Do You Need a Pre-Purchase Inspection for Your Exotic Car?

 Posted on September 20, 2024 in Exotic Car Maintenance

If you are considering purchasing an exotic car, you may wonder whether you really need a pre-purchase inspection. After all, you are purchasing a high-end car, and you might expect that it has been well cared for.

While some people with exotic cars may have taken excellent care of their cars, ensuring they were regularly and properly maintained, others may not have been as diligent. If you are considering a pre-purchase inspection for an exotic car purchase, Rosso Service has a stellar reputation for inspections, maintenance, and repair.

Why Should You Schedule a Pre-Purchase Inspection?

There is no way to really know whether the exotic car you are looking at has been well cared for. You should never accept what the car dealership tells you about your intended purchase. The dealership is in the business of selling cars, not servicing them. Remember, something as relatively simple as replacing the solenoids in your exotic car could cost you several thousand dollars. A pre-purchase inspection is similar to insurance, protecting you from the unknown or unexpected.

What Is Involved in a Pre-Purchase Inspection for an Exotic Car?

There are many different necessary components of a thorough pre-purchase inspection for your intended purchase of an exotic car. The inspection should include:

• A full electrical inspection of all visible wiring is necessary. All features that work through the car’s electrical system should be checked out. This includes power windows, the radio or sound system, automatic locks, lights, and much more.

• A full undercarriage inspection will determine whether there is corrosion, rust, or damage. The undercarriage inspection may also show the quality of prior repairs.

• The body of the exotic car should be checked to determine whether the body panels are original and to check the quality of the paint. The inspector will also check for body filler and check all glass and rubber seals and door jams.

• A full mechanical inspection of the transmission, engine, brakes, suspension, steering, and linkages is essential since these items dictate whether your car will need expensive repairs. Fluid levels, hoses, lines, connections, and the condition of the car’s oil are included.

• The car's tires and wheels will be checked for tire tread, lug nut integrity, and the presence of a spare tire and jack.

• The inspector will take the car for a test drive to examine its performance on the highway and in city driving. A good inspection includes taking the car on smooth and bumpy roads, running it through all gears and the full RPM range, and engaging in both soft and hard braking.  

• If the car is an F1, E Gear, or Sportshift car, the pre-purchase inspection will also detail the solenoid leakage rate, the actuator’s health, and the clutch wear life.  

Although many people believe a simple CARFAX report is almost as good - and much cheaper than a full pre-purchase inspection - the details in the report may be far from accurate. There are additional resources for discovering the history of a specific car, but none are as good as an actual inspection by a trained professional.  CARFAX does not confirm the information it receives, so it cannot guarantee its accuracy. The Internet is rife with complaints by car owners who believe their CARFAX report is inaccurate.

Contact a Northern Virginia Pre-Purchase Inspection Professional from Rosso Service

A pre-purchase inspection is essential to ensure that you will enjoy your exotic car purchase for many years to come. A Washington, D.C. exotic car pre-purchase inspection professional can help you feel secure in your new purchase. After the purchase, we offer maintenance and repair services for your exotic car. Transportation services may be available, and we offer tours of our facilities. You benefit from our specially trained, factory-certified professionals. Contact Rosso Service at 410-638-2886 to schedule a convenient, 24-hour drop-off at our state-of-the-art facility.