Use this UsedCars.biz handy checklist when you are inspecting a used car. If some of the items below seem too “picky” for you, skip them: but remember that little annoyances today can grow into huge disturbances tomorrow.
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Exterior
_____Look for unmatched paint or poor body fit (may indicate collision damage).
_____Check for body filler (use a refrigerator magnet on suspicious spots, unless body panel is not made of metal to begin with).
_____Look for rust all around, especially at wheelwells, under doors, in trunk.
_____Musty smell or dampness in trunk may indicate collision damage.
_____If car appears newly painted, why?
Tires
_____Wear should be even on each tire and among the set.
_____Tires must be same size.
_____Wear should be consistent with odometer mileage.
_____Insist on a spare, jack, and lug wrench.
Suspension
_____Push down and release each corner of car. If it bounces more than once, car may need struts or shocks.
_____Push and pull on each wheel from beside the car. If wheel moves in or out, bearings or CV joints may be in bad condition.
_____Remember that uneven tire wear may indicate suspension problems. If car has new tires, be extra careful in checking suspension.
_____Check for “dog-tracking” by having a friend follow you while driving the car. If rear end of car seems to be sliding to the side, car may have serious frame damage from a collision.
_____If front-wheel drive, check CV joint boots on either end of front axles (should be a total of four). If torn or missing, you might have trouble with expensive joints!
Interior
_____Wear of seats, steering wheel, etc. should be consistent with odometer mileage.
_____Pay special attention to amount of wear on pedals.
_____Musty smell or new carpet may indicate flood damage.
_____Make sure windows, safety belts, etc. all work.
_____Check glove box contents. It should contain an owner’s manual. Look for repair orders which may show the car’s mileage. Make sure mileage jives with current odometer reading.
Under the hood
_____Check for proper fluid levels.
_____Oil should not smell burnt or contain water.
_____Coolant (antifreeze) should be green, not rusty. (Note that Texaco now makes an coolant that is orange.)
_____Automatic transmission fluid should be red or pink and not smell burnt.
_____Look for leaks around radiator and hoses.
_____Spots on ground under the car may indicate leaks. To be sure, place a clean newspaper on ground under the car after driving it. Check in a few minutes for spots.
The final steps
_____Inspected by mechanic. If car passed your inspection, take it to an independent mechanic for a more complete inspection.
____Test driven according to the UsedCars.biz Used Car Test Drive Checklist.
—thanks to ASC Fort Gordon
Tagged with: checklist • test drive
Filed under: Buy A Car