Richmond Toyota

Inspecting a Used Car

Once a specific vehicle has been selected as a potential candidate, you must inspect both the interior and exterior in detail.  A certified mechanic should also do an inspection and verify any problems that may be present. Do this before any contract is signed or cash is handed over.  If you discover something before the paperwork has been signed, you can use any flaws in the vehicle in negotiations, and will likely get a lower price.  Do your inspection on a dry sunny day. The dark or rain can hide paint imperfections, stains, or dents.

The Exterior

Take a very close look at the body of the car.  Look at it closely, and then step back and take another look.  Dents may indicate an accident.  Strange marks may indicate that body work has been done.  Bubbles in the paint mean rust.  Look down the side of the used car to see if all the panels and bodywork line up smoothly. Be suspicious of wavy panels or cars with uneven gaps between panels.  Open and close the doors, hood, and trunk.  They should fit and be easy to open and close.  Check the tires, as they should be in decent shape with plenty of tread and without sidewall cracks. Uneven tire wear indicates improper wheel alignment, old shocks or worn front end components. Also check the inside of the tires for brake fluid leakage, as this may indicate leaking wheel cylinders.  When you step back, see if the car seems level.  If one corner seems lower than it suggests a suspension problem. Press down on the vehicle. It should bounce upward only once and then settle back to its original position. If the car bounces several times, new struts may be needed. Be sure that the spare is in good shape and that the proper jack and lug wrench are included.  When the vehicle is moved from its original spot, keep an eye out for any drips from leaking fluids.  With help from someone outside, make sure turn signals, head lights, and brake lights are working. 

The Engine

Open up the hood of the vehicle.  Look for any obvious signs of the engine being neglected. Be suspicious of a very clean engine bay in a used car. This is not natural.  When the oil dipstick is pulled out, a gooey substance is a bad sign.  The dipstick also shouldn't leave visible metal particles on the rag, as this is a sign of serious problems.   Squeeze the various rubber hoses running to the radiator, air conditioner, and other parts. The rubber should be firm and supple. Cracks in the hoses and belts may also mean repair.  Make sure there are no leaks or sprays on the underside of the hood lining that would indicate a burst hose or fluid leak.   Melted wires, tubes, or lines, or a blackened firewall may be signs of overheating or even an engine fire.  Fresh undercoating can hide recent structural repairs, and may indicate this was a salvaged car.  With the engine running, listen for noises that might indicate a mechanical problem.  Also, feel for any tailpipe residue. If it's black and greasy, it means the car is burning oil.

Interior

The inside of a car can give you a good idea of the overall condition and how well the car has been maintained.  A common practice is to have the car detailed before a sale. Because this includes a thorough cleaning inside and out, waxing and the repair of minor cosmetic items, be aware that this can hide wear and tear you may not see.  When you first open the used car’s door, take note of the smell.  A musty, moldy, odor could indicate water leak on a used car. An acrid smell may indicate the car was used by a smoker.  Be aware that some odors are very difficult to get rid of.   The carpeting and upholstery should be clean, and the seats should be free of any large rips.  Because seat belts are a safety factor, it is very important that the belts are in good shape, with no rips, tears, or excessive fraying.  Sitting in the driver’s seat, adjust it to the right setting, and make sure it is comfortable. You should also have a clear view out the windshield.   Press down the foot pedals.  They should press down smoothly without strange noises or binding.  If the vehicle is a manual, press the clutch in a test out the gears.  They should shift smoothly.  With the engine started up, check the warning lights, gauges, and any audio system to make sure they work.  Also get the heating or air conditioning systems going and expect them to respond quickly. Check the windows to see if they open and close easily. Manual windows should crank smoothly. Power windows should not falter. All glass should be free from scratches or cracks.  Turn the steering wheel, it should move without any unusual kinks.

The Certified Mechanic’s Inspection

If your own inspection went well, and you are still serious about purchasing the car, the next step is to have it inspected by a trusted and/or certified mechanic.  A professional is much more likely to catch serious problems in the vehicle, and would notice if there are signs that the car was salvaged.  He should put the car on a lift and inspect the undercarriage. A thorough diagnosis may cost around $100, but it is well worth the fee, especially if he uncovers something that may be very expensive to repair. Ask for a written report detailing the used car's condition, noting any problems found and the cost to repair them. You can then use the report in the negotiation with the seller. 

Red Flags

Be aware of odometer fraud, which means that the mileage has been rolled back.  If the car appears to have much less mileage than it actually does, this may be a sign.  There are some easy ways to compare what the mileage says on the odometer and what the wear and tear indicates the mileage should be around.  If seats are sagging and warn, if pedals are well worn, if the tires are not original or have excessive wear than the mileage should not be vary low.  If you have suspicions, than walk away form this used car.  The last thing you want to be dealing with is a dishonest salesman.