Buying a used car checklist

Introduction

When buying a car it is important to make sure you are not getting ripped off. This checklist will help you make sure you are getting a good deal. Its a good idea to collect all the information for later market analysis and comparison. Make sure to do your market research on the car to find out common problems (what to look for when you view the car), a way to assess the value, and optionally ask for a carfax or get the vin to do your own vin check. Also depending on the type of vehicle (e.g., manual vs. automatic, diesel vs. petrol), you may want to include your own specific checks tailored to those aspects. You should bring a few things with you:

• Pen/Pencil
• Phone/odb2 scanner
• Paper towel
• Magnet

Basic details

1. Year, make, model, trim, milage of car
2. Asking price, certified, trade in value

Body inspection

1. Scratches, dents
2. Windshield, trim pieces damage
3. Headlights
4. Panel Gaps
5. Bondo or body work, paint work (look at body shape)
6. Paint seams on edge of panel
7. Rust on body, rockers, look underneath
8. Rust brake rotors (standing for a while)
9. Interior check under carpets, trunk for rust
10. Asking price, certified, trade in value

Wheels

1. Tires tread, dot dates
2. All tires/wheels are same?
3. Curb damage
4. Turn lock to lock
5. Toe/camber angle

Interior

1. Rips, holes, stains on seats
2. Interior smells, dampness
3. Dash, trim plastic, steering wheel damage
4. Curb damage
5. Pedals, shift knob (wear?)
6. Headliner
7. Floor mats
8. Owners manual
9. Options (if working): reverse cam, sunroof, leather, navi, power windows/mirrors, radio, rear view mirror, lights, heated seats, ac/heat, e-break, wipers, gauges
10. Trunk: spare, no water damage, jack/lug wrench, lug nut key if applicable

Exterior

1. High/Low Beams
2. Fogs
3. Daytime running lights
4. Brake Running Lights
5. Rear/front turn signals and hazards
6. Pressed brake lights

Under body

1. Observe for general rust
2. Check for any leaks, can look on driveway where car is parked
3. Check rocker panels
4. Check if car was rust proofed
5. Check brake lines
6. Exhaust system general look

Questions to ask

1. Why selling?
2. How long owned, how many km had?
3. Any issues, recent repairs?
4. Service records? What done since owning?
5. Primary use of car?
6. What are you looking to get next, why?
7. Vehicle history? Documentation?
8. Spare parts, number of keys, extra wheels

Engine checks before startup

1. Scan codes to see if anything
2. Hood opens easily?
3. Frame damage?
4. Clean engine bay?
5. Any new parts?
6. Inspect for leaks (oil, power steering, coolant, tranny)
7. Check oil level and condition, no froth under oil cap
8. Check coolant
9. Check brake fluid (can check water levels using cheap tool)
10. Check power steering (if applicable)
11. Check hoses, belts, battery posts/wires

Start the car (cold startup to warmup)

1. Any strange noises/smoke? (ticking, grinding, etc)
2. Long crank to start?
3. Motor vibrations, motor mounts?
4. Smooth, regular idle?
5. Exhaust smoke on start?
6. Bubbling in radiator reservoir? (blown headgasket)
7. No dash lights

Test drive

1. Acceleration smooth, no knocks or hesitation under regular and hard acceleration
2. Transmission gears up and down smoothly
3. Check general wheel alignment (car goes straight, no pulling)
4. Check wheel balance that no vibrations at speeds
5. Turn wheel to both ends, (lock to lock) and observer for knocks, loses, squeaks, smoothness
6. RPM smooth while driving, not too high
7. Brake test: regular and hard breaking: smooth, no pulls, no noise, no pulling
8. Cruise control test
9. Does the car feel good to drive? (Noise, vibrations, clunks)
10. Comfortable seating position
11. Scan engine again after test drive (if cats not ready for emissions the codes were cleared recently)