BUYING A PRE-OWNED VEHICLE

Walk around Inspection and Test Drive

 

Concerns when buying a Pre-owned vehicle

 

• Was it someone else's problem?
• Is it really the mileage?
• Has it been in a flood?
• Can we afford to take a chance?
• Will the seller stand behind the vehicle if there is a problem?

 

Reasons for buying a Pre-owned vehicle

 

• More vehicle for your dollar

 

Who sells Pre-owned vehicles?

 

              New Car Dealers

                        Sell Certified Pre-owned vehicles with a certified warranty

                        Or

                 Non-Certified Pre-owned vehicles

 

          Independent Pre-owned Dealers

                    Sell Pre-owned vehicles

 

            Private owners

                     Sell pre-owned vehicles as is

                There is no recourse

Questions to ask:

• Mileage?
• Price?
• Compare the list of equipment to the actual vehicle
• Warranty?
• CarFax History Report?
• Branded Title?

 

*Ask to speak to the technician who inspected the vehicle.*

 *Get the 'CarFax' Vehicle History Report*

 

 Inspecting the vehicle

• Paper and pen
• Checklist with clipboard
• Small flashlight
• Small magnet
• Paper towels
• CD or DVD
• Tread depth gauge

 

At the windshield

• Verify that the VIN# under the windshield matches the one on the title and registration.  Use your flashlight if necessary.

Under the hood

        Dip Stick

•  Oil is clear amber color
•  Feel for grit or particles
•  Does not smell like burned toast
•  No bluing of the metal form heat

 

            Oil Fill Cap

•  Rubber seal is pliable
•  No deposits on cap or seal

 

         Transmission Dipstick

• Fluid is clear pink color
• Feel for grit or particles
• Does not smell like burned cork
• No bluing of the metal from heat
  

Battery

• Check terminals and wires for corrosion
• Check cells for water level

 

Brake and Power Steering Reservoirs

• Clear fluid with no milkyness

 

Start the Engine

• Listen for noises

 

The Tires

• Look for wavy wear patterns
• Measure for acceptable tread depth, use tread depth gauge

 

Body  

• Minor scratches or dents that are appropriate for the age and mileage of the vehicle are 'OK'
• But Look for poorly executed repairs, which are characterized by panels that don't line up or are wavy.
• Your magnet will tell you if there is filler present

 

Rear

• Check all the rubber seals around the doors and hatch, they need to be soft and pliable
• Look under the spare tire for corrosion
• Check for moisture or a musty smell indicating leaks or flood damage
• Check the struts by pulling the hatch or trunk down and see if it rebounds

 

Interior           

• Seats comfortable? Cracks in the leather split seams, power adjustment works
• Carpeting?wear, stains, musty or other odors.
• Door jams?overspray from poorly executed repairs
• Does the CD or DVD player work
• Try out the sound system
• Try the power windows and mirrors

 

The Test Drive

           

• Start the engine and look for exhaust smoke?there should be none

• The dash--there should be no warning lights on

• Acceleration?does it have enough power?

• Braking?does it stop well and in a straight line?

• Turning radius?will it be easy to park?

• Noise level?acceptable?

• Over the Railroad tracks?how does it handle bumps?

• Vibrations, misfiring, stumbling, delay during acceleration, rattling, noise, smoke, rough idling?

 

 the Huffines 125 Point Inspection

 Click Here  for the inspection form we use when certifying Pre-Owned vehicles at Huffines.