Vehicle Inspection Services

Pre-purchase Inspection Services

“Caveat Emptor” "Let the buyer beware!" 

What happened here?

While traveling at approximately 35 miles per hour this vehicle was struck by another vehicle while traveling through in an intersection just several blocks from a high school in Mesa, Arizona. Inexplicably, no one was hurt as a result of this accident. Which, in and of itself, is somewhat of a miracle. Learning that this vehicle had previously been involved in a former accident and poorly repaired makes this incident even more chilling. Had this vehicle received an independent inspection prior to purchase, it may not have been purchased and given to a son or daughter as their first car.

Why did this happen?

• First: Those that performed the collision repair obviously cut corners and performed improper repair leaving this vehicle in a potentially life threatening condition.
• Secondly: The insurance carrier failed to evaluate the true extent of damages and called for repair rather than to determine the severely damaged vehicle a total loss.
• Thirdly: The insurance company inexcusably mandated an improper repair. The repair to this car is referred to, in industry jargon, as "clipping” or “sectioning". This process calls for salvaged or junkyard components are not recommended by the vehicle’s original manufacturer and may not be considered a proper repair by most State mandates governing automotive repair processes in safeguarding the consumer’s economic and personal welfare.
  

"Clipping" -- A Dangerous Repair Technique Called for By Some Insurers

You might not be aware that there are no federally mandated safety standards for vehicle repair nor is there any Federal oversight of the collision repair industry. >>full article

We can perform a pre-purchase and/or pre-sale vehicle inspection, to ADE consumers from unknowingly buying a vehicle that was previously wrecked. With the number of poorly repaired damaged vehicles on the road, it only makes sense that some of them find their way onto used car lots. While CarFax may be considered a resource for learning about a vehicle's past, many automobiles slip through the cracks and do not get reported as damaged - and CarFax may not have the information. The following news article is an example:

State Farm and Fla. Attorney General Crist Agree to Reimburse Customers Who Bought Damaged, Stolen Cars

January 10, 2005
Florida motorists may be eligible for refunds of as much as $20,000 under a nationwide agreement to benefit individuals who unknowingly purchased damaged or stolen cars from State Farm Mutual Insurance Company. >>full article

AARP-Consumer Alert Bulletin (Feb. 2005)

Scam Alert…

Oh No! Is That Rust?

Thousands of water-damaged automobiles are expected to go on the market, literally taking American car buyers for a ride. More than 120,000 vehicles were damaged last year by hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. Many have been declared a "total loss"— >>full article

Ford dealer ordered to pay $840,000 damages for selling lemon

By LINDA MAN
The Kansas City Star
Wed, Sep. 10, 2003

In March 1994, Lance Scott bought a used Explorer from Blue Springs Ford for $25,000.
On Monday, a Jackson County jury told the dealership to return the money and ordered $840,000 in punitive damages because the business knowingly sold Scott a lemon. >>full article

Things You Should Know Before Purchasing a Pre-owned Vehicle

33 MILLION USED CARS ARE SOLD EACH YEAR
Consumers Have a Right to Know the Truth Before They Buy

Anyone Can Remove Dents…ADE Removes Doubts!