Used Car Buyer’s Inspection Guide

Not every Bartlesville car shopper is in the market for a new car. For many auto consumers a ‘new to me car’ is all they are interested in, or is actually what makes the most sense for their specific situation. Used cars are often a great alternative for teenagers, those buying a first car, those in need of a second, third or ‘work car’, those with a really tight budget or even those who want a specific model, or style of car from a past season just because they like them. Shopping for a used car, though, can be tricky.

Certified Pre-Owned is the Safest Bet

My first advice to those in search of a used car is always to check with a reputable dealer. Some may complain that dealer prices are often higher than those they can find from private sellers, but most often a little more money guarantees a lot less headache. By buying through a dealer you greatly lower the risk of buying a car that is going to fall apart the moment the money changes hands. The cars on a dealer’s lot have, in most all cases, gone through very thorough inspections to insure the car is mechanically sound and free of any hidden flaws. A certified pre-owned vehicle is well worth the extra money that may be required.

Buying a Used Car from a Private Seller

That being said, there are at times really good deals to be found through private sellers. But, knowing how to inspect a used car before you buy is crucial for anyone buying from a private seller. When you buy from a private seller the only certification is going to come from your own pre-sale inspection, so having an idea of what to look at, and for, can significantly reduce your risk of making a purchase you will soon regret.

If you are in the market for a used car and are considering going the private seller route make sure you know what you are looking at before you go to look at a car. Follow these steps and, with a little luck, you will end up with a car that is exactly what you thought it was at the time you made the purchase.

Used Car Inspection Guide

First, before even going to look at the car, always call the seller and get information on the vehicle so you can run a vehicle history report. If the car comes back as having been through a major accident, fire, flood, had the odometer rolled back, or a manufacturer buyback some time in the past, you will have saved yourself a lot of time and a possibly terrible purchase without even having to leave the house.

With the history check done, its time to check out the vehicle itself. Here is what to look for.

1. Get an overview of the vehicle.
   • Does the paint job look like you would expect on a car of that age?
   • If it looks like new paint ask why it was re-painted.
   • If it looks overly faded find out if the car has been kept in a garage or out in the elements.
2. Walk up to the car and look at the body more closely.
   • Look at it from all angles, any dents and scratches may show up better from a particular angle.
   • Run your hand along fenders and feel for raised or lowered areas.
   • Stand in front and back of the car and look down the sides (ripples in the body panels will be more visible looking down the length of the car.)
   • Check inside the wheel wells and under the bumper (if the bumper is metallic) for rust.
   • Check the alignment of body panels by looking at gaps like those between the doors and the fenders, and the fenders and the hood.
   • Check all the glass for cracks or dings.
   • Check the tires for tread and uniformity of any wear
3. Check the interior.
   • Look at the seats and upholstery for wear and tears.
   • Sniff the air for any scent of mildew, which may point to a leak, or for odors you may find unpleasant, like tobacco smoke
   • Look at the dash and door panels for sun fading and cracks.
   • Check to make sure the headliner is secured.
   • Check all the electrical components like windows, door locks, sun roof, or a working stereo and speakers.
   • Make sure all the features listed in the cars ad are actually present
4. Open the hood.
   • Is the motor overly dirty or overly clean?
   • If very dirty, check places like valve covers for oil leaks.
   • If overly clean, ask why the engine was cleaned (could be trying to cover up leaks).
   • Check parts like the exhaust manifolds for rust.
   • Check belts and hoses for wear and cracks.
   • Check fluid levels.
   • Wipe a small amount of oil and transmission fluid on your hand and rub it between you finger and thumb to feel for any grit or metal shavings.
5. Start the car.
   • Does the car start quickly?
   • Does the motor idle smoothly?
   • Check to make sure all gauges are working
   • Check any electrical components that you haven’t checked yet.
   • Turn on the lights and get out to check that all lamps are working.
   • Check the brake pedal for pressure
6. Go for a test drive (Make sure to bring proof of insurance and don’t expect the seller to allow you to test drive without it).
   • Listen for any pinging or rattling during acceleration
   • Feel for any vibrations in the steering
   • listen for any grinding or whining while braking
   • Make sure gauge readings remain at good levels while driving
7. Ask for any records of the cars maintenance history.
   • Check to make sure all regularly scheduled maintenance, like oil changes and tune-ups, have been performed in a timely fashion.
   • Check to see what, if any, other work has been performed on the car.

Know What You Are Getting

Almost all used cars from private sellers will have some flaws. They are, after all, used. by checking for the things listed here, though, you should at least have a good idea of the general condition of the car you are looking at and be able to uncover most issues that might otherwise come as a surprise when its too late to do anything about it.

Its also wise to remember the old adage, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. When a car is priced well below the expected level, there is usually a reason. People, for the most part, want to get the best price possible for their used vehicle and low prices usually point to low quality.

If you have anything to add to this list leave a comment so everyone can benefit from your input. If you are interested in a used car make feel free make use of my quick quote form. If you just have a general question, contact me through the ask brad function.

Until tomorrow, have a great day!

For more information please contact Brad Doenges of Doenges Ford Lincoln Mercury Toyota in Bartlesville Oklahoma at (918) 333-0900.

Popularity: 13% [?]

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!