The short version
When you buy a used German car, you are buying how the last owner treated it. A check-engine light might be off, but that doesn’t mean the engine is healthy. A clean undercarriage doesn’t mean the suspension is tight.
This is where a pre-purchase inspection earns its keep. It isn’t a guarantee that the car is perfect. It is a second pair of eyes looking for what the seller might not mention.
I do these inspections on the lift, and they usually take a couple of hours. The cleanest setup is the seller bringing the car to my shop in Boerne, where I can put it on the lift and run a proper scan instead of taking a quick look in a driveway.
Here is what I go through before you write a check:
The Lift View I look for leaks, rust and signs of prior accident repair, the kind of things that don’t show from the outside. I go through the suspension components and the underside of the car.
The Mechanical Check I run a factory-level scan for stored and pending codes, then go through the engine, drivetrain, suspension and brakes. I want to know whether the car runs smoothly or is hiding a problem.
The Paper Trail I review the service history and the maintenance records. A car with a documented history tells a different story than one nobody can account for.
A Straight Answer I tell you what I find. If the car needs a major repair, I say so. If it is in good shape, I say that too. You leave with a straight answer: buy it, negotiate or walk. I won’t pressure you to buy the car, and I won’t pressure you to fix it with me. My job is to give you the facts so you can decide.
If you are buying a BMW, Audi or Porsche in San Antonio, don’t skip this step. It is the cheapest insurance in the whole deal.
I’m Art Tovar. I diagnose the car, and I’m the one who calls you about it. If you are looking at a used German car, call me with the year, the model and the mileage. Let’s take a look before you spend your money.
Call Tovar Euro Performance in Boerne, Texas.