Tips for Inspecting a Used Car

Finding just the right used car can be quite a task.  But once you find it how do you know you are getting what you pay for?  The only way to know is to do a thorough inspection; this means checking the body of the vehicle for damage or blemishes, looking under the hood for any signs of poor maintenance, and examining the interior for wear and tear.  It also means having a professional mechanic take a look at it.   If the owner of the vehicle refuses, then know that this is a red flag, find your car somewhere else.

Inspecting the Body

The first step to inspecting a used car is to do an overall walk-around. Look at the vehicle from a distance to see if it sits level.  Examine the car up close, looking for dents, chipped paint, mis-matched body panels, and chipped windows.   Bounce each corner up and down. If the shock absorbers are in good shape, the car should rebound just once.  Minor scratches and flaws are no cause for concern, but rust is..  Also inspect the wheel wells and rocker panels for rust.   Look down the side of the used car to see if all the panels and bodywork line up smoothly. Open all the doors and the trunk to make sure they fit tightly.  Look carefully at the windshield and windows for cracks or large dings.  Even small cracks in the windshield will w orsen and lead to a costly repair.  Check the tires. Tread wear should be even across the width of the tread and the same on the left and right sides of the used car.  With help, make sure turn signals, head lights, and brake lights are working.

Checking the Interior

Be aware that it is the likely the used car will have been detailed before its sale, so it may seem very clean.  However, make sure you take a close look for its true condition. Look at every seat belt.  Frayed seat belts or ones with melted fibers (because of friction) may be evidence of a previous frontal impact above 15 mph--damaged safety belts should always be replaced.   The upholstery shouldn't be ripped or badly worn, especially if the odometer has low miles on it.   Sit in the back of the car to check for comfort and legroom.  Adjust the driver's seat to the right setting, and make sure you can easily reach controls and can see out of the windshield clearly.  Try out the sound system. Check radio reception on AM and FM, and test the tape or CD player if possible.  Test all the lights, controls, heater and air conditioner.  They should all be in  working order.  The steering wheel should rotate smoothly from lock to lock without any unusual noise or vibration.  Try all the foot pedals. They should press down smoothly without strange noises or binding. Power windows should glide.  Also take a look in the trunk or rear cargo space. Observe for any water leakage, or musty smells.

Look Under the Hood

If the engine is shiny clean be suspicious, as this is not how the engine of a used car should look.  Make sure there are no leaks or sprays on the underside of the hood lining that would indicate a burst hose or fluid leak.  Check all fluid levels. The owner's manual of the used car will show where to look. The dipstick shouldn't leave visible metal particles on the rag, a sign of serious problems.   Melted wires, tubes, or lines, or a blackened firewall may be signs of overheating or even an engine fire.  With the engine running, listen for noises that might indicate a mechanical problem.  Look for puddles of gasoline, oil, coolant, or transmission fluid, as this indicates a leak.  Take a quick look under the vehicle. Fresh undercoating can hide recent structural repairs.  Structural components with kinks and large dents in the floor pan or fuel tank are all indications of a past accident.

Mechanical Inspection

So, you checked out the car inside and out.  You have taken it for a test drive and are still satisfied; there is one more step before signing any paper.  Make sure you have a certified mechanic inspect the used car. The certifications insure that the mechanic has passed a nationally standardized test and is a competent worker.  One benefit of a mechanic is that he may have special diagnostic equipment that would turn up something that is not obvious.  A thorough diagnosis should cost around $100.  Ask for a written report detailing the used car's condition, noting any problems found and the cost to repair them. You can then use the report in the negotiation with the seller.  Though the fee may seem high, it is well worth it.  A professional is much more likely to catch serious problems in the vehicle.

Things to Be Aware Of

One red flag to look out for is odometer fraud; this means that the mileage has been rolled back.  The car will appear to have much less mileage than it actually does.  There are some easy ways to compare what the mileage says on the odometer and what the wear and tear indicates the mileage should be around.  If seats are sagging and warn, if pedals are well worn, or if the tires are not original or have excessive wear than the mileage should not be vary low.  If it is, than walk away form this car.

Final Advice

Don't ever rush an inspection on a used car.  If you are not comfortable doing this, bring a friend. Performing your inspections on a potential used car in the dark or in the rain can hide nicks and scratches, as well as making worn paint look slick.  So, remember to do it in the daylight.  If there is something that seems amiss, do not turn your head and assume that it is no big deal.  It may cost you thousands down the road, so do not pas up your chance to negotiate issues into the price of the car.