Do you think paying Lemon Squad $200 to inspect a used car ( 2005 Ford Exscape 115,000 miles) before I purchase it is a good idea or just taking it to a service shop like Firestone for 99 bucks will do? I know nothing about cars and I don't want to buy a clunker for $3,500.
I know nothing about cars and I don't want to buy a clunker for $3,500.
A 19-year-old Ford Escape is pretty much a clunker by definition. Structural rust is a major problem with them especially if you're in an area with salted winter roads. A good independent mechanic would likely give you the best pre-purchase inspection.
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Escape/2005/
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Ford/Escape/2005/body_paint/
Well it depends on the place you take it to. If they have good mechanics there the $99 one should be perfectly fine
