• Examine in daytime
• Examine in clear weather
• Check for nicks and scratches
• Check for thin, worn paint
• Check for big defects (costly) and not minor repairs
• General look around the outside of the car.
• Examine both sides of the car from a distance (both front and back).
• Look for ripples, waves, poorly fitted panels and mismatched colors.
• Look for dents or rust around the bottom of the doors and fenders.
• Check for bubbles along molding or chrome (indicates rust underneath).
• Look under the vehicle for rust
• Check for welding spots on the frame (serious accident or repairs).
• Open and close the doors, hood, trunk or hatchback.
• Stand back approximately 10 to 15 feet from the car and see if the car is level.
• Check the shocks by pushing down on each corner of the car and letting go.
• Check the tires (sidewall cracks, uneven tire wear, brake fluid leakage)
• Look under the car for:
  • oil spots, or
  • transmission fluid or
  • power steering fluid or
  • shock absorber fluid.
• Open the hood and check belts and hoses for cracks or wear.
• Radiator coolant should be a clean, greenish (or blue or yellow) color.
• Pull out the oil dipstick. Oil should not be gummy or grayish or smell burnt.
• Check automatic transmission fluid, should be clear and reddish.
• Check the fluid level in the master cylinder as well.
• Look inside the trunk for an inflated spare tire, a jack and a lug wrench.

Used Car Interior Checklist

• Check the mileage
• Compare mileage on service stickers (door jamb/under hood) to the odometer reading.
• Check the condition of the seats, belts and carpeting.
• Check the windows to see if they open and close easily.
• Check the brake, accelerator and clutch -- should work smoothly, no strange noises.
• Check all exterior lights and flashers on the car
• Start the engine and check the warning lights and gauges
• Make certain that the air conditioning blows very cold air.
• Check the glove box for the owner's manual.
• Do not be afraid to take up the salespersons' time.
• Stay in control
• Do not let anyone talk you into buying a vehicle you do not want.

Used Car Test Drive Checklist

• Drive the car on hills, highways and in stop-and-go traffic.
• Start the engine and press down on the brake.
• Listen for noises which could indicate engine problems.
• Put the car in neutral and rev the engine. Check for smoke from rear exhaust.
• Punch the gas pedal. Does engine respond without hesitation then return to normal?
• Check the lights on the control panels--be sure they all work.
• Does automatic transmission shift smoothly?
• Manual transmission should shift smoothly between gears without grinding.
• Clutch should engage and disengage smoothly without grabbing
• Drive in reverse
• Does car pull or vibrate when driving on a flat, smooth road?
• Do the brakes grab evenly and does the car slow down in a straight line?
• Drive at 35 miles per hour and listen for any unusual noises.
• Accelerate to 45 miles per hour, does the front end shake or vibrate?
• Drive quickly over a rough road and listen for any loud squeaks or rattles.
• Does the car bounce or bang over small bumps?
• Check the temperature gauge to see if it shows a high reading
• Accelerate hard on an empty road, does the car respond immediately?
• Try it again.
• Accelerate on a hill, does the car respond immediately?
• Cut off the engine. Then restart the engine -- does it restart easily?
• Check for leaks under the hood and beneath the car.
• Check the tailpipe. Are there any black, sooty oil deposits?
• Does the odometer mileage seem to match the physical condition of the car?
• Check odometer for scratches, misaligned digits, digits that stick.

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