Used Car Buying Checklist

Used Car Buying Checklist



Unlike when buying a new car, when you buy a used car, there are a lot of things you should check or have checked before you make the purchase.



Interior, exterior, and under the hood all have items to be checked no matter how new the "used" car is.



There are three options for doing the checks. You can use a professional inspection service that includes mechanical and cosmetic inspection, you can do the cosmetic inspection yourself and have a trusted mechanic look at the engine and mechanicals, or you can do them all yourself if you are able.



Believe me, you don't want to skimp on any of these. I've seen too many used car buyers look at a car that seemed to be in great shape, only to find that it needed major work done soon after they bought it.



If a seller, whether private or dealership, refuses to allow you to have the car mechanically inspected; run away as fast as you can! There's probably a reason that they don't want you to inspect the car.



The couple of hours that it may take you to have the car inspected is certainly worth the hardship and cost of having to have a lot of work done later on.



Don't ever feel rushed when you're having a car inspected. The seller may complain that you're inconveniencing them. Tell them you can come back at a more convenient time to take the car to be inspected, but you won't buy without having it done.



The checklist below is a good way to insure that all of the items (and there are many) that need to be inspected, get done. You can simply have them crossed off when done or make notes next to each of them as they are being inspected.



Make sure to do an overall analysis after the inspection is done. Checking off and making notes is important, but the overall impression based on the notes is most important. Compare the notes to the price that the seller is asking for and make a judgment based on that.



For example, if the car checks out well based on the miles and age, but the 4 tires need to be replaced, make sure that the cost of 4 new tires is taken into account in the price. If it's not, make that suggestion when negotiating.



At UsedCarBuyingKit.com, our Used Car Buying Kit contains a copy of this checklist as well as some other forms you'll want to insure that you have when buying a used car.







Exterior





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



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



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)



Suspension



Vehicle rests levelly

When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made

All corners respond the same when bouncing



Interior



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

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



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



Automatic Transmission



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



Each gear shifts smoothly

No grinding noises when in reverse



Brakes



Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes

Parking brake engages and disengages freely

No grinding noises when applying brakes

Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)



Steering



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



Car manual located in the glove compartment

Instructions included for any accessories

Service and repair records available

Owner has title

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Don't buy a used car without going to usedcarbuyingkit.com first!

