Buying a used car can be a great experience

When you are at the dealership

• Take your time when going through the features of the car.    

• Test drives should be performed on varying roads and at varying speeds. It’s important to see how your auto responds in most conditions.

• It is good to see the auto during the day or have the vehicle pulled into a lighted area like the service department for closer inspection.   
  

Exterior Inspection

• Does the paint look rippled anywhere?

• Do the fenders and the doors align properly?    

• The seems on the closed hood and trunk are all smooth and look evenly spaced?  

• Are there gaps in the doors at one end?      

• Is there any paint on the rubber moldings of the vehicle?     

 Tires

• Are all four tires the same?    

• Look at the tires and make sure that four are the same size.   

• Do you notice any cupping on the inside or outside of the tires?    

• When test driving do you hear any choppiness?    

• Make sure the vehicle has a good extra tire and a jack that works.

 Interior

• Does the radio and CD player work and play properly?    

• Are there any cracks or dents in the dash area?

• Are there any nobs or buttons missing or damaged?.   

• Does the auto have an odor?    

• Is the carpet torn or stained?

• Check to make sure seating adjustment controls work properly?   

• Do the floor mats match the carpet and are not soiled?

• Inspect under the seats for past spills.

• Check the headliner some signs of smoke stains or tears.

• Do the vehicle shocks look like they are in good shape?    

• When test driving pay attention to ride feel and noise and drive over some potholes.

• Does the car pull to one side when you test drive the vehicle?    

• Does the car ride straight when driving straight?

Trunk Area Of The Auto

• Look in the trunk for signs of water.     

• Inspect for odors indicating moisture retention from possible flooding.

• Look for mismatched paints schemes around the trim.

• Does the trunk lock properly?

Car Transmission

• Does the vehicle shift easily?

• When test driving the auto manually shift the gears.    

• Test the 4 wheel drive feature if available.    

• Watch for racing RPM readings in various gears.

• Check for response to driving on hills.

Vehicle Brakes

• Try the brakes at different speeds.    

• If you can see service records and know how much pads are left on the car.    

• Ask if the rotors were replaced recently.   

• Check the rims for excessive brake dust.

Vehicle Engine

• Did the vehicle start quickly and easily?    

• Does auto sputter or idle or make strange noises?   

• Do all of the performance gauges work properly?

• Ask for the maintenance history of the vehicle.    

• Does the auto speed up and decelerate at varying speeds with ease?    

• Is there any odors coming from the engine area after the vehicle has been running?    

• Before test driving the vehicle check all belts and fluids for color and smell.   

• Has the car been on the lot a long time?       

• Try to have the car put on a lift to look at the undercarriage for bottoming out or loose parts and hidden damage