Used car checklist: Difference between revisions
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getting total loss, theft records, open recalls, and similar listings value |
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Help make this better. It's a wiki that you can edit. | |||
[[File:Used car checklist.pdf|thumb|right|200px|2-page pdf version]] | |||
Bring the following items with you for inspecting the vehicle: | Bring the following items with you for inspecting the vehicle: | ||
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<li>A refrigerator magnet for detecting body work (bondo)</li> | <li>A refrigerator magnet for detecting body work (bondo)</li> | ||
<li>A CD and/or phone + aux cord for testing the car stereo</li> | <li>A CD and/or phone + aux cord for testing the car stereo</li> | ||
<li>Inspection checklist ( | <li>Inspection checklist (Detailed below. Hit Ctrl+P to print, or use the pdf)</li> | ||
<li>If possible, an auto history report. Plug in the VIN at https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck and also at http://motosnoop.com/</li> | <li>If possible, an auto history report. Plug in the VIN at https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck and also at https://vindecoded.com/FreeVinCheck or http://motosnoop.com/</li> | ||
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☐ Spare tire inflated | ☐ Spare tire inflated | ||
== Engine == | == Engine & Exhaust == | ||
☐ Free of fluid or oil leaks <br> | ☐ Free of fluid or oil leaks <br> | ||
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☐ Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil <br> | ☐ Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil <br> | ||
☐ Free of odors while engine is running <br> | ☐ Free of odors while engine is running <br> | ||
☐ Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black (indicate excessive oil consumption) | ☐ Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black (indicate excessive oil consumption)<br> | ||
☐ No leaks in the exhaust. Check by listening to the exhaust sound. | |||
== Suspension == | == Suspension == | ||
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☐ Trunk opens and closes freely <br> | ☐ Trunk opens and closes freely <br> | ||
☐ Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed) <br> | ☐ Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed) <br> | ||
☐ All gauges work <br> | ☐ All gauges work (be sure to check gauge lighting, and dimmer switch)<br> | ||
☐ All Interior Lighting (map lights, glove box light, overhead dome light, trunk light, rear seat reading or courtesy lights, door-activated switch, etc) <br> | |||
☐ No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated <br> | ☐ No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated <br> | ||
☐ Stereo works <br> | ☐ Stereo works <br> | ||
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☐ Chassis is neither bent nor cracked <br> | ☐ Chassis is neither bent nor cracked <br> | ||
☐ No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk <br> | ☐ No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk <br> | ||
☐ Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches | ☐ Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches<br> | ||
☐ No excessive rust of frame or suspension components<br> | |||
☐ No rust in the floor pans (Easily checked when dark out. Remove floor mats. Shine a bright light under the car and look for light infiltration.)<br> | |||
== Automatic Transmission == | == Automatic Transmission == | ||
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* https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0055-buying-used-car | * https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0055-buying-used-car | ||
* http://www.nadaguides.com/ http://kbb.com http://edmunds.com pricing | * http://www.nadaguides.com/ http://kbb.com http://edmunds.com pricing | ||
* https://vindecoded.com/get-a-free-vin-check.html | |||
* Always search the Internet for common issues related to the Make and Model BEFORE you inspect it, so you know what to look out for. | |||
* When you're ready to buy or sell, you'll need a Bill of Sale [[File:Bill-of-sale.pdf|thumb|right|Bill of Sale]] | |||
</div><!-- leave this closing div here... it likes it here --> | </div><!-- leave this closing div here... it likes it here --> | ||
[[Category:Consumer]] | [[Category:Consumer]] | ||