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Car Auto Repairs of Texas

Guide · 8 min read

What to Check Before Buying a Used Car in Texas

The short answer

Before buying a used car in Texas, run a VIN history report, check for flood damage (especially after Gulf Coast storms), confirm a clean Texas title, look up the inspection record, test-drive on the highway, and get a professional pre-purchase inspection. The inspection costs $129–$199 and often saves thousands.

A buyer's checklist covering title, flood history, inspection status, and mechanical red flags. This guide covers Title, history, and paperwork; Spotting flood-damaged cars; Test drive checklist so you can describe the problem and decide what to check next.

Pre-Purchase Car Inspection: a closer look

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Illustration of a technician inspecting a vehicle on a lift

Hands-on inspection

A hands-on inspection helps connect the driver's symptoms with the vehicle's condition.

Illustration of a technician using a diagnostic scanner

Computer diagnostics

A fault code identifies a system to investigate, not necessarily a part to replace.

Illustration of a technician checking an engine oil dipstick

Oil level checks

Use your vehicle's handbook for the correct oil specification and checking procedure.

Illustrative images, not customer repair photographs.

Title, history, and paperwork

Get a vehicle history report, verify the VIN matches the title and dashboard, and watch for salvage, rebuilt, or flood brands. The Texas DMV's title check and inspection history lookup are free.

Spotting flood-damaged cars

After Hurricane Harvey and other Houston-area floods, thousands of flooded cars were resold. Look for musty smells, silt under carpets, rust on seat rails, fogged lights, and erratic electronics.

Test drive checklist

Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, test the A/C on max, accelerate onto a highway, brake firmly, and check that the transmission shifts smoothly.

Why a mechanic inspection matters

A trained eye on a lift sees leaks, frame repairs, and worn parts you can't. Car Auto Repairs of Texas provides a written report you can use to negotiate.

Need pre-purchase car inspection?

Know what you're buying — 150-point used car inspection with report. Typical cost: $129 – $199.

See our pre-purchase car inspection service →

Frequently asked questions

The buyer must have a passing inspection to register.

Use the Texas DMV title check or a VIN history service.

They can, but that's a major warning sign.

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