When inspecting a car you wish to purchase, its a good idea to perform some preliminary checks. This will help you decide if the car is worth investigating further.
Preliminary check
Inspect the interior and exterior visually for any defects. Check for any signs of rust or panel damage.
Use all the features of the vehicle to ensure correct operation (e.g. CD player, windows, power mirrors, lights, indicators, wipers, air conditioning).
Makes sure the doors, boot, and bonnet all open and close smoothly.
Check the engine visually for any signs of fluid leaks or exterior damage.
Check the condition of the tyres and rims (including the spare). If the tyres are in poor condition you may be able to negotiate the price of the vehicle down to allow for replacement costs.
Test drive the vehicle
You should test drive the vehicle for a good 20 minutes on different road surfaces, including gravel. This will help highlight any rattles or suspension problems the vehicle may have. On the test drive be sure to check for the following:
Listen to the engine and drive chain to ensure they operate smoothly and without strange noises.
Turn the air conditioner on and ensure the vehicle has enough acceleration for your needs.
Ensure the transmission (and clutch if applicable) changes smoothly.
Make sure the steering feels smooth and that there are no vibrations.
Give the brakes a good workout in a safe manner to ensure they work effectively.
Check that the suspension feels secure and that the vehicle handles corners well.
Stop the vehicle after the test drive to see if any fluid has leaked (it is normal for the air conditioner to drip water on the ground).
Once you've decided on a vehicle and it has passed your inspection, you should take it to a qualified motor mechanic and have the vehicle inspected professionally. This will help ensure that you don't buy a lemon and could save you money on future repairs.
