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• Inspecting A Used Car
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INSPECTING A USED CAR

Please note this section is designed to give you a basic checklist about how to inspect a used car and can possibly help you to avoid used cars with potential problems. However, this information cannot substitute for detailed mechanical inspection performed by a professional. To protect yourself, take a car to a mechanic of your choice for detailed mechanical inspection prior purchase.

What you may need to take with you for a car inspection

• Paper and a pen - Make notes about every car marking down the VIN number, asking price, mileage, car features, what you like, and what you don't like. These notes will help you in the selection process as well as in the final deal negotiation.
• Small flashlight - Whether it's looking underneath the car to check for leaks and corrosion or when looking under the engine oil cap to see the condition of internal engine parts, a small flashlight will be very handy.
• Small magnet - The magnet can help you to find hidden repaired corrosion spots.
• Paper towel - To check the engine oil.
• CD-disk and tape - To check the stereo.

Suggested Steps When Inspecting Cars for Purchase

• Check the car body
• general appearance
• defects
• signs of previous accidents or corrosion.
• take your time
• lines of the car body should be perfectly straight
• color of different panels
• paint quality
• gaps between the body panels.
• Tires
• Interior
• general condition
• seat belt condition
• doors, locks and boot
• spare tire, wheel spanner and the jack
• gauges, warning lights
• Electrical features
• operation of power windows, locks and other features
• wipers and windshield washer function
• seat adjustments
• sunroof
• alarm system - ask to demonstrate how it works
• remote control functions
• stereo, CD-player
• Heater and air conditioner
• Signs of flood damage
• Engine
• service records
• dirty engine
• burnt oil smell under the hood
• corroded battery terminals
• oil leaks
• engine oil condition and level
• smoke from the exhaust
• Automatic transmission
• Manual transmission
• Test-drive
• starting
• shaking, excessive noise or smoke
• vibrations
• steering
• stable at highway speed
• shudder, jerks, harsh shifting
• bouncy
• holds a straight direction or pulls aside
• humming noise
• Afterwards
• be completely satisfied with the car
• if you have any hesitation, be prepared to leave

While this guide may help you to avoid cars with potential problems, we strongly advise to have the vehicle inspected by a mechanic of your choice prior purchase; there are many components that can only be properly inspected in a professional service facility.

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