Bureaucrats, confirmed, Administrators
4,558
edits
Changes
initial draft
Bring the following items with you for inspecting the vehicle:
<ul>
<li>A notebook and pen for taking notes and recording the vehicle identification number, mileage and asking price</li>
<li>A rag or paper towels for checking the engine oil</li>
<li>A bright LED flashlight for looking under the car for leaks and corrosion</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>Inspection checklist (detailed below)</li>
<li>If possible, an auto history report</li>
</ul>
With these tools in hand, run down the following checklist. To make sure you hit everything, print this page and take it with you when conducting your inspection.
== Exterior ==
? Windshield free of cracks <br>
? Body panel colors match <br>
? Magnet adheres to all steel body panels <br>
? Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust) <br>
? Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned <br>
? Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned <br>
? Free of body scratches <br>
? Free of body dents <br>
? Windshields wipers and blades fully functional <br>
? Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional <br>
== Tires ==
? Tires are a reputable brand name (Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear) <br>
? Tires are all of the same make <br>
? Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks <br>
? Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems) <br>
? Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional <br>
? Spare tire inflated
== Engine ==
? Free of fluid or oil leaks <br>
? Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits <br>
? Battery terminals free of corrosion <br>
? Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil <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)
== Suspension ==
? Vehicle rests levelly <br>
? When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made <br>
? All corners respond the same when bouncing
== Interior ==
? Seats unworn and free of cracks <br>
? All doors open and close freely <br>
? Trunk opens and closes freely <br>
? Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed) <br>
? All gauges work <br>
? No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated <br>
? Stereo works <br>
? Heater works <br>
? Air conditioner works <br>
? Windshield wipers work <br>
? Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly <br>
? All seats equipped with functional seat belts <br>
? All seats adjust properly <br>
? Power windows operate properly <br>
? Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable) <br>
? Car alarm works (if applicable) <br>
? Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key <br>
? Hazard lights function properly <br>
? Headlights, including brights, work properly
== Frame ==
? Chassis is neither bent nor cracked <br>
? No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk <br>
? Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches
== Automatic Transmission ==
? Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal transmission problem) <br>
? Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving
== Manual or Standard Transmission ==
? Each gear shifts smoothly <br>
? No grinding noises when in reverse
== Brakes ==
? Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes <br>
? Parking brake engages and disengages freely
? No grinding noises when applying<br>
? Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)
== Steering ==
? Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding <br>
? Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating <br>
? No resistance in the steering wheel when turning <br>
? No clicking or clunking when turning
== Miscellaneous ==
? Car manual located in the glove compartment <br>
? Instructions included for any accessories <br>
? Service and repair records available <br>
? Owner has title <br>
? Owner's license matches title (not a dealer pretending to be a private seller)
== Other Insights ==
<ul>
<li>Walk away if the seller objects to your inspection</li>
<li>Don't feel rushed while inspecting</li>
<li>Try to get a mechanic to assess checklist results</li>
<li>Use any flaws against the asking price</li>
</ul>
[[Category:Consumer]]