Buyers Checklist
On the next page, you’ll find a buyers checklist
detailing all the points you’ll need to cover when you
visit a prospective car.
Check with the owner before you visit that they have
time for you and are not in any hurry to dash of to take
the little one to a school play or grandma to the hospital
during your visit.
Take your time – don’t be rushed or
pressured into doing anything you are not
comfortable with. A major part of buying
any car is careful preparation and
homework.
Ensure that they have all the paperwork needed and that
you will be able to start the car from cold when you
arrive.
Agree on a preferred method of payment in advance
Do take some sort of ID with you to reassure the
potential seller that you are genuine. If possible, go
with a friend – never with more than two or three
people in total. If you can – take someone with you
who is knowledgeable about cars.
If you don’t feel happy about carrying out
an inspection, take an expert with you.
Remember, the checklist is a guide to assist you in
deciding whether a car is worth buying. If you find
yourself answering “Yes” to a lot of questions, it may
be best to make your excuses and walk away.
While completing the checklist, bear in mind the
following:
Exterior
•
Look for unmatched paint or poor body fit
(may indicate collision damage).
•
Check for body filler (use a refrigerator
magnet wrapped in tissue paper on suspicious
spots).
•
Look for signs of rust, especially at wheel
wells, under doors, in the boot (trunk).
•
Musty smell or dampness in the boot may
indicate collision damage.
•
If car appears newly painted, ask why.
Tyres
•
Wear should be even on each tyre and among
the set.
•
Tires should be the same size, rating and
preferably the same make.
•
Wear should be consistent with odometer
mileage.
•
Insist on a spare, jack, and wheel brace if
they’re missing. Check for the locking wheel
key.
Suspension
•
Push down and release each corner of car. If it
bounces more than once, car may need struts
or shocks.
•
Push and pull on each wheel from beside the
car. If wheel moves in or out, bearings or CV
joints may be in bad condition.
•
Uneven tire wear may indicate suspension
problems. If car has new tires, be extra careful
in checking suspension.
•
Check CV joint boots on either end of front
and rear axles (should be a total of eight). If
torn or missing, you may expect trouble with
replacing expensive joints!
Interior
•
Wear of seats, steering wheel, etc. should be
consistent with odometer mileage.
•
Pay particular attention to the amount of wear
on pedal rubbers.
•
Musty smell or new carpet may indicate flood
damage.
•
Make sure windows, safety belts, etc. all work.
•
Check glove compartment contents. You
should have an owner's manual. Look for
repair orders that show the car's mileage.
Make sure mileage is consistent with the
current odometer reading.
Engine & Transmission
•
Check that all fluid levels are correct.
•
Oil should not smell burnt or contain water.
•
Coolant should be pinky red or greeny blue,
but not rusty.
•
On tiptronic cars, transmission fluid should be
red or pink and not smell burnt.
•
Look for leaks around radiator and hoses.
•
Spots on the ground under the car may
indicate leaks. To be sure, place a clean
newspaper on ground under the car after
driving it. Check in a few minutes for spots.
