How To Inspect A Used Car
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How To Inspect A Used Car
About to purchase a pre-owned vehicle? There are signs, and a thorough inspection will yield clues about the cars history. VideoJug shows you how to be a virtual car detective. Learn the precise steps in order to inspect a used car.
Step 1: You will need
- Flashlight
- Magnet
- Rags for checking fluid levels
- Tape or CD for Audio
- Notebook,
- Pen
- Calculator
- Dirty Clothes
Step 2: The Engine
Look for oil stains, worn or cracked hoses or belts which may need replacement. Check the fluids and make sure they are translucent and at the proper levels. Also look for corrosion around the battery contacts.
Step 3: The Exterior
The lines on frame and body of the car should be consistent. Check the gaps around doors, the hood and the trunk. Another way to tell if a panel or door has been damaged is with a magnet, which will not hold to bonded material or filler. look under the car for signs of dripping fluids. Also look near the rocker panels, wheel wells and doors for rust. Keep your eyes out for unusual wear patterns on tires as this could be a sign of many different problems. See if water or blueish smoke is spitting out of the tail pipe, this could be a sign of a blown head gasket. Finally, test all the lights and lamps.
Step 4: The Interior
The odometer should conform with the national average of 12,000 miles per year. Check all the automatic windows and door locks. Inspect the floors of the car. A stained or wet carpet can be a very concerning issue.
Step 5: The Test Drive
Look at gauges before, during and after your test drive. The car should start easily and without excessive cranking. Drive the car on various types of roads. Test the horn, driver's seat adjustments and the brakes.
Step 6: On The Record
Ask the seller for service records or if they've followed the car's maintenance schedule listed in the owner's manual. Also, you'll want to see a SMOG certificate with a passing grade. Confirm that the vin number on the dashboard matches the vin number on the title, and that the name on the title matches the driver's license of the seller. Conduct a vehicle history search using the VIN number.
Step 7: Certified Mechanic
A good mechanic will be more familiar with cars than you will be and may spot defects you may have missed upon your own inspection. Mechanics should inspect the steering linkage, ball joint, tie rod ends, control arms and alignment