Used Cars: Used car inspection service, car, mechanic

Question
Hi Ray,

I am about to buy a used car, and I think it is wise to have the car checked out by an inspector beforehand. Anyways, my question is: should I leave the inspection to ebay's SGS inspection service?Here is their website:
http://sgs-ebay.sgsauto.com/order_inspection.htm
Since the service is easy to order and cheap, should I go for it or should I do the usual-mechanic-inspection?

Your opinion is very important to me, Please tell me what you think about this. I appreciate your help.


Thanks,
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan

First let me say I am not a fan buying through Ebay or any type auctions, I therefore have never looked into this type of service, but am glad I did on your behalf, as I found content that I will incorporate into my website.

I started to read the Terms & Conditions  set by SGS and stopped when I got to this statement "  SGS does " NOT " perform computer, electrical or mechanical diagnostics.  "  this is the information you really want"
 I did find a SGS check list that I don't think is worth the  inspection fee. SGS also claim to  completing more than 17 million inspections annually ? I can't say it's a lie but I  question those numbers  " do the math "

Summary,,, What you get is a visual inspection and a short test drive with a report card, and that to me is worthless. Take the vehicle to a mechanic shop... here is a link on my website I would like for you to read    http://www.usedcartips.org/MECHANI.html  you may also find the time to look at this link   http://www.usedcartips.org/AUCTIONS.html  to better understand why I don't like auctions.

Ray