It seems you have looked at every used car in your area and have finally decided on that one special gem to purchase. Before you plunk down all your change, you need to make sure this little jewel is worth what you are willing to pay and the used car salesman is willing to accept.
Here are a few tips that you can use for an "on the spot" inspection of the vehicle:
1) Body damage - this is a little tricky to determine but you can do some checking. Open the hood and trunk and inspect the paint edges feeling to see if it is rough. Look for overspray on the inside of these areas and also make sure the paint inside the hood matches the outside of the vehicle. Stand in front of the car at each corner and look down the body line of the vehicle checking for waves. Open the doors and look for overspray or a paint line on the door jams.
2) Engine and transmission - pop the hood and look carefully at the engine and do not be fooled by a clean compartment. Look at the belts and hoses, the air filter; check the oil and transmission fluid by sniffing it. If you smell smoke, that could indicate problems. Start up the car and listen to the engine for knocks and metal noises; put the transmission in gear - does it clunk or go smoothly. Look under the vehicle for leaks - if you find water don't worry that's just the a/c.
3) Electrical - start the car and turn on all the electrical features making sure everything works properly. Windows should roll up smoothly and quick, door locks should function, the a/c should blow cold, the heat should heat and always check the windshield defroster - if it smokes or has a funny smell, the heater core could be bad. Make sure the wipers work properly as well as the horn, turn signals, hazards and headlights.
4) Test Drive - make sure to check all functions of the moving vehicle including the brakes, steering, suspension, engine response and transmission. Before you take off look at the tires and inspect the wear and tread depth. If the tires have scalloping or damage you should get the dealer to replace them prior to purchase.
5) After the Test Drive - turn off the car, pop the hood checking for temperature issues and smell. Also get back down again and look under the vehicle checking for any residue on any surfaces.
6) Before you buy - take the car to a trusted mechanic and have them go over it as well. Ask for receipts and service or repair invoices as well.
If your potential car purchase lives through all that scrutiny then buy it. If it fails a few tests, you will need to determine the potential costs you might incur and if you really want to buy a vehicle with possible problems.
The bottom line is, it is next to impossible to determine if a vehicle is good or bad, but you can decide whether or not it is worth the risk of buying.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A




Tips for having the accurate buying of RV from RV dealers
By: Amanda | 08/12/2009RV is one of the best enhanced and encourage media to make the vacations and week end memorable throughout the lives. There are so many dealers who are having RV for sale to make the availability to the buyers in America. These dealers need to get tackled smartly, be a smart buyer.
Why Your Caravan Needs A Cover!
By: Mark Walters | 07/12/2009An insight into the damage that bad weather can cause to a caravan and the benefits of having a cover to protect it.
The Latest Thing: Outdoor Kitchens
By: Palm Beach RV | 02/12/2009Campers and RV enthusiasts have known about this for years. If you have ever cooked over an open fire then you know that food just seems to taste better when prepared and eaten outdoors. There is nothing better than the smell of eggs and bacon and hot coffee in the early morning.
Fashion Digital Cameras Are Coming
By: aaryn | 01/12/2009Fashion Digital Cameras Are Coming
Can Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems Save You Money?
By: Rhonda Tobin | 25/11/2009If you drive a motorcoach or tow a 5th wheel, trailer, boat, horse trailer, or equipment trailer, you can't afford not to have a tire pressure monitoring system. These systems save you fuel costs and extend the life of your tires.
Make the lives dream-lives by having mesmerising miracles of Motorhomes!!
By: Martin Smith | 24/11/2009Renting RV is one of the most innovative and helping feature to the RV lovers who are having lower budget and minimum amount of use of RVs. This theme is becoming more and more popular these days as people are becoming aware of the benefits of Recreational Vehicles. Fulfil your dreams and create a new world of yours with the near and dear ones by having the jazzy journey in the RVs and Motorhomes!!
Something you must know about Bape
By: aaryn | 23/11/2009Something you must know about Bape
Nokia N96 –A Successful Phone
By: aaryn | 23/11/2009Nokia N96 –A Successful Phone
What You Need to Know About VOIP
By: Chuck Parrish | 13/11/2006 | VoIPLearn how a variety of factors combine to create incredible opportunity for free and low cost international calls.
What You Must Know Before Buying a VOIP Handset
By: Chuck Parrish | 11/11/2006 | VoIPLearn the things to look for when trying to choose from the wide variety of handsets available for VOIP applications.
How VOIP Service Providers Determine Their Billing Rates
By: Chuck Parrish | 04/11/2006 | VoIPKnowing the way companies bill for VOIP services is the key to choosing a suitable package.
How to Determine What That Used Car is Really Worth
By: Chuck Parrish | 01/09/2006 | AutomotiveDetermining trhe dealers cost for a used car is the key to getting a good deal. Learn how you can estimate in a few easy steps.
Do You Kow the Golden Rule of Buying a Used Car?
By: Chuck Parrish | 28/08/2006 | AutomotiveFollow these three simple rules to make sure that you're never taken for a ride by a used car salesman.`
Why People Buy Cars They Don't Want
By: Chuck Parrish | 28/08/2006 | AutomotiveMany used car buyers lose control of their shopping, and end up making a purchase they regret. Learn how to maintain control in any used car shopping situation.
What You Should Never Buy With Your Used Car
By: Chuck Parrish | 28/08/2006 | AutomotiveDealer add-ons are never good value for a used car buyer. This article tells you why.