If you’re considering buying a used vehicle that you’ve seen on the side of the road, then it’s a good idea to know what to do to inspect it. Inspecting a vehicle for purchase is essential to make sure you get the best vehicle for your money, even if you can’t test drive it.
How do you inspect a used car for purchase?
According to ChrisFix, a YouTube personality and mechanic, there are methods to use to inspect a vehicle for purchase even when you can’t test drive it.
There are five things to look at including:
- The for-sale sign
- The body
- The wheels and tires
- The interior
- The underbelly
In this article, we’ll go over ChrisFix’s five essential steps to inspecting a used car for purchase, so you can decide if you want to reach out to the seller for more information.
How Do You Inspect a Used Car for Purchase?
The For-sale Sign
When you look at the “for sale” sign, there will usually be information such as mileage and price. This can give you some information to determine if you want to get in touch with the seller. You should look at the:
- Year
- Type of vehicle (trim)
- Mileage
The owner will likely give other information, such as “needs nothing” or “runs great.” They might tell you if it’s “all-wheel drive” or discuss the sunroof or navigation system inside.
The sign will also let you know how to get in touch. Some people prefer texts or calls.
Another thing to check is if the price has been “marked down.” That’s a little trick some people use to give you a sense of value. Don’t fall for it, just focus on the vehicle’s actual value.
The Body
On the body, look for scratches and dents. Look to find any rust that may be present as well.
Check the bodywork to see if there is any significant damage. Start at the front and work your way around the vehicle. Check for scratches, which could end up costing you money to repair, as well as dents that reduce the value of the vehicle.
Check the hardware, like the headlights, to see if they are fogged up or clear. Headlights can be expensive, so you want to be sure they’re in good condition. Also, look for cracks and chips in the glass.
Take your time inspecting the windows and windshield, because any chips or cracks could be expensive to repair.
Remember not to inspect a wet vehicle, because water hides scratches and dents.
Finally, look at the inspection date. If an inspection is soon and the vehicle isn’t up to the right standards, it may fail. If it hasn’t been inspected recently, then there could be a problem (or the vehicle may have sat a long time).
You can also look at the brake rotors to see if the car has been sitting because shiny rotors mean it has been used recently.
The Wheels and Tires
Wheels and tires can be expensive, so you want to make sure they’re in good shape with enough tread. Make sure all four tires are the same and undamaged.
It’s okay for just the tires in the front to match and the back to match separately, though it’s preferable for them all to match. Check the rims to see if they are all the same.
To check the tread, take a penny and put it in the groove. If Abe Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, there is enough left. Without a penny, you can use the wear indicator band. This is in the tread of the tire. When it touches the edge of the tread, it’s time for a new tire.
The Interior
Check if the vehicle is automatic or manual first, specifically if it matters to you.
Look for rips, tears and specific options that the vehicle has, like leather seats or an upgraded audio system. Check the steering wheel for wear, and also look at the headliner to see if it is sagging. In the rear, check the seats and carpet for damage.
The Underbelly
Finally, look at the underbelly of the vehicle. Check for leaks, rust and damage to the frame. These are things that could tell you if the vehicle has been in an accident.
For leaks, look near the engine. No visible leaks mean it’s likely in good condition. After this, go around the vehicle looking for rust. If rust is present, it could lead to body damage now or later on.
You should also check the frame to make sure it is straight. If it’s bent, then it may have been in an accident.
In the rear, you can look at the spare tire carrier. If the vehicle was in a rear-end crash, that carrier will be bent or damaged. Check the exhaust for rust and the rear suspension for damage.
Remember Your Inspection Checklist
ChrisFix offers an inspection checklist on his website, so you can print it out, keep it with you and check off each section as you look at a potential vehicle to buy.
Look for Your Next Used Vehicle at Vehicle History
At Vehicle History, you can look for your next used vehicle and do your research, too. It’s easy to get a comprehensive VIN history, owner reviews and more here on our site.
