Buying a car from a fellow Beyonder, where should I get it inspected?

[Super_Geo]

Just wondering where you guys would recommend getting an E46 3-series BMW inspected. Any shops that are reputable and won't have a ridiculous wait list? And how much should I expect to pay for this inspection? Thanks!

[Kobe]

Inspection is around 100-120 bucks, and I would always get a car inspected, and run a carproof if its a canadian car, and a carfax if its american..

Take it to a dealership? I know Canadian tire does them too, but they are sketchy, and I would avoid them..

[A790]

I always us McCall brake and muffler simply because there's rarely a wait time, though they focus on Japanese cars. Give 'em a call anyway?

[Weapon_R]

Take it to a dealer or someone who has a great reputation for working with these vehicles. They are a little more complicated than your regular econobox and there are a LOT of common issues with these cars that only an experienced person can spot.

If not the dealer, try Shenis Auto Trend?

[Crymson]

I've always had problems getting car's inspected at stealerships. Mostly because you don't actually get to talke to the mechanic. You drop the car off, then go pick it up, and you get some fuckwad in a blue shirt showing you the inspection sheet.

[rc2002]

You can do your own due diligence and run all the checks, and a thorough visual inspection and test drive. If you know what you're looking for, it's not too tough to see frame damage or where there has been previous accident history judging by panel alignment or paint.

Also, if you know what to feel for when driving, it's easy to tell which mechanical parts might be on their last legs or just feel a little bit off. There's way too many things to list, but some examples are: you can drive in a tight circle at full lock and listen for bad tie rod ends, you can go over bumps (on straights and corners) and feel for proper damping and alignment specs, you can feel if the car is pulling evenly and hard enough on WOT to signify good compression, etc. etc.

I've had experiences where I've seen dealerships (and shops) rush through inspections and actually miss quite a lot of stuff. Most of the stuff on the list are trivial things you can see yourself like working signal lights, tire tread life, brake pad life, etc. Personal inspections (or bring someone who knows cars) are probably one of the smartest things you can do when buying a used car.

[lint]

I've taken a couple of cars to Alpine for inspection.

[Zero102]

Alpine. They are the only place in Calgary I trust with my cars.

[Super_Geo]

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

Here's what I was quoted... what would you guys suggest?

McCall Brake and Muffler - $80
Alpine Autowerks - $100
2 Square - $199.99 (300-point inspection)
The Mechanic’s - $120
Monza Auto - $100

[mo_money2supe]

I believe Alpine only does visual inspections though... If everyone highly rates them, maybe see if you can get them do to compression tests for an additional fee.

[Trini]

where is Alpine Autowerks located?

[Super_Geo]

Looks like Alpine is is! Thanks for the input guys.

Originally posted by mo_money2supe
I believe Alpine only does visual inspections though... If everyone highly rates them, maybe see if you can get them do to compression tests for an additional fee.

Compression test for an extra $150.... so $250 in total.

Originally posted by Trini
where is Alpine Autowerks located?

Just SE of downtown.