Buying a new or used car can get expensive, frustrating, confusing, and overwhelming.
I’m sure you know this.
Not only was Wyndscreen created to offer the best used vehicle marketplace to minimze that frustration, but it was also created to make sure you have all the information you need when buying (or selling).
You may have heard this before, but when shopping for and buying a used car, it’s a good idea to have a list of things to check over so you don’t forget.
When you are at the car checking it over, it’s VERY easy to forget to check all the important features and push all the buttons. The seller may even try to steer you away from checking something if they want to hide a defect.
Because of this, Wyndscreen has compiled a thorough checklist that will greatly help you make a good decision when out buying a used car.
Feel free to print this out and take it with you in order to not forget anything in the heat of the moment.
Happy Hunting!
When you arrive:
- Avoid having the seller stand in your way while walking around the car. Inspect cosmetic condition concerning dings, dents, scrapes, rust, windshield cracks and mention your findings to the seller if they weren’t expected
- Check tires for proper tread. Tire tread should be above the horizontal wear bars
- Check that tires are wearing evenly, especially in the front.
- Make sure tires aren’t older than 5-6 years old (search “how to check tire age”).
- Check the spare tire and ensure it’s inflated.
- Ask to see the title….check the seller name on it and the car info matches.
Functionality inspection
NOTE: Order matters here as you don’t want to run certain things while the car is/isn’t warmed up.
- Test all provided fobs/keys and ask if ther are more. Many sellers forget the spare they have stashed away.
- Before starting it, check the oil level (good idea to check online how to do this for the car you are interested in, as it can vary)
- Leave the hood up
- Turn the key to acc, see if the check engine light pops on
- Crank it up. Check the temp gauge. If the car is warmed up, ask when the last time it was driven.
- Go to the rear and make sure no smoke is coming out of the exhaust.
- Listen to engine for any odd noises for about 15 seconds.
- Check battery terminals for corrosion.
- Check that the engine bay is completely DRY. Look for leaks or wet areas.
- Check the brake fluid.
- Inspect the coolant reservoir, which should show if coolant is low.
- If you can, get under the car and look for any leaks and/or rust.
- Test low beams (headlights)
- High beams (brights)
- Blinkers (front and rear)
- Brake lights
- Reverse lights
- License plate lights
- Engage the parking break.
- For each door: Open, get in, close it, test that the window rolls all the way up and down. Make sure it has a mat.
- Open and inspect the hatch/trunk. Examine hydraulics if applicable.
- Roll all windows down from drivers seat, make sure they’re all down, then roll them all up. Sunroof if applicable.
- Honk the horn a few times.
- Run Wipers and spray wiper fluid.
- Slide the front seats forward and back.
- Turn the radio on, check the speakers.
- Test the Heater.
- Test the AC.
Test drive
Try and drive without the seller if they will let you (otherwise you’re either in for them distracting you from issues or an awkward long silence so you can listen to the car). Tell them you’re going to take it to AutoZone (or where ever) and get the codes scanned if the Check Engine Light (CEL) is on. If you have a personal code reader, take that with you. Take it to the nearest freeway where you can go 60+ MPH.
- Before leaving the lot, engage reverse and make sure it works.
- Ensure each gauge on the cluster works.
- Engage the 4WD if applicable. Disengage before proceeding.
- Do a U turn, make sure power steering works. It should be silent and easy to turn the steering wheel.
- Test the brakes. They should be responsive with no squeaking and definitely no grinding. Ensure that the vehicle stops straight.
- Use cruise control for at least 30 seconds.
- Accelerate quickly, it should shift smoothly if it’s automatic.
- Take it above 60 MPH for around 8 miles. There should be no odd noises or wobbles, and it shouldn’t pull one direction or the other.
- Take it to a local auto parts store, get the codes scanned if the Check Engine Light is on. Tell them you’re on a test drive and they can help you interpret the results.
- Park somewhere and leave the car running and check the transmission fluid, if possible. The car needs to be hot, idling in park. While you are doing this, check for underhood leaks and leaks on the ground.
- Turn the car off and wait a few minutes. Restart it and make sure it restarts properly with no squeals or shakes or hesitation.
- Write down any concerns and head back to the seller to start talking price…..
Like always, if you need help with any of this, reach out to us: info@wyndscreen.com
Have a great day!
