Used Car Inspection Checklist
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You can get your Vehicle History Report at www.CarFax.com or www.AutoCheck.com
A.1 Get a CarFax or AutoCheck Vehicle History Report
Read over your report for mileage discrepancies, accidents, number of owners, recalls, Emission test results, auction sales, possibly service records, (not all places report servicing for a vehicle history report) look for anything suspicous.
A.2 Take a walk around the outside of the vehicle
How is the overall appearance? Are there any rust spots or corrosion that is about to break through the paint? Is the paint mismatched on any panels or sections? Is there any panel or door that looks slightly different than an other? How are the gaps between the doors, hood, trunk etc….If the gaps are not even and consistant throughout the vehicle that may be the sign of a repair from an accident. Open and close the doors and make sure they work smoothly and latch easily. Check the door jambs and doors for mismatched paint or overspray Check the bottom inside of doors for rust or corrosion Look up and down the sides for ripples in the body panels-Ripples suggest bodywork
A.3 Open the hood and look around
Check engine oil, is the oil clean? Is it white or milky, that would indicate moisture Check the transmission fluid, is it clean. Does it smell burnt? Could indicate slipping The overall condition under the hood. Look for leaks and very oily condition Are the battery terminals corroded, check for signs of poor maintenance
A.4 Before closing the hood, start the engine
Does the engine sound smooth and quiet, also check for leaks while running Look underneath the vehicle. Any drips, oil spots? Walk around the back. Is the exhaust have blue smoke? Blue smoke is burning oil. Depending on the weather you may get some water vapor and steam. That is OK as long as it is no excessive. Accelerate the engine while in Park and hood open, any pinging or whistling? Does the engine accelerate OK, and keep running smooth?
A.5 Go ahead and close the hood and get in driver seat.
With foot on the brake shift transmission front Park to Drive a couple times. Any clunking (excessive clunking, there will be some) any unusual noises?
B.1 Test Drive Does the transmission shift smoothly and quietly? When slowing down does the transmission downshift, any clunking or jerking Stop and back up quickly, does it operate properly without unusual noise? While driving straight, is there an unusual amount of play in the wheel? When applying brakes while going straight does the wheel pull to the side?
Go over any bumps or Railroad tracks to check for excessive bouncing? Shocks? Get the vehicle up to highway speeds, does it ride smooth, any unusual noises? Can you let go of the wheel for a second without the car darting to the side? Are there any vibrations while driving at any speed? Gently apply the brakes at highway speed, does the pedal pulsate? It should not. Apply the brakes firmly now, is the pedal firm and the brakes responsive? Does the brake pedal feel spongy or go too close to the floor? When applying brakes is there and grinding or unusual noises? Do any of the dash warning lights come on while driving? While driving at any speed are there wind noises from doors or windows? C.1 Interior controls, options and accessories Do all the windows operate smoothly Do the seats adjust forward, back and tilt as designed Do all the doors lock and unlock properly from inside and with the key Are all the seat belts accesible and in working order? Any dash lights on, such as Service Engine or Air Bag? Are the seats comfortable and securely mounted to the floor Are the seats or carpet stained in ways that may have been standing water? Look under the seats, any signs of rust or mildew from moisture? Is there excessive wear on the rubber covering the brake or gas pedals? Grab the steering wheel try to move it up and down and side to side-solid? Check Headlights, marker lights, brake lights, turn signals…all working? Does the radio, tape player or CD player work, bring a CD with you and check Check all the heat and air conditioning controls…do all functions work properly? Is there an Owners Manual, and at least 2 keys? Are all the mirrors present and functional Is there a rear defroster/defogger? Is it working? Is the Speedometer/Odometer look original and untampered with? Obviously look over all the seats and door panels for tears, stains, or whatever. Look up, yes check the headliner, is it intact, unstained and original Open the trunk, anything unusual? Is there a spare in good shape, jack and wrench D.1 Look over the tires Are they all the same size? Get down there and look Are they all the same brand and style Do they have substantial tread or will you replace them soon? Any cracks, bubbles, or cuts on the sidewall? Check the rims for damage while you are down there Are the tires wearing evenly from side to side? Uneven wear means alignment. Alright, what do you think? This checklist does not take the place of an experienced technician. If you have concerns take the vehicle to a Shop you feel you can trust for a professional opinion. © www.Smart-Car-Buying.com