Used Car Buying: How We Perform a 172-Point Certified Inspection
At Mike’s Car Store in Georgetown, Indiana, we believe buying a used car shouldn’t be stressful—and it certainly shouldn’t be a gamble. To ensure you’re getting the best quality vehicle, it’s important that your pre-owned car is thoroughly inspected before you purchase. At our used car dealership in Georgetown, every vehicle on our lot goes through a comprehensive 172-point certified inspection before it’s ready for you to drive home.
Today, we’re giving you an inside look at exactly how we do it!
Step 1: Start With the Tech
Our certified inspection process begins with our internal app. This system tracks every step of the inspection to make sure nothing is overlooked. From oil changes to air filter replacements, everything is logged and reported directly to us for review.
Step 2: The Walkaround & Test Drive
Before our technicians even touch the car, we do a visual walkaround inspection—checking for scratches, dents, windshield chips, and overall condition.
Then, our experienced salesman, Grant—who’s been in the car business for over 25 years—takes each vehicle on a 17-mile test drive. He listens for unusual noises, tests braking, checks alignment, and ensures the car feels right on the road.
But it doesn’t stop there. After Grant, our technicians also test-drive the vehicle. Why? Because the more eyes, ears, and hands on a car, the better.
Step 3: Under the Hood & Under the Car
Back in the shop, the technician scans the vehicle for error codes and inspects the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes. We even remove wheels when necessary to measure brake pad thickness, check rotors, and look for suspension issues.
Every battery is tested for cold cranking amps and voltage, and if it doesn’t meet our strict standards, it gets replaced before the car is sold.
Step 4: Safety & Features Check
Next, we make sure every feature works as intended. This includes:
- Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights
- Blind spot indicators and backup cameras
- Heating, air conditioning, and defrost systems
- Navigation and touchscreen controls
- Cruise control and safety features
We test everything so you don’t have to worry later.
Step 5: The Road Test Route
We take every car on a 14-19 mile test route that covers city streets, highways, hills, and backroads here in Southern Indiana. This lets us test the car in all kinds of real-world driving conditions.
We check for brake shutter at high speeds, alignment issues, transmission shifts, suspension noises, and even do figure-eight turns to test steering and handling.
Step 6: Final Review & Certification
Once the inspection is complete, the technician logs all findings into our system. If anything needs attention—whether it’s new brakes, a battery, or routine maintenance—it’s done before the vehicle is listed for sale.
Our 172-point inspection ensures you’re not just buying a used car—you’re buying a Mike’s Car Store Certified Vehicle, backed by our promise that buying a car doesn’t have to suck.
Why Certified Inspections Matter
Lots of dealers talk about inspections, but at Mike’s Car Store, we show you every step. From the first scan to the final road test, our process is built to give you peace of mind.
At Mike’s Car Store, we’re not just another used car dealership—we’re your partner in the car-buying process. As a Georgetown-based used car dealer and home of the #1 most-watched car salesman on the planet, we know what it takes to help customers buy a used car for less without falling into common traps. When you buy from us, you’re not just getting a used car—you’re getting a vehicle that’s been inspected, tested, and approved by a team that cares.
Ready to see for yourself why buying a used car doesn’t have to suck? Browse our certified inventory today at Mike’s Car Store in Georgetown, IN!
