Are you in the market for a used vehicle?
Buying a used vehicle can be scary for some people because they don’t know what to expect.
If you’re afraid of buying the wrong car, take a look at this used car inspection checklist to guide you.
The Exterior of the Car
If you’re going to purchase a used car, it’s important you take a good look at the exterior of the car.
Body Condition
Start by paying attention to see if the car has any dents, scratches, rust, or any other visible signs of damage.
Glass
Inspect all the glass in the vehicle to make sure it’s free of cracks or pocket areas. The last thing you want is to replace the glass after you buy the car.
Suspension
Walk around the vehicle and observe if the car is well balanced all around. Perform a bounce test on all corners of the car to make sure the suspension is in good shape.
Lights
Turn on all the lights on the vehicle and test them to make sure they’re working.
Tires
Take a look at the tires of the vehicle and try to find out when was the last time the tires were replaced. Also, watch out for cracks and smooth areas on the tires.
Interior of the Car
Once you’re done with the exterior of the vehicle, move on to the interior.
Smells
Pay attention to any strange smells in the vehicle. Do you smell mold, mildew, or other smells that might throw you off?
Car Seats
Are the seats in good condition? Do you notice any stains rips or scratches? Make sure you sit down and adjust the seats to make sure everything works properly.
Controls and Instruments
Check all of the controls and instruments to ensure they all work like they’re supposed to. Turn on the heating and AC system to make sure it all works. Some of these systems might be expensive to replace.
Sound System
No one likes to drive around in silence. You want to make sure the sound system works properly.
Check Under the Hood
Next, move on and inspect what’s under the hood.
Battery
Take a look at the battery and make sure it’s not closed to being dead.
Radiator
Take a look at the radiator and observe for apparent signs of leaks. Make sure the color of the fluid is green or orange and not milky.
Hoses and Belts
Inspect the hoses you find under the hood. The hoses should feel like rubber and bendable not hard and cracked.
Fluids
You should also take a look at all the fluids and make sure there’s not a leak.
Use This Used Car Inspection Checklist
A lot of things can go wrong when you decide to buy a used car. Use this used car inspection checklist before you consider buying a car.