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Pre-Owned Buying Tips

Thinking about buying a used / pre-owned car?

Use this checklist to evaluate any used car you are considering buying. Following this checklist assures you will cover all the bases when checking out a vehicle.  We still highly recommend any concerns should be inspected by reputable auto repair mechanic.

Before you go:

  1. Clothing - It is a good idea to wear clothes that you feel comfortable getting a little dirty.
  2. Bring a flashlight - Even in bright daylight, problems can be hidden in shadows, nooks, and crannies.
  3. Bring a small magnet - If you suspect body damage or repairs were performed a magnet will help you identify areas that have been fixed using body filler or bondo.
  4. CARFAX - We find this a useful tool to help identify cars that have been in accidents, previously used as taxis, title is salvaged etc...  Note that CARFAX does not give you service history that is in depth enough to verify how well the vehicle was maintained.  That's where our checklist below comes in.
  5. Pen or Pencil – Check off the checklist as you inspect this vehicle!
  6. (650) 595-CARS (2277) - Call us if you have any questions during the inspection
  7. Bring along our complete and comprehensive printable checklist.

 

Other Noteworthy Items

Is there evidence of flood damage?
By law, this information should be on the title. Typically you will find major body/restoration repairs in a carfax report if they were performed by a reputable shop.  Signs of flood damage are upholstery and carpet stains, odor, rust in normally dry areas such as beneath the dashboard and inside the glove compartment, powdery green or white residue inside lowest electrical connectors.  This was a major issue over the past couple of years due to the disaster in Katrina.

Is the owners' manual in the vehicle?
How about the operating instructions for any accessories, and any warranty information that still applies to items like tires and exhaust

Are previous repair and service records available?
Complete records are a sign that the owner has taken good care of the vehicle.

 

Please note that we highly recommend you have a prospective vehicle inspected by a professional auto repair mechanic in conjunction with the above checklist to help avoid costly repairs and address any safety issues before you commit to buying a used vehicle.

 

Click here to make your appointment for a pre-purchase inspection.