This summary will help you to remember steps
in inspecting the car and what to look at when you're at the dealership
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Check glass for any cracks, dings,
scratches. Inspect the windshield. Check if it's
original. Inspect the moldings for signs of tampering. Check defogger, mirrors
and targa top if the car has one.
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Inspect the exterior, check for
any body and paint inconsistencies and irregularities. Check roof for signs
of frame damage. Do the magnet trick on suspicious areas.
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Check tires for wear/tear and
damage. Check that all tires are the same size and same brand/model.
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Listen for break squeak/grind when
braking. Feel if the steering wheel shakes when applying brakes. Check for
pull to either side. Feel the pedal - too soft? Too spongy? Goes too far
down? Check the fluid, check the handbrake.
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Check and make sure all lights are
working and no lights go off when you press the brakes or turn on blinkers
or emergency flashers.
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Inspect gauge cluster area for any
signs of tampering, fingerprints or other signs of possible removal and
odometer rollback. Make sure all gauges are working.
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Inspect the interior for signs of
flooding, replaced upholstery or excessive wear.
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Check the automatic transmission
when it's hot and cold. Check how it shifts in and out of gear. How it
shifts and downshifts while driving. Do the 5-10mph brake, go technique to
feel how smoothly it shifts back and forth. Check the fluid to make sure
it's not burnt. For manual check if the clutch is slipping, check all gears
to make sure they don't grind.
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Listen for any unusual noises
coming from the engine. Any pings, knocks, excessive vibrations. Check the
oil to make sure it's not milkshake color. Check exhaust for black or blue
smoke (some white steam, especially on humid and/or cold day is ok). Any
sputtering or hesitation during start-up? Test drive and see if the engine
responds well to acceleration. Check for rotten egg or oil smell around the
engine. Does the engine rev smoothly?
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Check fluids: brake fluid, engine
oil, transmission oil (refer to owner's manual for car specific procedure),
coolant - visually look at the transparent recovery tank (caution:
never open hot coolant system, it's extremely hot and under pressure),
power steering fluid (caution, it might be under slight pressure),
differential fluid if you can (if the car is equipped with one. It also
requires a secure lift and tools).
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Check that the power steering
works smoothly and that there is no whistling noise while turning the wheel.
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Suspension - listen for any
clunks, vibrations, thumping or squeaks over bumps and on a smooth road, all
indicate wear of suspension components.
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Visually check belts and hoses for
cracks, leaks or looseness.
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Check A/C to make sure it turns on
and blows cold air.
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Ask the seller about airbags and
whether or not they are present.
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Check the spare tire to make sure
it's there, along with a jack, breaker bar and wheel lock if the car comes
with a wheel locks.
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Listen for any rattles or
excessive loudness from exhaust. Attempt to visually estimate amount of rust
on the muffler and pipes.
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Cooling: make sure the engine
doesn't get too hot during the test drive and engine temperature reaches the
operating condition promptly, depending on the temperature outside. Visually
inspect coolant level (do not open the cooling system when the engine is
hot), and make sure no blue smoke is blowing out of the tailpipe.
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Listen for rear end (rear axle) to
hear if it thumps or clunks when you drive and shift gears. Visually inspect
for leaks. Listen for "gear whine" coming from the rear end during
the test drive.
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If the car has 4WD system, check
it's operation by engaging and disengaging. When the 4WD system is engaged
the car should feel a bit more sluggish. Visually inspect differentials for
leaks (round things in-between axles).
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If the car is a hybrid, it's best
to get it checked out by a mechanic that understands hybrid technology well,
due to complexity involved in it.
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Check the battery to make sure
it's not leaking and doesn't have deposit buildup around terminals.
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Any unnatural noises indicate a
problem, whether a small or large, it will have to be fixed as soon as
possible to prevent further damage or safety hazard. The car with clunking,
ticking, thumping, grinding or other such noises coming from the engine, transmission
or suspension should be avoided, due to high costs associated with such
repairs.
