How to VISUALLY INSPECT A USED CAR

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By scooterport
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If you are in the market for a used vehicle here are some tips on the visual inspection before you drive it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Look at the vehicle's cosmetics. Look for scratches, dings, overpainting, etc. Some of these clues can tell you if it has been in an accident.
Step 2

Check the odometer.
Step 3

Look underneath for rust, leaks, fresh welding.
Step 4

Push down on front and back fenders. If the car bounces repeatedly the shocks are worn out.
Step 5

Look for uneven tire wear. Even on the spare.
Step 6

Make sure the doors, windows, hood, and trunk opens and closes properly.
Step 7

Look for water stains around the windows, on the carpet, or in the trunk. This could mean it leaks.
Step 8

Open hood and look for repaired wiring and engine block cracks. Check belts and hoses.
Step 9

Open radiator cap. Rusty colored water is a bad sign.
Step 10

Check oil dipstick. Make sure it reads full. Make sure the oil looks clean and not old and burned.
Step 11

Turn the ignition on. Make sure all warning lights come on then go off. If the oil or check engine light doesn't go off, there is a problem.
Step 12

Check the headlights, tail lights, brake lights, windshield wipers.
Step 13

With the engine on, and warm, check the transmission dipstick. Dipstick should be read full and fluid should be red. If it is brown or black or smells burnt there is a problem with the drive-train.
Step 14

With the engine still running, look at the exhaust. If the exhaust is black or blue it burns too much oil.

Comments

cotie said

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on 3/24/2009 This is an article worth bookmarking. excellent.

on 10/13/2008 ya know, I'm thinking after this article and your test drive article.. heck buy new.. but of course there are tons of issues about that too. maybe a showroom model.. what you think? great article.