Checklist For Vehicle Inspection Before Buying A Used Car

With the increasing price tag of new cars and the quick depreciation rate of old vehicles, many consumers prefer to sale their used cars. When you are looking to buy a used vehicle for yourself there are so many things to consider that it can be a daunting experience.

This will be even more complex if you are considering buying a car for the first time. When purchasing a used car there are many things to look for but one important factor is to give the car a physical check before making your final decision.

Get your vehicle inspected by a trustworthy mechanic to be part of the buying process. A basic visual check of the engine will give you an idea of the engine, but you will still need a mechanic to take a look under the car and run some basic tests. Even if the dealer insists there are no defects you should verify that the car is in good shape.

There are a few basic things you can check even if you do not have much knowledge about the car.

Exterior

•    No crack on windshield

•    Color of the body panel

•    The trunk and hood should be properly aligned

•    Doors and fenders should be properly aligned

•    No defect in windshields wipers and blades

•    Fully functional headlights and directional lights intact

Tires

•    Same making of tires

•    No cuts, bubbles or cracks on tires

•    Fully functional spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car

Engine

•    No oil leaks or fluids

•    No corrosion on battery terminals

•    No suspended dark oil on oil dipstick

•    No odors in running engine

Interior

•    No crack on seats

•    Proper opening and closing of doors

•    Working Air conditioner

•    Windshield wipers in good condition

•    Adjustable seats

•    Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly

•    Functional seat belts on all seats

•    Power windows in proper operating condition

•    Working stereo

•    Working gauges

•    Proper hazard lights

Frame

•    No bent or crack in chassis

•    No signs of crumbling inside the trunk

•    Frame holes free of scratches

Brakes

•    On applying brakes vehicle should steer straight and not pull to one side brakes

•    Parking brake engaging and disengaging freely

•    No grinding noises when applying

•    No locking of wheels when applying brakes

Steering

•    Vehicle does not drift to one side

•    No shaking or vibrating noise while driving

•    No resistance in the steering wheel

A dealer should have no problem to give you time for inspecting the vehicle. If it happens, insist on having your mechanic look at it. With so many choices, finding the one right car for you can be a challenge. In Leduc and nearby areas find a used vehicle for sale via a car list with advanced vehicle search, or customize options for your next vehicle and contact a dealer respectively.