Many people say they know what they want in a used car. Whether it be a sedan, truck or SUV, with or without heated seats or a moon roof. But, do you know what to look for once you have an idea of "what you want" in a vehicle? A used car is pre-owned, which means it has had previous repairs and possibly damages. Always shop around when deciding to purchase ANY vehicle and use this list as a guide to help you when you are looking over the vehicle you chose.
Also Check Out: Buying a Used Car? Start Here.
Outside the Vehicle
Look for visible damage to the vehicle. Has it been in an accident?
Look for visible rust or cracked/chipped windows. What state(s) has the vehicle been in?
Check the tires. Use "The Penny Trick" to check the tread depth.
Take a peak under the vehicle and check for any leaks.
Inside the Vehicle
Make sure you hear the vehicle start as well as shut off!
Are there any warning lights on?
Check the Heat and A/C
Check the windows and locks
Check all lights, signals and wipers
Check the Emergency/Parking Brake
Listen for any odd noises (rough idle, ticking, knocking)
Take notice to any smells ( an overpowering air freshener can be a sign of trying to mask smells)
During the Test Drive
Go over bumps in the road; Listen for any noises (thumping, grinding, squeaking, etc)
Does the vehicle pull to one side really hard? (sign of needed suspension work)
Make sure to take right and left hand turns. Does the wheel turn smooth? Listen for any squealing or squeaking.
Let the vehicle idle for a moment at a stop. Does it idle smooth or kind of rough?
Take the vehicle over 45 mph. Does the transmission shift hard?
Ask to see the vehicle's service report. This is a list of reported repairs on a specific vehicle.
Make sure to take note of any odd smells, noises, or sounds. The list is not a complete auto checklist, just something to add to any questions you may have for the vehicle's owner. It's always good to have your mechanic check over a vehicle before you purchase.
J&S FixQuik Automotive | Mobile Auto Repair | Aurora, IL
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