Proper Inspection of a Used Auto

You always want to inspect any used vehicle before you purchase it. Most anyone can do the basics, such as: checking the body condition for dents and dings, doing a once over inspection, etc.; these are all things that you can easily do yourself. As for the engine, however, you will definitely want a professional mechanic to look over it, unless you are a mechanic yourself.

The beginning of the inspection of the vehicle is looking at the condition of the body. You may or may not, be able to easily see any scratches and dents, depending on the vehicle's color. The paint is another important thing that you should focus on when you are inspecting the car. Are there any odd or discolored areas on the body?

The car may have been repainted, because of an accident resulting in replace parts. Mismatched paint might have been adequate if the previous owner didn't require perfection. So pay close attention to paint discoloration. Ask the owner or dealer about it if you notice a blemish.

You don't have to give up on the car just because it has been in an accident, in the past. You need to finish the inspection, then determine whether you should buy or not.

Check for rust when you inspect the vehicle's body. If you see rust, this is probably a symptom of neglecting the car previously. Make sure you don't overlook any rust when you give it an inspection; it can be easy to miss.

Note the tires after finishing inspecting the body. Is the tread good? When were they bought? And what about a spare? If a spare is included, make sure that you inspect it thoroughly too. You will want to see if you need to buy new tires when you complete the purchase on the car.

Again, make sure you have someone mechanically inclined to inspect under the hood. You can look at the fluids, such as the oil, that you are aware of, but it would be better left to a professional. They will be able to spot any current or potential problems.

Now you are ready to inspect the vehicle's interior. Are the doors solid and sturdy, when opened? Can you hear them squeak? Always check under the floor mats. When the carpet or flooring are covered by mats, it can indicate that they are being hidden because of their poor condition. See if there are signs of damage from flooding.

After checking the floors and seats, start the car. Carefully listen for any odd noises. Do the vehicle's electrical features all work? Check the vents and air conditioner to make sure they are in working order. Inspect all lighting and turn signals to verify that they are all working properly.

All the windows should be inspected for noise, speed, and other possible problems. Some of these checks may seem insignificant but you don't want anything to happen to the car after you buy it. You'll need to keep in mind that someone did use it before you, so it's not going to be in mint condition, but you can note any unfamiliar noises, etc.

Shane Rethwisch is a retired mechanic and keeps many old beauties running smoothly. For Cameron Park truck repair he recommends their local shop for Cameron Park new car service, smog check, or brake work.