Buying a Car

Always check the car before signing anything. Having the car owner seeing you check out the car has a lot of impact.

Before you start the car:

• Do the locks work?
• Do the windows operate smoothly?
• Are there any leaks under the hood?
• Are there any dents at rims?
• Have the tires worn evenly?
• Look for rust under fenders, exhaust pipe and inside the door.

Start up the car and:

• At startup, do all the warning lights work?
• Do all the gauges work?
• Open the hood and listen for knocks or loud ticks.
• Turn on headlights and blinkers, do they work?

During test drive look out for:

• Turn the wheel from lock to lock while driving slowly.
• Drive slowly while wheel is turned to each end and listen for clicks.
• Check that breaks work at 50, lookout for any extra vibration.
• Loosen your grip at 50 and see if the ride straights or pulls.

Check fluids:

• If oil is milky or sparkly; there might be an issue.
• If transmission fluid smells burnt; there is an issue.