By now, you have responded to several ads and found a vehicle that interests you. It’s time to make an appointment with the seller to inspect the vehicle.
When you go for the inspection, go prepared. Bring a notebook, a magnet, pen or pencil, a flashlight, and a small mirror to inspect those hard-to-see places. Look at the vehicle in daylight hours or when it is parked in a well-lighted area. Bring this guide to assist in the details of your inspection. Make notes in a notebook or on this checklist about items you will want to have checked further by a service technician.
It is always a good idea to bring someone who knows about automobiles along with you. Whether you know a lot about cars or are a complete novice, an extra pair of eyes always comes in handy. Your friend may spot items that you may overlook.
Finally, remember to use extreme caution when inspecting a vehicle. There are many areas on automobiles that can be dangerous while running, such as the radiator, the exhaust manifold, fan blades, and so on. Don’t touch items you are not sure about.
It you follow the manual’s guidelines to evaluate a vehicle you are interested in, you will have a good idea of its condition, safety, and value. This knowledge will help you determine what the overall condition of the car is and what repairs may be needed, and it will also allow you to better negotiate a fair price.
Inspect the Exterior
This checklist covers some of the most important things to look for when you inspect the exterior.
Damage
Check the bumpers and moldings for damage. Are the bumpers straight? Is one side pushed in further than the other? Are there any dents or dings?
Check the alignment of the doors, trunk, hood, hatch, sunroof, etc., for evidence of previous body damage.
Check the rubber seals on the doors and the trunk for tears or other damage.
Check the condition of the paint. Look for scratches, dings, or overspray from previous body work. Open the trunk, hood, and doors to see if the paint in these areas is the same color or shade of color. If you notice new paint in different areas, you might ask what body work has been done and how extensive the damage was.
Use a magnet to check areas where Bonda may have been used for shortcuts in body repair.*Wrap the magnet in cloth to avoid scratching the paint.
Check the headlights lenses, tail lights, fog lights, license plate lights, side lights, etc., for damage and cracks.
Wear
Open and close doors and hoods to check latches, hinges, door stops, and hood shocks that hold the hood or trunk open.
Check that the doors latch easily and that they do not need to be slammed. Check that handles function easily.
Check the condition of the wheels. Are the rims bent or scratched? Check the hubcaps and emblems.
Check the condition of the tires. Is there wear on the inner and outer edges? How about the center? Most tires have a treadwear indicator that runs across the tread pattern to show when the tire has reached its maximum wear. To get a full view of the front tire tread, sometimes it helps to turn the steering wheel to the far right or far left. In the rear, you are going to have to bend over to get a full view of the tire tread. Are all tires the same size and make? After market wheels that are not properly sized can cause alignment problems. Also, look for wear.
Bounce each corner of the vehicle to see if the response is firm or bouncy. A bouncy response may indicate worn shocks.
Check for signs of rust. This is especially important in states were it snows or in coastal states. Inspect wheel well areas – this is where a flashlight and mirror come in handy.
Make sure that the vehicle is on a flat surface when you inspect it. Stand at different points around the vehicle and see if it sags in the front or rear. Does it lean to one side? Is the exhaust system hanging low?
Look closely at the glass. Walk around the car and check for cracks, chips and tint. Check the condition of the window seals, chrome molding, and so on.
Check all coolant hoses for evidence of cracking or wear. Identify for further check by service technician.
Examine trunk. Lift mat or liners to check for leakage or rust problems.
Many vehicles have a timing belt. If a timing belt breaks, serious engine damage could result. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s replacement recommendations in the owner’s manual; look at the service records if they’re available. Most timing belts are shielded under a cover, engine v-belts, or drive belts such as power steering, alternator, and so on. With the engine turned off, twist the belt to check the inside for evidence of wear or cracking.
Check outside mirrors and antennas (electric or manual) and, if there is a sunroof, check the sunroof seal.
Maintenance, records
How clean is the engine compartment? Check battery box area for rust or corrosion. Check around radiator for any signs of leakage.
Are there any visible signs of fluid leaks? Brake fluid is usually amber in color, coolant is green, orange or blue depending on the make and year. Automatic transmission fluid is red, power steering fluid is red or clear, engine oil is dark brown or black, and standard or differential transmission fluid is usually thick and dark. It is better to check this after the vehicle has been running a while or if it is in its usual parking spot when you look.
Check all the outside door locks with the key. If there are automatic door locks, check to make sure they work.
Check to see if there is a spark tire, jack, tool kit and wheel lock.
Ask to see TheAutoLog.com records. If not available look at the owner’s book, any records of service, and a list of the service shops used. Check to see if the service book has been properly logged. A completed log is a sign of a well maintained vehicle.
Ask to see the repair orders for the vehicle and ask if you can show them (or copies of them) to the service technician when you get your professional inspection done.
Inspect the Interior
Now that you have completed the exterior inspection, it is time to inspect the interior. Again, it is always helpful to have someone with you who knows automobiles.
The following checklist will guide you through the inspection of the interior. Once again, make notes on the checklist or in a notebook.
Inside panels, handles
Open the doors one at a time and check the inside panels. Are parts loose or broken? Do the inside door handles work properly? Are the windows difficult to roll up and down? Do all electrical switches work on both the front and rear doors? Slow movement of electric windows could be an indication of problems.
Run your eyes over the interior. Examine the condition of the headliner, dashboard, control panels, glovebox, carpets, floor mats, and all the seat belts carefully. Do the seat belts retract? Are the control levers such as the turn signal switch, panel switches, brake, clutch, pedal pads, and steering wheel in good working order?
Seats
Check the condition of the seats for wear and tear. If there are seat covers on the seats, take them off to look at the seats.
Do the seats slide back and forth easily and do they recline easily? Some models have electronic seats with memory.
Very important: How well do you fit behind the wheel? Is the seat comfortable for you? Are your arms and legs positioned correctly for you to drive? Dow does your back and neck feel? Is visibility excellent?
Ignition and Keys
Does the same key fit in the doors and the ignition? Does the owner have more than one remote access keys? Does the remote access key work? Is the ignition switch easy to turn? Does the glove box lock and does the key work in the lock? Are there extra keys? Do they all work?
Turn they key to the On position. Do the gauge panel lights come on? That is ALT, BATT, OIL, TEMP, etc. All models and years will have somewhat different panel lights. During the day, use a shield to block sunlight from the dash area.
Electrical systems
Have your friend check your lights in the front as you call them out: headlights, high beam, right and left turn signals, front side parking lights, fog lights. Have your friend check the lights in the rear: tail lights, brake lights, back-up lights, right and left turn signals, parking lights, license plate lights, and so on.
Check the windshield wipers at all speeds and the windshield washer. Also check the horn.
Does the light go on when you open the door and do the glove box and trunk lights work?
If there are electric sideview mirrors, do the switches work?
Does the radio work? Does the balance switch, both side to side and front to rear functions work?
Heating, air conditioning
Do the heater and fan controls work? Be sure to check the fan speeds and vent functions. *Review the owner’s manual for operation instructions if needed.
Brakes
Check the emergency brake to make sure it is functioning properly. Also, make sure the emergency brake light appears on the dash when it is engaged.
Other considerations
If the vehicle is outfitted with accessories- such as an alarm, sound equipment, cellular phone or navigation system, now is the time to check these things too.
Check airbags. An SRS light will appear on the dash, but should go off soon after to car is started. If the system is not in operating condition, the light will stay on after the car is running. In that case, the system needs to be checked.
If the vehicle has a sunroof, see that it opens easily and evenly. If the vehicle is a convertible, check the top carefully. If it has a removable top, check the seals. We recommend testing these things by spraying the vehicle with water through a pressure nozzle. *If a water test is not possible, look for evidence of leaks.
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