USED CAR BUYER'S CHECKLIST

In the beginning:
Any maintenance records, mileage proof?
The history report shows something bad?
Why do they sell a car - tired of fixing it?
Any accidents, engine, transmission repair?
The car can not pass the Emission Test?

The engine:
Any oil, coolant or fuel leaks from the engine?
Is the engine dirty and oily?
Is the oil level low?
Is the oil on the dipstick too black?
Any previous transmission repair?
Any evidence of badly made repair?
Start the engine:
Does it work uneven?
Any knocking, pinging, whistling?
Any smoke?
Any warning lights go on while the engine running?
Is the engine oil pressure too low at idle?
Any acceleration delay?
Is the engine enough powerful to pass on highway?

The automatic transmission:
Does the transmission fluid smell burnt?
Is the fluid on the dipstick too dirty?
Start the engine and try to switch from P to D and from P to R holding the brakes -
Is the time between switching the lever and the transmission being engaged too long?
Any noises or jerks during shifting?
During driving test -
Any delays or troubles on changing gears?
Does the transmission slip?
Is any speed missing (for example, the transmission shifts from 1-st to 3-rd speed)?
Is the transmission getting stuck on some gear?
Any shifting problems on the cold engine?

The manual transmission:
Any leaks?
Any noises while moving
Any troubles to change gears
Is the clutch slipping?
Any leaks from clutch master- or slave cylinder?

The exterior:
Are the body lines straight?
Are the gaps between panels uneven along their length?
Has been the car repainted?
Mismatched colors?
Painting over spray, or any other traces of a body repair job?
Are the doors' and hood' fastenings readjusted from original position?

The suspension:
Is any of shock absorbers oily?
Is any of shock boots broken?
The steering has notable free play?
Has any of tires irregular wear?
During a driving test:
Any knocking noises coming out from the suspension?
Does the car pull aside of straight moving?
Does the car seat level?

The brakes:
Is the brake fluid container leaky?
Is the brake fluid level too low?
The brake pedal goes down more than a half way?
Any brake fluid leaks under the car?
During the driving test for cars without ABS:
Does any of wheels not provide effective brake?
Do you feel any vibrations or noises stopping the car?
For cars with ABS:
Does the warning light "antilock" go on while driving?

The interior:
Is the driver seat worn through?
Does the stereo works?
Has the odometer any evidences of being tampered?
Does the air conditioner provide really cold air?
Are the power locks, windows, etc. working?
Are the heater, rear window defogger working?
Any of warning lights go on while driving?
Do you feel comfortable in driver's place?
Spare tire, jack, wheel wrench?