Should I get the compression test done in addition to the pre-purchase vehicle inspection?
Compression Test Cost: $290
Pre-Purchase Inspection Cost: $145
Vehicle Price: Asking $3800, but will try to purchase for $2500-3000
Spark plugs can also tell you quite a bit about the condition of the engine and those need to be removed to do the compression test. Given that you're looking at a 20-year-old vehicle it might be worth the additional cost. (No doubt the reason that service is so expensive is that it's a real bear to get at the rear plugs on those V6 engines.) Maybe even have new spark plugs installed while in there instead of putting the old ones back in if you do buy it.
Unfortunately the car was sold to another person before it could go through inspections.
Sigh.
A real kick in the teeth.
It was in really good condition, no dramas at all. No rust, smooth engine. Good electronics, AC's cold, leather intact, sun roof okay.
Just wanted to get the inspection done before purchase. Part of good practice. Sad to see it slip away.
Disappointing, but it's possible for a seller to make a bad car look good - temporarily. Better to be safe than sorry.
does it need one?
When driving, it didn't feel like it had a poor transfer of power.
Just paranoid because my old used Avalon had issues (1MZFE)