How to inspect a Used Car: Used Car Inspection Checklist 

An inspect a used Car is a wise option when you want value for money. To avoid the risk of ending up with  a used car that’s going to leave you stranded – we suggest inspecting it on your own or asking for a professional inspect a Used Car.

Follow these 9 steps to ensure you cover all your bases and find a vehicle that’s worth your hard-earned money.

1. Check Mileage

13,000 miles per year is the average most people drive a car according to available data. Any more than that is going to start putting the vehicle at above average mileage for its model year and should warrant a discount to its less-driven peers. Edmunds and KBB are the sources you can use to your advantage when determining the market value of a used vehicle.

2. Check the vehicles’ history report

Investigate the Car’s History – to see if there has been any previous damage. The seller might have the history report ready to view. If not, you can download buy it online or ask an inspection company to provide it.

Please note that a CARFAX report is a good idea, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. It might be missing information is there wasn’t a insurance claim made etc. But, the good new is there are other ways to find out more about a car.

3. Examine for Rust and Paint discoloration

A close look at the paint job can reveal history. Compare panels for color uniformity. If the color of the panels doesn’t match, the vehicle was probably in an accident.

Rust If you find rust on the bodywork of the vehicle, it may just be an aesthetic problem, but it might also indicate deeper issues that are costly to repair. Frame rust, for example, could impact the integrity of the vehicle and poses a threat to the car’s longevity. If you see rust on the body of the vehicle, check under the hood and the undercarriage for further signs.

4. Tire Inspection – examine for wear

Coin Tread Depth test  is a quick way to check a tires tread. Insert a coin in the tread to and examine it – repeat for every tire. Please don’t forget the spare. If the grip is worn down, the tires may need to be replaced soon at extra cost to you. There may also be an alignment issue if the wear on the tires do not look even.

5. Check Undercarriage and look for leaks on the ground

Check the ground and undercarriage for any signs of leakage while you’re examining the tires. Leak repairs – can be costly and could offer a offer a price break.

6. Open the Hood

• Check oil levels. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Push the dipstick in again and then withdraw it. A light oil color usually means a recent service, if dark or muddy – it hasn’t been changed in a while. Add the service cost to the price.
• Look for signs of rust or corrosion under the hood. These signs are a good indication of the car’s past treatment, current condition, and life expectancy.
• Inspect belts for signs of wear. If any of the belts are frayed or torn, they may need to be replaced soon.
• Check transmission fluid. Ensure that levels are high. The fluid should be a clear reddish color
• Brake fluid. You can predict how worn your brakes are based on how much fluid is left in your reservoir. Low brake fluid levels mean the brakes need some repairs.
• Check antifreeze. Make sure there’s no oil contamination and that the color is clear.
• Check the battery. Look for leaks, damaged cables, poor contacts or corrosion.

7. Lights: Headlight, Taillights and Signal Lights

Ensure brake lights, turn signals, headlights, and taillights are all in working order. Also, check for all interior lights are working too.

8. Driving Test

Listen for any strange sounds, vibrations. When you start the engine does it sound normal?  Do any Warning /Check Engine lights (indicating DTC Error Codes) light up? Check the performance when you press the throttle. Does the steering wheel vibrate or turn to one side? Check how the vehicle handles on different road surfaces. Brakes can give you a good feel for the their wear or if they pull to one side. Don’t forget to check the parking break. If it’s a manual shift – feel the gear’s shift to see if it’s smooth.

Car diagnostic scanners for used are important to read DTC error codes – If you have the more expensive ones – they can tell you if the error codes have been recently reset. To mask problems short term.

9. Professional Inspection

If you’re not feeling comfortable performing items on this inspection checklist, ask a knowledgeable friend. It’s also a good idea to take it to a mechanic to get it checked out. Any problems the mechanic identifies can be used as points of negotiation if you decide to make an offer. The professional inspection fee is a small price to pay compared to buying a problem-ridden vehicle. When selecting a service check for the comprehensiveness, OBD scan tool and peer comparison. Read more about the Science of Car Inspection

If you pick it well – you are certain to enjoy your new “used car purchase”.

To Download a Used Car Inspection Checklist – Click Here
To Order a local Used Car Inspection - Click Here

What every Used Car Inspection "near me" needs

Pre-purchase used car inspections are an important value add suggestion in the used car industry - leads to a  better value experience for the used car buyers. 

The Vehicle Inspections can help add a trained eye to the car purchase and if done well - can avoid a "lemon" experience for some first time used car buyers. Majority of the time the Seller of the used car is a "Used Car Dealer",  and some of them have received the reputation of not sharing all the true facts of the new "used car". To help the Used Car  buyer -  Car Inspections are the a very helpful, and they help find several hidden issues in the used vehicle - that can help avoid a poor choice.  Below are the top suggestions for a Used Vehicle Inspection.

What every local Used Car inspection needs to include:

• Car’s History: prior accidents etc. Sources include CarFax and AutoCheck
• Professional Inspection Process – a standardized process to ensure it's not an adhoc inspection and follows a comprehensive process & by a qualified inspector
• DTC Error Codes Check: Review  Car’s error Codes and issues
• OBD - On Board Diagnostic Analysis: Review  Car’s OBD  -  to understand the pulse of the car
• Comparison to Peers: so you know if you have a good value.

The problem with many service providers of used car inspections is that the process and expertise is adhoc. Sometimes car inspection take  multiple days and don’t include a fair process nor comparison to peers.

At CarDr.com we didn’t like the adhoc approach, unprofessional process and lack of OBD data analytics data as a part of the vehicle inspection -  so we are here to fix it. Please read more about us, our used car inspection approach compared to others and the science of car inspection.