The Used Car Checklist You Need

The Used Car Checklist You Need

Buying a used car is a great way to go if you are looking for a more economical driving option, lower payments (or none if you are buying with cash,) or you don’t necessarily need all the latest and greatest features.  It’s also a great option for parents with kids who are driving age and need a car to learn with.

Of course, all of this is dependent on your ability to find a car that is in good condition and will stand the test of time. Unfortunately, with used cars there can often be more than meets the eye. Even the shiniest, cleanest, and drop dead gorgeous cars on the outside can turn out to be a nightmare for an unsuspecting or ill informed buyer.

For this reason, we’ve put together some pointers for the used car shopper that will help you make a smart choice.

Do your homework

One of the benefits of buying a used car is that that it’s easy to find articles, consumer reports and even past recalls on the car you are considering. Hardly a year goes by without at least one make or model having some sort of chronic issue, such as faulty sensors, airbag issues, transmission problems and more.

If you have access to the VIN numbers, you can also look up a car on Carfax to see if the car has been in any accidents and needed significant body or mechanical work.

Inspect Exterior Components

As they say, the little things can add up, even before you pop the hood on your car. Parts like tires, brakes, rotors, shocks, struts and more need to be replaced several times over the life of a car. A seemingly good deal at first pass could turn sour if you find out after the sale that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on brakes and rotors or a new set of tires right away.

Pop the Hood

There is a lot you can learn by looking under the hood of a car.

1- Belts – Looks for signs of cracking or any excess slack
2- Hoses – Look for cracking or ill fitting connections.
3- Battery – Most have an expiration date that you can look for. You should also look at the connections for corrosion. If you are confident enough and have a tester, you can check out the strength of the battery.
4- Oil – Good oil will be amber or honey colored if it was just changed. There should be no condensation on the dip stick when you pull it out.  Worn oil is usually dark brown or black in color.
5- Transmission fluid – Should be red/pink. Brown or orange can indicate old or used transmission fluid.
6- Power steering – Should be topped off and clean. Check for signs of leaking.
7- Brake fluid – Should be topped off and clean. Check for signs of leaking.
8- Radiator fluid – Check for signs of leaking.

Start it up

Now that you’ve run through all the previous steps, it’s time to start the car up. Use your eyes, ears and nose to identify any issues. Shaking/vibrations while idle, burning smells, smoke, knocking or ticking can help you identify problems and their potential severity. Also check the lights, including the blinkers, high beams and even the license plate markers lights.

Test drive

Check every operation of the vehicle while it’s running and pay attention for any issues. This includes steering, braking, accelerating, and changing gears. Pay attention to how it handles bumps. Put it in reverse.  While the car is on, also check that you car has strong heat and air conditioning.

Interior Inspection

Beyond appearance, check the interior for issues as well. These can include the dashboard lights, console lights, radio operation, power locks and windows, seat adjustments and so on.

BBack Car Care offers free pre-purchase inspections on site. If you are interested in purchasing a used car and would like a professional opinion on the condition of the car and any cost to repair identified issues, give us a call.

Have a car you’d like us to check out? Request an appointment online or give us a call today to set up your no obligation appointment.