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On the Lot Checklist | Used Car | Lease | On the Road | Technicians | Safety
BODY - look for rust, particularly at the bottoms of fenders, around lights and bumpers, on splash panels, under doors, in the wheel wells, and under trunk carpeting. Small "blisters" may indicate future rust sites. Check for paint that does not quite match, gritty surfaces, and paint overspray on chrome - all possible signs of a new paint job, masking body problems. Look for cracks, dents, and loose bumpers - warning signs of a past accident.
TIRES - Uneven wear on the front tires usually indicates either bad alignment, or front suspension damage. Do not forget to check the condition of the spare tire.
DOORS, WINDOWS, TRUNK LID - Look for a close fit and ease of opening and closing. A door that fits unevenly may indicate that the car was involved in a collision.
WINDOW GLASS AND LIGHTS - Look for hairline cracks and tiny holes.
TAILPIPE - Black, gummy soot in the tailpipe may mean worn rings, or bad valves, and expensive repairs.
SHOCK ABSORBERS - Lean hard on a corner of the car and release; if the car keeps rocking up and down, the shocks may need replacing.
FLUIDS - Oil that is a whitish color, or has white bubbles, can be a sign of major mechanical problems. Check the radiator fluid; it should not look rusty. With the engine idling, check the transmission fluid; it should not smell rancid, or look dark brown. Check for leaks and stains under the car, on the underside of the engine, and around hoses and valve covers.
LIGHTS AND MECHANICAL PARTS - Make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, backup lights, and direction signals work properly. Test the radio, heater, air conditioner, and windshield wipers.
INTERIOR - Check the upholstery for major wear and tear; do not forget to look under floor mats and seat covers. Check the steering wheel; unlocked, with the engine off, it should have no more than two inches of "play."
A car with low mileage, but with a lot of wear on the driver's seat or the brake and accelerator, may indicate tampering with the odometer. A musty smell inside the vehicle could mean that the car was damaged in a flood, or that rain leaks inside the car.
The car should start easily and without excessive noise. Once the car has warmed up, listen for engine noise as you drive; unusual sounds may be signs of major trouble.
Drive over rough road surfaces; watch for unusual vibrations, noises, or odors.
Make several stops and starts, at varying, but safe, rates of speed on a clear, level road surface. The car should accelerate smoothly and should brake without grabbing, vibrating, or pulling to one side. When you step firmly on the brake pedal, it should feel firm, not spongy.
Try turning at various speeds. Too much sway or stiffness can mean bad shocks and/or front end problems. Turn the wheel all the way from one side to the other; power steering should feel smooth, with little or no squealing.
Check the wheels for "dog-tracking" have someone stand behind the car as you slowly drive away, if the back wheels head slightly to one side, the car has major frame problems.
Look for these signs of odometer tampering: white lines between the numbers that do not line up, or vibration of the 1/10-mile numbers while the car is moving.
Take the car to a diagnostic center or repair facility for an overall inspection by a technician before you buy it. If the used car dealer refuses to let you take the car to your technician for an inspection, look in the yellow pages of your local telephone directory for a mobile diagnostic service so that the car can be inspected on the car lot. The cost for this service varies, but the money you invest up front may save you many more dollars later. Ask for a written estimate of the costs to repair any problems the technician finds, and use that estimate as a bargaining chip if you make an offer for the car.
If you are unable to make any such arrangement for an inspection, you may want to consider taking your business to another dealer.
The technician should:
Perform an engine compression test
Check spark plugs and ignition system
Perform a contamination diagnosis of oil and fluids
Check transmission fluid
Check fan and belts, charging system, power steering and air conditioner
Check cooling system: radiator, heater, by-pass hose
Check braking system: lining, wheel and master cylinders, drums and front disks, hoses, bearings, grease seals
Check suspension: ball joints, tie rod end, idler arm
Remove differential plug and check lubricant
Test drive the vehicle (allow at least 30 minutes)
The following automotive checklist information was compiled by the National Safety Campaign, in cooperation with the automotive repair facilities, 1-800-REPAIRS, the Consumer Information Center, the United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
This checklist will assist you in locating potentially dangerous areas on your automobile.
IMPORTANT: Before allowing a company to perform any work on your auto, ask for the following:
A written proposal or description of work to be performed, with the total proposed costs.
A written guarantee for any work performed.
Proof of the company's general liability insurance.
Proof of a current occupational or trade license (as required in your area).
Assurance that all home modifications meet local building and fire codes.
AUTOMOTIVE INSPECTION GUIDE
BE PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES
Are you a member of a "Motor Club" or have an emergency road side provider? "A motor club plan may be useful in locating a 'qualified' emergency road service provider quickly in case of a breakdown." Yes ___ No ___
Have you experienced a "breakdown" within the past 12 months?"Recent breakdowns may indicate a need for necessary mechanical services." Yes ___ No ___
Do you have the following in your vehicle?
First aid kit: Yes ___ No ___ "These items should always be kept in your vehicle. In case of a breakdown always position your vehicle as far as possible from the flow of traffic. Periodically check your spare tire air pressure and keep fresh batteries in the flashlight."
Took kit: Yes ___ No ___
Spare Tire: Yes ___ No ___
Flash Light: Yes ___ No ___
Blanket and dry towel: Yes ___ No ___
Jumper Cables: Yes ___ No ___
Spare gallon of water: Yes ___ No ___
Umbrella and rain suit: Yes ___ No ___
Fire extinguisher: Yes ___ No ___
Flares and a Plastic triangular-shaped emergency reflector: Yes ___ No ___
TIRES
Do you detect any cuts, holes or defects in the sides or any part of the rubber?: Yes ___ No ___
Is there any "cracking" or splits on the sides of between the treads or at the valve stem?: Yes ___ No ___
Is there any sign of uneven wear or "balding" on the treads?: Yes ___ No ___
Is there correct air pressure in all tires?"The correct pressure is usually indicated on the placard inside the glove compartment or actually by the vehicle manufacturer specifications. Low air pressure can also decrease gas mileage." Yes ___ No ___
"Your tires should be checked regularly. Tires in poor condition can cause "blow outs" and possible dangerous crashes."
Do you have a special key to unlock the hubcaps?"Many never model automobiles have hubcaps that require special tool to remove the hubcap. If your vehicle has this, tool with your tire changing equipment at all times." Yes ___ No ___
Are the hubcaps on securely? Yes ___ No ___
Do you detect any shaking or "wobbling" while driving? Yes ___ No ___
While driving, does your steering pull in any direction? "The above two items may be a result of improper alignment or poor tire balance." Yes ___ No ___
BRAKES
Does your automobile have an anti-lock brake system and do you understand how it operates? "Most newer car models offer ABS as either standard or optional equipment. Read your owners manual to find out whether your car has an anti-lock brake system." (NHTSA) "With anti-lock brakes, your brake pedal may pulsate when you attempt a sudden, abrupt stop. This condition is normal." (ASE) "If you normally pump the brakes, you shouldn't do so with ABS. Just hold foot firmly on the brake pedal and ignore the unusual sounds coming from the brake system or pedal pulsing you may experience. And remember you can still steer!" (NHTSA) Yes ___ No ___
Do you detect any "squeaking, squealing or grinding" sounds with regular brakes? "Squeaking" usually indicates a need for brake service. Grinding sounds may be caused by completely worn brake pads and should be inspected. Yes ___ No ___
Does your brake pedal feel "spongy" or loose when applying? Yes ___ No ___
Do your brake lights work property? Yes ___ No ___
Is your brake fluid to the full mark on the container? "Low brake fluid may cause your brakes to operate improperly. Check brake fluid and lights monthly." Yes ___ No ___
OIL, FLUIDS & FILTERS
Do you detect any burning smells or smoke (from around the engine)?"Smoke or burning smells may be caused by oil leaks near hot surfaces. If this is occurring, the vehicle should be checked or serviced immediately. Yes ___ No ___
Have you checked your motor oil recently?" Yes ___ No ___
Have you checked your automatic transmission level recently? Yes ___ No ___
Have you checked your radiator coolant (anti-freeze) recently? Yes ___ No ___
Do you have a separate radiator cooling tank (usually plastic) and if so, are fluids at the appropriate level? "Anti-freeze coolant is recommended because it helps prevent freezing and overheating." Yes ___ No ___
Is your wiper washer container full of windshield washer solvent? Yes ___ No ___
Do you detect any oil, fluid or water leaks on the ground, after vehicle is parked? Yes ___ No ___
Have you had an oil, oil filter and air filter change recently? "Regular oil filter changes are important and may help your vehicle avoid mechanical failures. Follow manufacturers recommended service intervals." Yes ___ No ___
MECHANICAL AND GENERAL MAINTENANCE
Have you checked the automatic transmission fluid? Yes ___ No ___
If you have an automatic transmission, does it shift smoothly? Yes ___ No ___
Do you detect excessive engine surges between gear shifting? Yes ___ No ___
Does the engine idle smoothly, while in "park"? Yes ___ No ___
Does the engine "ping" or run on after the engine is turned off? Yes ___ No ___
Has you automobile had a tune-up recently?"Improper tuning or low grade gasoline may cause poor engine performance." Yes ___ No ___
Do you detect any cracks or defects in any of the belts (fan belts, etc.)? "Good condition fan and other engine belts are important for engine cooling, battery charging and other critical operational parts." Yes ___ No ___
Does the air conditioning and heating system work properly? Yes ___ No ___
Do you have spare electrical fuse? "Always keep a complete supply of the proper size fuses in your vehicle." Yes ___ No ___
Do your emergency flashers work properly? Yes ___ No ___
Properly working emergency flashers may help to prevent crashes in case of a breakdown.
Do your turn signal lights (blinkers) work properly? Yes ___ No ___
Do your headlights work properly? (High beam and Low beam) Yes ___ No ___
Do your wiper blades clean all sections of windshield properly? Yes ___ No ___
Does your radio work properly? "In case of severe weather or traffic hazards, radio announcements can be of assistance." Yes ___ No ___
BODY AND GLASS
Do you have any cracks in the windshield or any other glass? Yes ___ No ___
Do all windows, doors, hood and trunk operate and lock properly? Yes ___ No ___
Are there any holes or corroded or rusty areas in the body of vehicle? "Check for holes underneath wherever exhaust gases can enter the passenger compartment. Corroded and rusty areas can also cause water leaks and wear on important moving parts." Yes ___ No ___
Are there any loose items on the body? Yes ___ No ___
"An average of 115 persons died each day in motor vehicle crashes in 1999, one every 13 minutes, and an injury every 9 seconds and one crash every 5 seconds. (NHTSA)"