Difference between revisions of "Used car checklist"
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(getting total loss, theft records, open recalls, and similar listings value) |
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<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 (Detailed below. Hit Ctrl+P to print, or use the pdf)</li> | <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> |
</ul> | </ul> | ||
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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> | ||
| Line 46: | Line 46: | ||
☐ 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 == | ||
| Line 81: | Line 82: | ||
☐ 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]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:35, 17 June 2019
Contents
Exterior[edit | edit source]
☐ Windshield free of cracks
☐ Body panel colors match
☐ Magnet adheres to all steel body panels
☐ Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust)
☐ Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned
☐ Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned
☐ Free of body scratches
☐ Free of body dents
☐ Windshields wipers and blades fully functional
☐ Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional
Tires[edit | edit source]
☐ Tires are a reputable brand name (Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear)
☐ Tires are all of the same make
☐ Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks
☐ Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems)
☐ Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional
☐ Spare tire inflated
Engine & Exhaust[edit | edit source]
☐ Free of fluid or oil leaks
☐ Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits
☐ Battery terminals free of corrosion
☐ Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil
☐ Free of odors while engine is running
☐ Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black (indicate excessive oil consumption)
☐ No leaks in the exhaust. Check by listening to the exhaust sound.
Suspension[edit | edit source]
☐ Vehicle rests levelly
☐ When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made
☐ All corners respond the same when bouncing
Interior[edit | edit source]
☐ Seats unworn and free of cracks
☐ All doors open and close freely
☐ Trunk opens and closes freely
☐ Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed)
☐ All gauges work (be sure to check gauge lighting, and dimmer switch)
☐ All Interior Lighting (map lights, glove box light, overhead dome light, trunk light, rear seat reading or courtesy lights, door-activated switch, etc)
☐ No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated
☐ Stereo works
☐ Heater works
☐ Air conditioner works
☐ Windshield wipers work
☐ Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly
☐ All seats equipped with functional seat belts
☐ All seats adjust properly
☐ Power windows operate properly
☐ Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable)
☐ Car alarm works (if applicable)
☐ Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key
☐ Hazard lights function properly
☐ Headlights, including brights, work properly
Frame[edit | edit source]
☐ Chassis is neither bent nor cracked
☐ No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk
☐ Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches
☐ No excessive rust of frame or suspension components
☐ 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.)
Automatic Transmission[edit | edit source]
☐ Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal transmission problem)
☐ Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving
Manual or Standard Transmission[edit | edit source]
☐ Each gear shifts smoothly
☐ No grinding noises when in reverse
Brakes[edit | edit source]
☐ Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes
☐ Parking brake engages and disengages freely
☐ No grinding noises when applying
☐ Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)
Steering[edit | edit source]
☐ Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding
☐ Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating
☐ No resistance in the steering wheel when turning
☐ No clicking or clunking when turning
Miscellaneous[edit | edit source]
☐ Car manual located in the glove compartment
☐ Instructions included for any accessories
☐ Service and repair records available
☐ Owner has title
☐ Owner's license matches title (not a dealer pretending to be a private seller)
