What should I look for when inspecting a used car?

Question

Without the benefit of a mechanic, what items can I inspect visually under the hood to figure out if the car is a lemmon? And on the test drive, what's the best way to put the car through its paces?

Answer 1

Check the body for holes or rust. and for collision damage.

Check all lights and electrical functions.

Check under the hood for belts and hoses being worn and cracked and loose. Check all fliuids, if the engine is too clean wonder why?

Check the under carriage for holes and the exhaust for leaks and noise.

Check the transmission see how it shifts.

Check tires and brakes for wear.

Answer 2

I'm a guy who doesn't flinch at changing clutches, or replacing engines, or replacing ball joints, etc.

Even so, I'll gladly spend $50 or so for my friend (a local professional mechianic) to give me his opinion. It's the best $50 insurance politcy you'll ever buy.

The first thing you do is google the car to find out common problems. Don't forget to google the motor and tranny, as some engines and trannies have notable trouble spots. Once you know what you're looking for, then you can check those items out (or ask if they've been serviced yet).

Obviously you find a place where you can take the care SAFELY to highway speeds, then hit the brakes hard. You check to see if the car pulls to one side or the other while braking. Make sure the steering wheel points straight!!!

Don't kick the tires (that's sooooo 1960's) but do check to see how close those wear bars are to the surface.

Again, go ahead and spend the money. If you can't afford $50 for an inspection, do you have the money for the car?

Answer 3

When you take a test drive, find a straight, level road, and at a slow speed, let go of the steering wheel to see if the car pulls to the right or left. If it does, it could have an alignment problem, or a bubble in the front tire.

Answer 4

There are AAA inspection units and one I know is in Broomall, Pa that do many inspections that are more involved than the state inspections....they give you a written report.

I did this when I sold my car, because there were people who wanted to take my car to their mechanic....who's to say their mechanic would give me a fair, impartial inspection?

I had my written, detailed AAA owned inspection report from AAA in Broomall, PA, and I said after you buy the car you may take it to any places you choose....and it was a 3 year old, great Mercedes....which I was very sorry I sold!

Answer 5

First thing is take the car to an independent mechanic. If the seller protests, then you know not to buy that car or any other from them/him.

Have the mechanic check everything:

brakes, engine for leaks, transmission, etc.

It may cost you a little, but it will be worth it knowing your getting a good deal.

also; check NADA or KBB.com for the selling price range for the car to see if the seller is too high.

Answer 6

i own a repair shop,and you can take and look the engine over real good and make sure it don't have no leaks at all on it,also look at the belts on it,make sure there good on it,also look at the tires and make sure there not real worn out ,and if they are worn down a lot make sure there worn even this will indicate if it has any front end or driving problems on it,also look at the insides real good,and make sure its not ragged out,,when you drive it listen for rattles and squeaks and vibrations on it also see if it changes gears ok and if it runs good and smooth,basically just listen for anything that shouldn't be there,and if it turns out ok then all that's left to do is battle over the price of it,good luck i hope you find a good one,

Answer 7

This site can give you quite a few pointers as to what to look for. You can also get a free Autmobile Bill of Sale and Odometer Disclosure Statement there.
http://www.free-legal-document.com/free-automobile-bill-of-sale.html