Used Car Buying Guide and Checklist

It’s important to keep in mind that when buying a used car, research is definitely key. If you feel like you aren’t getting the best deal possible or you feel rushed while inspecting your potential used car, it’s okay to say no thank you and walk away.

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Ric Laurence
Ric Laurence
8th March 2020 in automotive & vehicles
Used Car Buying Guide and Checklist
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Item
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Category
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Notes

  • Category
    General

  • 1

    Year

  • 2

    Make

  • 3

    Model (any options?)

  • 4

    Asking Price/Phone#

  • 5

    Trade in Value

  • 6

    Scratches

  • 7

    Dents

  • 8

    Windshield (chips or cracks?)

  • 9

    Headlights (foggy?)

  • 10

    Inspection Sticker Current?

  • 11

    Rusty Brake rotors?

  • 12

    Tire Tread

  • 13

    All 4 tires/wheels the same?

  • 14

    Wheel damage?

  • 15

    Rips on seats

  • 16

    Car Options (Navi, sunroof, etc)

  • 17

    Headliner (saggy?)

  • 18

    Automatic/Manual

  • 19

    Steering wheel (worn?)

  • 20

    Leaks (near engine and rear diff)

  • 21

    Rust (exhaust, frame, body, etc)

  • 22

    Suspension (tie rods, ball joints, shocks, axle, etc)

  • 23

    Frame Damage (from collision)

  • Category
    Engine

  • 24

    Hood pops open easily?

  • 25

    Frame (straight, no kinks)

  • 26

    Inspect for leaks (oil, coolant, tranny)

  • 27

    Oil level and oil (no metal, not frothy)

  • 28

    Check Coolant (make sure it’s not hot when you check)

  • 29

    Hood support/struts work?