FAQ: Pre-sale Vehicle Inspections at OPENLANE®
When listing a vehicle on OPENLANE, a pre-sale inspection can be a game changer for sellers. Why? Because pre-sale inspections aren’t just about ticking boxes, they’re about building buyer confidence through transparency, reinforcing your vehicle’s value, and ultimately helping you close smoother and faster deals with a reduced risk of post-sale problems like arbitration.
FAQ
What is a pre-sale inspection?
A pre-sale inspection is an evaluation of your vehicle’s condition that takes place before it’s listed for sale.
Do I have to get a pre-sale inspection?
No. Our pre-sale inspections are optional, but highly recommended. They give buyers more assurance that the vehicle will be exactly what they expect, while providing sellers a chance to find out about issues they may be unaware of and ultimately, limiting the chances of any post-sale challenges.
What does a pre-sale inspection cover?
Our inspection process begins with a Mechanical Checklist which examines mechanical elements like engine, fluid levels, odometer, alongside other essential mechanical features. During this time, electrical accessories including sun roofs, doors and windows are also checked for functionality.
A Structural Inspection occurs next, looking at metal elements like rails, pillars and panels. To provide a complete evaluation, a vehicle will also undergo a road test to evaluate performance under operating conditions.
What happens if defects are found during the inspection?
If defects are found during a pre-sale inspection, sellers have the opportunity to approve repairs on identified issues.
However, if the seller does not approve repairs, all required announcements or disclosures will be added to the vehicle before the sale. Removing any announcements or disclosures by the seller will void coverage on inspected items.
How long is a pre-sale inspection valid?
A pre-sale inspection is valid for 30 days from the date of the inspection. If the car is not sold during that period of time, the inspection expires and you can choose to get another pre-sale inspection.
Is there anything excluded from a pre-sale inspection?
Yes. Advanced Driver Systems, vehicles found to be inoperable, Electric Vehicles or hybrid batteries, and non-OEM equipment are not included in the pre-sale inspection.
An OPENLANE pre-sale inspection is a powerful tool for any seller. It’s not just about uncovering potential issues, it’s about demonstrating the quality and condition of your vehicle, helping you build trust with buyers, and setting yourself up for a successful, hassle-free sale.
If you’d prefer to have this information in a list format, click to view our pre-sale inspections checklist.
OPENLANE also offers post-sale inspections. Learn more about how they can benefit you here.
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For any questions, give us a call and one of our team members will be happy to help.
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