Used Car Inspection Checklist

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Used Car Inspection Checklist
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(No Transcript)
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Whether through a dealership or a private seller,
buying a used car isn't always a straightforward
process - especially if you don't have a lot of
experience. And while there are a lot of great
resources for researching and locating the type
of car you want, finding the right make and model
at a price you're comfortable is only the
beginning. Before buying any used vehicle, it's
important to inspect it to make sure it doesn't
have any problems that could end up costing you
down the line. That's why we've put together a
handy list of questions to ask during your used
car inspection process. The Engine Is the
engine block clean and clear of any oily
residue? Pop the hood and look directly at the
engine block. Look for oily residue or any leaks
that suggest the engine doesn't hold oil well. Is
the engine oil the correct color? Pull the
dipstick and look at the color of the oil to see
if it's been changed recently. If it's extremely
dark, ask about service records. You also want to
look for warning signs like small bubbles, metal
shavings or discolored oil on the dipstick
yellow sludge in oil could be a sign of a blown
head gasket.
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The Electrical System Is the dashboard free of
any illuminated warning lights? Get inside the
car and turn the ignition key. Look for all of
the warning lights to pop on as a quick
diagnostic check of the vehicle's electrical
system. Is the electrical wiring working
properly? Check turn signals and audio/video
components and the stereo and infotainment system
(if applicable). Make sure everything wired into
the vehicle is operating correctly, because
electrical repairs can be very expensive! Are
the battery terminals free of signs of
corrosion? Its also a good idea to check the
battery terminals for corrosion and a tight
connection, because your battery needs to work
right for your car to start every time. Also, if
the battery is several years old, it will soon
need to be replaced, so factor in that
cost. Body Condition Is the vehicle body free
of damage or rust?
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Look for any frame damage, or areas where rust is
eating into the body of the vehicle. Body repairs
can ultimately be very expensive, and you want to
look for rust anywhere, including areas of the
car that you can only see on a lift, from the
underside. Are the windows and windshield free
of cracks? Do a thorough visual inspection to
make sure that the windows and windshield are in
good condition as well. Even small cracks can
cause big problems down the road. Fluid
Levels Are the coolant reservoir and radiator
free of leaks? Youll also want to check the
vehicle's coolant reservoir. Look for any
discoloration of coolant, or signs that there may
be a leak in the radiator or elsewhere. Is the
power steering working properly? Power steering
fluid is another one you want to check. Turn the
ignition on and try turning the steering wheel.
Youll know if there is a problem with the power
steering or power steering fluid, because that
wheel will be as heavy as lead. Is the brake
system in good condition?
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It's also important to see if any elements of the
brake system may be in poor condition. Turn the
vehicle on and step on the brake pedal to see how
low it goes if it goes down near the floor, or
is not firm, theres probably trouble. The brake
pedal should feel firm and have a tight hold on
the brakes. If it feels soft or spongy, then
then there could be something wrong. Doors and
Windows Are the door and window seals in good
condition? It's important to look at doors and
windows carefully, to make sure that all of the
seals that keep out water are in good condition.
Look at the areas where the tops of the doors
join the roof. You may even want to pour some
water over this area, if possible, to make sure
there are no leaks. Check the seals on the trunk,
as well. Water can do a lot of damage to the
vehicle and practically ruin the cabin. Are all
powered windows, doors and seats working
properly? Check all power doors and windows, as
well as power seats, to make sure these are
operating correctly.
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Air Flow and Air Conditioning Is the air
conditioning working? With a used car, you
always want to manually operate air conditioning
systems to make sure that the AC is in good
condition and that it blows cold air. Air
conditioning really affects the value of the
vehicle, and its often one of the first
amenities to go. Does the air conditioning have
good air flow? Most common problems include low
refrigerant (which can be costly to replace),
problems with the compressor, and other problems
that could be expensive to fix. Check for good
air flow with both heat and air conditioning, and
look for any off-putting smells that come along
with the delivery of air into the
cabin. Suspension Is the suspension system
working properly?
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Youll also want to check the used cars
suspension. Simply put pressure on the area of
the vehicle above each tire. You should have a
fairly smooth rocking up and down. Problems with
the suspension can cause the car to handle poorly
and make things uncomfortable for drivers and
passengers. Lights Are the headlights and all
other vehicle lights working properly? Check the
headlights and all other vehicle lights to make
sure they're working properly. Sometimes old
headlight housings let in water, causing your
light bulbs to shatter or go out frequently.
These items will need to be fixed in order to
keep all of the vehicle lights on for long-term
inspections. Belts and Hoses Are the belts and
hoses free of any signs of dry rot or
wear? Check all of the hoses going to and from
parts of the coolant system. Check the serpentine
belt and other belts and hoses that are visible.
Check for signs of dry rot or excessive wear. You
can run the vehicle and listen for loud squeaking
or other belt problems that may be evident. Tire
Tread
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Are the tires properly inflated and is there
sufficient tread depth? It's also useful to look
at tire tread. Yes, vehicles can simply get a new
set of tires put on, but in some cases, tire wear
can tell you a lot about the vehicle. Improperly
worn tires can be a signal of tire
underinflation, lack of vehicle alignment or
other problems that can impair the drivability of
the vehicle. Vehicle Title Does it have a clear
title? Look at the title of the vehicle to make
sure it has not been previously wrecked. Some
titles will have a salvage designation
indicating they have been written off by an
insurance company as a total loss. These vehicles
will have very low value and will be expensive to
insure. Make sure that the VIN number is legible
and has not been tampered with. Warranty Is the
original manufacturer's warranty still
valid?
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Some used cars may still be covered under their
original manufacturer's warranty. If so, make
sure to ask for documentation to verify if it's a
bumper-to-bumper warranty or just a powertrain
warranty. Does it have additional third-party
coverage such as a vehicle service
contract? Some drivers may opt to purchase
additional coverage for their vehicle after their
manufacturer's warranty expires. This type of
coverage is known as a vehicle service contract
and usually covers certain repairs due to
mechanical breakdowns. Check to see if the
vehicle is still under a vehicle service contract
and if the vehicle service contract is
transferable. Article Resource-https//www.tocow
arranty.com/knowledge-center/money-saving-tips/use
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