe? How does this affect you if you’re looking to buy a used car? Let’s find out more. Buy used with confidence. Order a qualified vehicle inspection on any car [...]

Millions of Americans drive to work every day. With all that time spent behind the wheel, you want a car that performs well and won’t give you problems. We picked vehicles based on reliability, price, performance, and gas mileage. We also classified them according to commuter type (urban, country, shared, and seasonal). Let’s take a [...]