CALL 1-866-452-0791

Inspecting a Used Car

A very important step, when deciding whether to go ahead with the purchase of a used car, is to inspect it. This means the interior, the exterior, the under carriage, and the engine. Take a look at every part of the vehicle you can think of. If you are serious about buying this used car after your inspection, still have a professional mechanic take a look at it. If the owner of the vehicle refuses, then walk away.

The Exterior

Do an overall “walk-around." Look at the used vehicle from a distance, and up close, looking for dents, chipped paint, mismatched body panels, and chipped windows.
Look down the side of the used car to see if all the panels and bodywork line up smoothly. Be suspicious of wavy panels or cars with uneven gaps between panels.
Minor scratches and flaws are no cause for concern, but rust is. Check the outer body for blistered paint, which can mean rust. Also inspect the wheel wells and rocker panels for rust.
Look carefully at the windshield and windows for cracks or large dings. Even small cracks in the windshield will worsen and lead to a costly repair.
See if the used car is standing level. Bounce each corner up and down. If the shock absorbers are in good shape, the car should rebound just once.
Open all the doors and the trunk to m make sure they fit tightly.
With help, make sure turn signals, head lights, and brake lights are working.
Check the tires. Tread wear should be even across the width of the tread and the same on the left and right sides of the used car. Uneven wear can be a sign of an alignment, steering, or brake problem.
Be sure to confirm that the spare is in good shape and that the proper jack and lug wrench are present.

The Interior

A common practice is to have the used car detailed before a sale. Because this includes a thorough cleaning inside and out, waxing and the repair of minor cosmetic items, be aware that this can hide wear and tear you may not see.
When you first open the used car’s door, take note of the smell. A musty, moldy, odor could indicate water leak on a used car. An acrid smell may indicate the car was used by a smoker. Be aware that some odors are very difficult to get rid of.
Test all the lights, controls, heater and air conditioner. Everyone should be in working order.
The upholstery shouldn't be ripped or badly worn, especially if the odometer has low miles on it. Adjust the driver’s seat to the right setting, and make sure it is comfortable.
Try out the sound system. Check radio reception on AM and FM, and test the tape or CD player if possible.
Frayed seat belts or ones with melted fibers (because of friction) may be evidence of a previous frontal impact above 15 mph--damaged safety belts should always be replaced.
The steering wheel should rotate smoothly from lock to lock without any unusual noise or vibration.
The gears should engage easily and smoothly without any grinding with the clutch fully depressed.
Try all the foot pedals. They should press down smoothly without strange noises or binding
Manual windows should crank smoothly. Power windows should not falter.
Check the trunk for any water leakage, or musty smells.

Under the Hood

Open the hood and make sure there are no leaks or sprays on the underside of the hood lining that would indicate a burst hose or fluid leak.
Be suspicious of a very clean engine bay in a used car. This is not natural.
With the engine running, listen for noises that might indicate a mechanical problem.
To check the actual engine, make sure it is cool.
Squeeze the various rubber hoses running to the radiator, air conditioner, and other parts. The rubber should be firm and supple.
Melted wires, tubes, or lines, or a blackened firewall may be signs of overheating or even an engine fire.
Check all fluid levels. The owner's manual of the used car will show where to look. The dipstick shouldn't leave visible metal particles on the rag, a sign of serious problems.
Look for puddles of gasoline, oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, as this indicates a leak.
Feel for any tailpipe residue. If it's black and greasy, it means the car is burning oil.
Structural components with kinks and large dents in the floor pan or fuel tank are all indications of a past accident. Welding on the frame suggests a damaged section might have been replaced or cut out to perform repair work. Fresh undercoating can hide recent structural repairs.

To the Mechanic

Make sure to take the used car to a trusted mechanic, or at least one with a few certifications. Make sure he puts the vehicle on a lift and inspects the undercarriage. A thorough diagnosis should cost around $100. Ask for a written report detailing the used car's condition, noting any problems found and the cost to repair them. You can then use the report in the negotiation with the seller. Though the fee may seem high, it is well worth it. A professional is much more likely to catch serious problems in the vehicle.

Be Aware

One red flag to look out for is odometer fraud, this means that the mileage has been rolled back. The car appears to have much less mileage than it actually does. There are some easy ways to compare what the mileage says on the odometer and what the wear and tear indicates the mileage should be around. If seats are sagging and warn, if pedals are well worn, if the tires are not original or have excessive wear than the mileage should not be vary low. If it is, than walk away form this used car.

Performing your inspections on a potential used car in the dark or in the rain can hide nicks and scratches, as well as making worn paint look slick. So, remember to do it in the daylight. Don’t ever rush an inspection on a used car. If you are not comfortable doing this, bring a friend. When the self inspection is through, always bring the used car to a professional mechanic. This process may save many extra repair bills and headaches.