 TITLE: 10 Things First-Time Car Buyers Need to Know CONTENT: 7\\. Get the Car Inspected\n-------------------------\nWhether you're buying a used car from someone you know or from a dealership, you should always have a trusted mechanic inspect it first. This is called a pre-purchase inspection and is a service most auto repair shops offer. You may have to pay a few hundred dollars for this service, but that's money well spent if it keeps you from buying a car with major issues under the hood.\nEven a CPO car should undergo an independent inspection before you buy it. CPO inspections tend to focus on major systems and obvious problems. Independent mechanics can point out smaller issues, poorly done repairs and potential future problems. If the car has been inspected by the dealership, get a written report of the inspection to give your mechanic.\nTo find a mechanic, ask your friends and family for recommendations or look at online review sites for highly rated mechanics near you. Mobile mechanics who come to you to inspect the car are also an option, but taking it to an auto repair shop allows the mechanic to inspect it more thoroughly. If the seller objects to an independent inspection, consider that a red flag. END