How To Inspect A Used Car
Inspecting a used car isn’t difficult but inspecting your next used car can save you a lot of money.
The inspection is just that after you are finished inspecting this car and assuming it passes you are ready for the used car checklist. The two together will help you find the best car for you. And help you not buy someone else’s problem.
You’ll see you can get more car for your money.
How To Inspect A Used Car
I know I’m not the only person that uses this technique to buy a used car but it works very well.
First I decided if the car is worth looking at as a prospective next car. I inspect the used car. I would like to have it as my next car. But it’s a qualifying inspection. If the car passes this inspection it is then deemed worthy of the checklist inspection.
Let me explain. If you are buying a car you’re buying a car to safely get to and from work. You probably have a family and you want them to be safe in the car as you drive or as they drive.
There are too many cars out there that don’t meet the criteria of being safe, roadworthy, and legal. There is no reason to waste time looking at them. As an added plus, you’ll save money if you hire a mechanic to inspect the car because you have already ruled out the ones that won’t pass.
My quick 6-step check will ensure you are not looking at a car that doesn’t meet the criteria of safe, roadworthy, and legal.
Research the car’s model and condition, check vehicle documents, inspect the body, inspect cars on carousels, check engine compartment, and take a test drive for a better car buying experience.
To learn more about how to inspect a used car keep reading
How To Inspect A Used Car
Research The Car’s Model And Condition
Research the cars and models you are interested in. It’s important to find vehicles that have trouble areas before they become your problem. Research cannot be stressed enough. Before you buy a vehicle make sure you know what the trouble spots with this vehicle are. There’s plenty of online information and groups that will be happy to help you.
Important to you
Model, brand, and year
Price range
Well-known trouble spots
Mileage
Check The Vehicle Documents
Never forget to inspect the documents of a used vehicle. it’s recommended you accept only the original paperwork.
Scammers will make changes to the paperwork or the VIN vehicle identification number.
As the buyer, you could buy a car that has been in an accident and totaled and given a salvage title. Most financial institutions won’t lend money for a vehicle with a salvage title because the vehicle has little value.
The car could have been in a flood. If the flooding occurred recently the damage will not be noticeable for a while. The vehicle could rust out and be worthless.
Or a vehicle was stolen. If you buy a vehicle that’s stolen and the police find out they could impound the car and return it to the owner. Leaving you no car and the money’s gone.
Use services like Carfax to verify the true condition of the vehicle you are looking at.
Pay very close attention to the VIN on the paperwork and the vehicle. They must match.
Scammers will sometimes try to remove the VIN or obscure it so they can make the title fit the number. If the VIN has been tampered with, walk away.
Maintenance Records
Yes, it’s important to make sure the oil was changed correctly and to make sure other major service work was done. But also look for hints of abuse. Tires that are replaced too often.
Or wear and tear that comes from driving too fast or making hard turns like early wear and tear on the suspension or brakes.
Inspect The Body Of The Secondhand Car
Check the body of the car to make sure it’s up to standards
Check the body of the car for rust and bubbling paint. The bubbling pain is a sign there’s rust under the paint. The rust won’t go away by itself.
Check all the locks, windows, and mirrors to make sure they work correctly.
Inspect the outside of the car for evidence of an accident.
Check the tires.
Check The Underneath Of The Car
Check for leaks, drips, and rust.
Check The Engine Compartment
It’s important to make sure your secondhand car runs smoothly. There are several things you need to check.
Make sure the engine is clean and not oily.
Cables, hoses, and wiring are as they should be. The battery should be less than three years old.
Test Drive
Test drive the used car. It should respond as you would expect it to. Check the braking power. Does it stop in a straight line?
Follow your gut. Does it feel ok?
By completing these checks you know that you are not looking at a hunk of junk. The car is ready for the used car checklist.
For any used car I buy I follow up the used car inspection with a used car checklist to locate many problems that may occur in the future.
Also, the used car checklist is more in-depth.
Conclusion
I do a used car inspection before using a used car checklist. The use car inspection ensures I’m not wasting too much time looking at someone else’s problem. The checklist goes into greater detail bout upcoming maintenance I may need to face later.