I just got a subaru impreza, and I was wondering if I can get it inspected before it is registered with the state or if I have to do it the other way around. And what do I have to get to drive this car after I buy it, cause I have to take it to get plates, should the person I buy it from have something?

And should I worry about a check engine light, if I'm buying this car? My parents car had this light on for years

You should have the car inspected by a independent dealer before you buy it, spending 100 or so may save you the transmission falling off 20 miles down the road.

If you are buying this from a dealer, they should have an state inspectoin done for you and temp plates to use.

Most states have rules about temp use of car on road at time of purchase to allow you to get license, you need to check your states law, if purchased from a private party.

The check engine light can be a 100 things, some serious, some not, so without having it checked you will not know.

Thank You

You are welcome, I am no car expert, I am sure some of them will jump in here and give you more specific advice to things to look for.

But I have bought and sold 100's of cars over my , well many years.
I remember one truck I sold, I drove it every day, older but OK, well the man who bought it, on his way home less than 2 miles from my house, the transmission went out, I did not know it, he test drove it, did not see anything wrong, Another car I bought, was just bad, I bet I spent 2000 on it the first 3 months I owned it. So it is always a good idea ( unless you are buying a 500 dollar car that you expect to have problems, to get a very good inspection, put it on the machines, put it up on the rack and more.

Yeah, I should do this, but I know that now a days you can't expect a great car for what you pay.