Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for Used Vehicle
When you want to get your money's worth, a Used Car Inspection Checklist is the way to go.
We recommend thoroughly checking a used car before purchasing it, either by yourself or by requesting a professional examination to ensure you don't end up with trouble.
Stick to these 5 guidelines, and you'll have a far better chance of finding a car that's worth your money.
Verify Mileage
According to statistics, the typical annual mileage driven by an automobile is 13,000. Over that mark, the car's mileage will be significantly higher than the norm for its model year, and you should probably discount it relative to its less-driven competitors.
If you want to know how much a used car is worth, the best places to go are your local car dealers.
Look for paint peeling and rust
Look at the paint job closely, and you can see traces of the history. Check for color and quality consistency between panels.
Panel replacement after an accident is likely if the panels are not of the same color or condition.
Rust on the car's body might be a minor visual issue, but it could also be a sign of more serious problems that require expensive repairs.
Rust in the frame, for instance, might compromise the safety of the car and shorten its lifespan.
The undercarriage and engine compartment are other areas to check for rust if you spot it on the car's exterior.
Verify the car's history
You should look into the vehicle's history to discover whether it has a history of accidents or other damage.
In some cases, the seller may already have the background check results available. If not, you may either download it for a fee or have an inspection service give it to you.
CARFAX reports are useful, but they only provide information that was really reported. Not all repairs or claims/damages made on the vehicle by previous owners will be disclosed.
Checking for Tire Wear
A tire's tread depth may be easily checked with a coin. To check the tread, just place a coin in the tire and look at it from different angles.
Don't forget the spare tire! If the tires have lost some of their grips, you may need to replace them sooner rather than later, which may incur more costs for you.
If the tires are wearing unevenly, it might be a sign of an alignment problem.
Leaks and undercarriage
While you're inspecting the tires, you should also look beneath the vehicle for leaks. Fixing leaks can be an expensive investment, but it could be possible to get a discount.
Conclusion
Do not hesitate to consult a friend who is more experienced if you do not feel confident doing any of the tasks on this inspection checklist.
Having a technician have a look at it is also a smart idea. You might use the mechanic's list of issues to bargain if you choose to make an offer.
At Euro Car Doctor, we have ASE-certified technicians who can help you to prepare a checklist for a pre-purchase inspection of a used car.