8 INSPECTION MEASURES BEFORE BUYING THAT USED VEHICLE

One of the greatest mistakes we make whenever we wanted to buy either new or used vehicles is that we don't do a thorough check on the intended vehicle before we buy it. Some buyers don't know the impact of their mistakes until the vehicle begins to develop one fault to the other, and by then it will be too late for the correction but rather their last resort is to take the vehicle from one auto mechanical or technician workshop to another for repair.

Are you considering buying a new, tokunbo or naija-used vehicle now?.... If yes is your answer, I will advice you to give the steps below a deep thought. Adhering to it will save you a lot at the end of the day.

Arrive 30 minutes early to a used car inspection

The first step you should take when doing used car inspections is to get to your appointment 30 minutes early. This will help you to catch a used-car seller who might be doing something wormy like adding fluids to make an engine or transmission run smoother.

You could also see some other moves like moving a license plate from one car to another. You don’t necessarily need to knock on the door 30 minutes early. Just park where you can see the used car you might be buying.

Inspect before you test-drive

Never, ever test drive a used car until you complete the inspection. Thorough inspection of a used car will help you uncover potential safety and mechanical problems that you wouldn’t want to discover while test driving it on the highway.

Also, this inspection could simply save you from wasting your time driving an obvious worn-out vehicle. And another reason why you need to inspect the vehicle before test-driving is that it's easier to inspect a cool engine than one that’s been driving for 30 minutes.

Walk Around the Car

Make sure everything at this most basic level of the inspection works and looks like it's supposed to. 

• Make note of any exterior damage.
• Open the doors and shut firmly to ensure the hinges and door latches are not rust or damage.
• Inspect the boot, bonnet and fuel tank cover to see how difficult it is to open and close.
• Inspect the paint from different angles to see if the vehicle has not been re-paint from accident.

• Check for scratches, some are normal but deep scratches signal potential for rust. 
• Check the tires for uneven wear which signals alignment problems and also ensure they match.
• Turn the headlights on, click the turn (left, right & hazards) signals to see if it works.
• Make sure all the lenses are relatively clear. Cloudy headlight lenses could indicate moisture has gotten inside. 
• Look at the windshield for cracks of any size.

Inspect the interior control and other functions

Switch ON every of the interior control to see;

• If the inner light come on, and if not, find out why, it may be a blown bulb or indicate more complex electrical troubles.
• ON the IGNITION and see how difficult it is to turn the car on and off. Also pay attention to the kick starter.
• Check the "Check Engine Light" and the "Air Bags Light" and finally the "ABS Light". Do they come and disappear when the key is in the accessory or right before start position.

• Test the heat and AC to see how the vents work and if they give off any musty odors.
• Play the stereo. Pop in a cassette, CD, or MP3 player to make sure they all work.
• Put the emergency brake on and click it off. It’s important it engages and disengages with equal ease. A sticky brake creates major headaches down the road.
• Make sure the seat belts work. Also, look in the back seat and check that the belts and latches aren't buried.
• Check the driver and passenger seats to make sure they work in all positions.
• Check the dashboard for cracks which may be caused by extensive sun.
• Stick your head under the front seats and see if there is no rust under it which may be water problem.

Inspect the Trunk or Boot

All cars manufactured since 2002 must have an interior trunk release. Make a quick effort to open it and ensure it’s functioning.

Look for signs of moisture in the trunks especially if they are not air tight, and make sure there is no excessive water damage inside.

• Inspect the jack to see if all the parts are there, is in good shape, and make sure you can use it.
• Check out the spare tire, if there is none, make sure the owner replace it (not just repair it) prior to purchase.
• Speaking of spares, if there are wheel locks on the car’s tires, make sure the owner has the special tool to unlock them. It can make be frustrating looking for it when it is not available.

Inspect the engine and other systems under the hood 

Open the hood. Start the car. Have the owner accelerate and see if there is sustained vibration in the engine which could indicate engine mount problems.

• Look at the various belts for signs of wear and DON'T TOUCH THE BELTS WHEN THE ENGINE IS RUNNING.
• Have the owner shut the car off. Then, do a visual inspection. Check the battery for excessive corrosion around the terminals on top where the cables connect.
• Gently push any hoses you can see and make sure the connections seem firm.
• Pull the dipstick. It's a long, thin piece of metal with a round handle at the end. Wipe it off with your handy rag. Put it back in all the way and then pull it out. See if the oil looks clean. Sludgy or dirty oil indicates problems.
• Make sure the oil is at an acceptable level. A low reading could point to a leak or a lazy owner. An overfull reading could mean the seller just add some oil into the vehicle to hide problems for the short-term.

Inspect Under the vehicle

Get on your hands and knees and look under the car. You have to make sure you check under the vehicle so as to see what you can not see while standing beside the vehicle, it is very important.

These will help you to see the brakes, shocks and struts and chassis components, they are located under the vehicle. They are among the most neglected parts and, if not properly maintained, can contribute to wheel alignment problems.

The only time an exhaust system looks good is when it’s brand new, but even after thousands of miles it shouldn’t have any signs of perforation. It shouldn't puncture when you to make a hole on it with a pen.

Lastly, quickly do a thorough check once again!

Here are some quick things you can do to make sure the car is still sound even after your mechanic’s inspection. Something could have gone wrong between the time you looked at it first and your final decision.

• Give the dipstick another twirl and see if the fuel levels have dropped. They shouldn’t have under normal wear and tear.
• Check the tires to make sure they haven’t been switched.
• See if all repairs and replacements you requested (such as a flat spare tire) have been made.
• Look for any fresh dents since your first inspection. After all, others have probably driven the car since you have.
• Double check the interior for any stains or rips not present the first time.

I wish you a happy hunting and wonderful weekend!