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Consumer Tips

Automobile - used car inspection

Exterior

• Look for unmatched paint or poor body fit (may indicate collision damage).
• Check for body filler (use a refrigerator magnet on suspicious spots).
• Look for rust all around, especially at wheel wells, under doors, in trunk.
• Musty smell or dampness in trunk may indicate collision damage.
• If car appears newly painted, why?

Tires

• Wear should be even on each tire and among the set.
• Tires must be the same size.
• Wear should be consistent with odometer mileage.
• Insist on a spare, jack, and lug wrench.

Suspension

• Push down and release each corner of the car. If it bounces more than once, car may need shocks or struts.
• Push and pull on each wheel from beside the car. If wheel moves in or out, bearings or CV joints may be in bad condition.
• Remember that uneven tire wear may indicate suspension problems. If car has new tires, be extra careful in checking suspension.
• Check for "dog tracking" by having a friend follow you while you drive the car. If rear end of car seems to be sliding to the side, car may have serious frame damage from collision.
• If front-wheel drive, check CV joint boots on either end of front axles (should be a total of four). If torn or missing, expect to have trouble with expensive joints!

Interior

• Wear of seats, steering wheel, etc., should be consistent with odometer mileage.
• Pay special attention to amount of wear on pedals.
• Musty smell or new carpet may indicate flood damage.
• Make sure windows, safety belts, etc., all work.
• Check glove box contents. You should have an owner's manual.
• Look for repair orders, which may show the car's mileage. Make sure mileage makes sense with current odometer.

Under the Hood

• Check for proper fluid levels.
• Oil should not smell burnt or contain water.
• Coolant should be green, not rusty.
• Automatic transmission fluid should be red or pink and not smell burnt.
• Look for leaks around radiator hoses.
• Spots on the ground under the car may indicate leaks. To be sure, place a clean newspaper on the ground under the car after driving it. Check in a few minutes for spots.