A good and thorough inspection done while buying a used vehicle will lead to a wise investment.

At times, used vehicles come in at relatively cheap prices compared to new ones. However, at times, they come with latent defects that cause heavy, costly repairs down the line.

This article guides you through the recommended steps involved in checking a used car.

Exterior Inspection

Walk around the car to check the general condition of the car. Look for dents, scratches, or rust that may indicate an accident or careless ownership.

Check the paint colour for mismatches in colour. This could be indicative of previous collision repairs. All body panels should fit uniformly and have uniform gaps; their misalignment may indicate structural problems.

Check for chips or cracks in the glass, particularly in the windscreen, which would impact visibility and are highly costly to repair.

Last but not least, check that all the lights are intact and working properly: headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights, for safety and compliance.

Interior Inspection

Check upholstery for rips, stains, or unusual wear; generally, a nice interior reflects a well-maintained car.

Verify all the various controls on the dashboard operate the gauge instruments and indicators should be operational. This will include the speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights.

Turn the air conditioning and heater on. Both of these must work; their malfunction is potentially costly to fix. Check the radio, CD player, and speakers to ensure good sound quality.

Test all the power features: windows, locks, sunroof, and seats. Ensure that everything is in good working order.

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Lastly, be alert for any musty or mouldy smells, which could signal water damage or leaks and may lead to more serious problems.

Tires and Wheels

Check that tyres have a proper depth of tread. The depth of tread is important concerning traction and, hence, road safety. One can test this using a gauge or by carrying out the “penny test.”

Look for irregular wear. This means that there could be a problem either with alignment or with the suspension. Check to see if all four tyres are of the same brand and model. Mixed tyres may interfere with proper handling.

Make sure the spare tyre is inflated. Additionally, ensure that the car jack and any other necessary implements are in running order and available in the vehicle at your disposal if you have a flat tyre.

Test Drive

Lastly, a test drive is essential to check the car’s performance. Drive it until it reaches the normal operating temperature to check how it performs under normal conditions.

Accelerate, brake, and turn to check if the car accelerates and brakes smoothly and does not vibrate or pull to one side. Look out for unusual noises from the engine, transmission, suspension, and brakes.