Overview - Car Inspection Guide
Learning how to inspect a used car before buying it will be worth your time, without question. be able to spot problems before they become your problems is very important. This car inspection guide will go over the basic and more advanced checkups that you should perform.
Section 1 - Paint, dents and scratches.
Section 2 - Rust.
Section 3 - Oil and water leaks.
Section 4 - Car upholstery.
Section 5 - Car tires.
section 6 - License plates, crash reports.
Before diving into the specifics: make sure you come to inspect the car with closer to don't mind getting dirty, and blanket and even a pillow, so you can be comfortable while you inspect the bottom of the car and a flashlight. Choose a well lit area to perform your inspection.
Section 1 - Checking for chipped paint, dents and scratches
This inspection is quite easy. Simply walk around the car, and look for any chipped paint, spots where the paint looks slightly different or off-color, put your hands on the car to see if you feel any dents ( that may be harder to spot with the naked eye), and look for scratches. Keep in mind that any car that isn't brand-new is bound to get some scratches and dents at one point or another. However, this can be an indicator of whether or not the car has been in an accident, or if the driver is a reckless one that doesn't mind bending his car on a regular basis. In the case of the latter, you might want to consider this a warning sign that a indicates how well the driver and owner of the car took care of it.
Section 2 - Checking for rust
Start your inspection by looking at the bottom of the car. This is the time to pull out the blanket that you brought with you. Checking for rust is one of the most important checks. Rust that is left unattended will eat your car up and eventually make it fall apart.
Section 3 - Oil and water leaks
If the car was recently brought to the place of inspection, you will not be able to see oil and water leaks simply by looking at the ground. You should start the car and see if any oil leaks while the engine is running.
Section 4 - Car upholstery, unusual tear or not?
Even the most meticulous car owner will wear down the car upholstery at some point. Car owners who take good care of their cars will do their best to keep the interior of their car cleaned and with minimal care. Look at this as an indication of how well the car was treated. Check beneath the seats, make sure it you don't come by any surprises after you agree to buy the car.
Section 5 - Will you need to replace the car tires soon?
Tires can be easily replace so don't be bothered by the current tires condition. However, if the tires are worn out, he should know that you will need to replace them soon and take that expenditure into account. This can also help you with negotiations, something that you can mention to lower the price.
Section 6 - Accident history, license plates, crash reports.
Take the car's VIN (vehicle identification number) which is located under the car's windshield. Go online to get this vehicle history report. Don't rely single-handly on that report - Keep in mind that not all accidents are reported.
Section 1 - Paint, dents and scratches.
Section 2 - Rust.
Section 3 - Oil and water leaks.
Section 4 - Car upholstery.
Section 5 - Car tires.
section 6 - License plates, crash reports.
Before diving into the specifics: make sure you come to inspect the car with closer to don't mind getting dirty, and blanket and even a pillow, so you can be comfortable while you inspect the bottom of the car and a flashlight. Choose a well lit area to perform your inspection.
Section 1 - Checking for chipped paint, dents and scratches
This inspection is quite easy. Simply walk around the car, and look for any chipped paint, spots where the paint looks slightly different or off-color, put your hands on the car to see if you feel any dents ( that may be harder to spot with the naked eye), and look for scratches. Keep in mind that any car that isn't brand-new is bound to get some scratches and dents at one point or another. However, this can be an indicator of whether or not the car has been in an accident, or if the driver is a reckless one that doesn't mind bending his car on a regular basis. In the case of the latter, you might want to consider this a warning sign that a indicates how well the driver and owner of the car took care of it.
Section 2 - Checking for rust
Start your inspection by looking at the bottom of the car. This is the time to pull out the blanket that you brought with you. Checking for rust is one of the most important checks. Rust that is left unattended will eat your car up and eventually make it fall apart.
Section 3 - Oil and water leaks
If the car was recently brought to the place of inspection, you will not be able to see oil and water leaks simply by looking at the ground. You should start the car and see if any oil leaks while the engine is running.
Section 4 - Car upholstery, unusual tear or not?
Even the most meticulous car owner will wear down the car upholstery at some point. Car owners who take good care of their cars will do their best to keep the interior of their car cleaned and with minimal care. Look at this as an indication of how well the car was treated. Check beneath the seats, make sure it you don't come by any surprises after you agree to buy the car.
Section 5 - Will you need to replace the car tires soon?
Tires can be easily replace so don't be bothered by the current tires condition. However, if the tires are worn out, he should know that you will need to replace them soon and take that expenditure into account. This can also help you with negotiations, something that you can mention to lower the price.
Section 6 - Accident history, license plates, crash reports.
Take the car's VIN (vehicle identification number) which is located under the car's windshield. Go online to get this vehicle history report. Don't rely single-handly on that report - Keep in mind that not all accidents are reported.