• Used Car Work Sheet

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    Because private sellers are not bound to the same strict oversight as dealerships, you, to protect yourself, must adopt a scrupulous mindset when inspecting a used car of interest. To help you discern if the vehicle is worthy of buying, bring the following items with you for inspecting the vehicle:

    • A notebook and pen for taking notes and recording the vehicle identification number, mileage and asking price
    • Paper towels for checking the engine oil
    • A small flashlight for looking under the car for leaks and corrosion
    • A small magnet for detecting concealed body work
    • A CD for testing the car stereo
    • Inspection checklist (detailed below)

    With these tools in hand, run down the following checklist. To make sure you hit everything, print this page and take it with you when conducting your inspection.

    Exterior


    Windshield free of cracks
    Body panel colors match
    Magnet adheres to all steel body panels
    Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust)
    Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned
    Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned
    Free of body scratches
    Free of body dents
    Windshields wipers and blades fully functional
    Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional

    Tires

    Tires are a reputable brand name (Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear)
    Tires are all of the same make
    Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks
    Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems)
    Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional
    Spare tire inflated

    Engine

    Free of fluid or oil leaks
    Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits
    Battery terminals free of corrosion
    Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil
    Free of odors while engine is running
    Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black (indicate excessive oil consumption)

    Suspension

    Vehicle rests levelly
    When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made
    All corners respond the same when bouncing

    Interior

    Seats unworn and free of cracks
    All doors open and close freely
    Trunk opens and closes freely
    Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed)
    All gauges work
    No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated
    Stereo works
    Heater works
    Air conditioner works
    Windshield wipers work
    Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly
    All seats equipped with functional seat belts
    All seats adjust properly
    Power windows operate properly
    Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable)
    Car alarm works (if applicable)
    Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key
    Hazard lights function properly
    Headlights, including brights, work properly

    Frame

    Chassis is neither bent nor cracked
    No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk
    Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches

    Automatic Transmission

    Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal transmission problem)
    Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving

    Manual or Standard Transmission

    Each gear shifts smoothly
    No grinding noises when in reverse

    Brakes

    Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes
    Parking brake engages and disengages freely
    No grinding noises when applying brakes
    Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)

    Steering

    Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding
    Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating
    No resistance in the steering wheel when turning
    No clicking or clunking when turning

    Miscellaneous

    Car manual located in the glove compartment
    Instructions included for any accessories
    Service and repair records available
    Owner has title

    Other Insights

    • Walk away if the seller objects to your inspection
    • Don't feel rushed while inspecting
    • Try to get a mechanic to assess checklist results
    • Use any flaws against the asking price








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