Buy Used Car
In the market for a used car?
Use this free check list.
Use this checklist to evaluate any used car you are considering buying.
Preliminaries
When you are ready to buy a used car wear old clothes. Bring a rag for handling greasy or dirty items. If desired, also bring clean paper towels and a container of hand-cleaner for cleaning up after performing the inspection.
Other items to bring:
Flashlight
Small magnet
Notepad
Pen or pencil
Copy of this checklist
Tips
If you are meeting a private party, try to get there 15 to 20 minutes early. You may discover the vehicle being prepared for your visit. Try to get the seller to set a time for you to see the car when it has been sitting overnight. You want to see how it will start first time in the morning, and if any smoke comes from the tailpipe. Always try to inspect during the day, when you can see better than at night. Don't be afraid to ask the seller to help or show you something. Take time to perform an inspection to your satisfaction. Don't hurry or let yourself be rushed. At some point during a test drive, try to drive at 20 to 30 mph beside a solid center median or beside a solid side wall. Open the window halfway and listen for sounds of the vehicle echoed by the hard surface. You should only hear the sound of the tires on the roadway. For practice, inspect a vehicle you already own. Doing so will familiarize you with the process and also provide a reference point for the vehicle you are considering for purchase. Check the local newspaper, used car lots, and Internet for prices to get comparable prices before you inspect the car you are considering.
