Your Used Car Inspection Check List

The car-buying process can be stressful, especially when you’re searching around for used cars in Dayton, Ohio. While many dealerships are plenty reputable, many customers are still a bit wary of opting for a pre-owned vehicle. After all, we’ve all heard enough horror stories of individuals being stuck with a lemon, so we understand if you tread lightly.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps that you can take to ease your anxiety. Below, we’ve provided several steps you can take during your own personal used-car inspection. That way, when you start shopping around for used cars in Dayton, Ohio, you’ll know exactly which vehicles you should be targeted and which you shouldn’t be…

Step #1: Check Vehicle Condition

The first step of your personal inspection will also be the easiest. When you’re giving a thorough examination of your targeted used vehicle, you’ll want to give a close look at the car’s condition.

Now, “condition” can be a rather vague, non-descriptive term, but you just have to take it at face value. When it comes to the exterior, you’ll want to assure that the vehicle’s “condition” matches what’s in the car listing. Many sellers will base the used car’s value off of the exterior condition. While it may be listed as “like new,” an array of dents or scratches will play a significant role in reducing the vehicle’s overall value. If you notice that the vehicle’s exterior isn’t in prime condition, you could use this information to knock some money off of the asking price.

You’ll also want to assure that the interior condition of the vehicle is to your liking. Specifically, make sure that the upholstery is in one piece, and you’ll want to assure that any of the technological inclusions (like lights or the radio) are working properly. You should even be keeping an eye on any trash or grime that’s littering the inside of your targeted used car; if the driver couldn’t take the time to take care of their interior, there’s a pretty good chance that they didn’t take the time to care for the more-important mechanical aspects of the ride.

There is one more important note on the interior condition. Unmatching and inconsistent upholstery is a major warning sign that the used vehicle previously experienced water damage. To hide the visual signs, many unethical car sellers will replace portions of the upholstery to throw customers off their trail (this is especially prevalent in the trunk). If you notice that there’s inconsistent upholstery (or if you notice other water-damage signs like stains and mold), it’s better to avoid the vehicle altogether. After all, if the vehicle did indeed suffer from water damage, you can guarantee that the mechanical aspects (including the engine) have been compromised.

Step #2: Do a Thorough Equipment Check

We briefly touched on this in the previous section, but it’s important to make sure that all of the used car’s equipment is working properly. While many of these features won’t play a big role in the vehicle’s performance, these faulty parts could still be used as a bargaining chip when you’re negotiating the price of the vehicle.

This is a relatively simple step. Simply turn on the vehicle and make sure that all of the standard, common features are working properly. This includes the lights, the gauges, the shifter, the infotainment system… if there’s some type of technology included in the vehicle, it’s worth your time to check for it.

Step #3: Inspect the Tires and Brakes

While this step of the inspection process could easily be placed under the “vehicle condition” section, it’s too important to not group by itself. As you’re inspecting your targeted used vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that the tires and brake pads are in top-notch condition. There’s an obvious safety risk if these parts are inadequate. Furthermore, if you’re forced to replace these parts with your own money, you’ll be paying a pretty penny for replacements.

When monitoring the tires, you should assure that the tread is in reasonable condition. This should be obvious from a visual standpoint, but you could rely on common tire-checking tricks like the ‘penny’ strategy. Furthermore, assure that the pressure is consistent, and make sure there aren’t any odd bumps or (gasp) rips in the rubber.

The brakes are a bit harder to inspect, and it may require you to actually get behind the wheel of the vehicle to assure that everything’s working properly.

Step #4: Give the Car a Test Drive

That brings us to perhaps the most important part of the used-car inspection process: the test drive. There are a variety of reasons why the test drive is essential during your car search, starting with the vehicle’s drivability and performance.

When you’re behind the wheel of a targeted used vehicle, you’ll want to make sure that the vehicle is running smoothly and fluidly. If you notice any odd noises, that’d surely be a cause for concern, as would reduced performance (like lackluster acceleration). These could simply be easy fixes, or they could be an indication of a much larger problem.

Plus, by giving the vehicle a test drive, you’ll also be able to understand if the targeted car is actually a logical choice. If you find that you’re cramped, underwhelmed with the performance, or have some other qualm with the vehicle, you might be better off continuing your car search. After all, no one wants to be stuck with a vehicle that they don’t enjoy.

Step #5: Bring in a Professional Mechanic

Sure, we’re cheating a bit with this one, as having a mechanic look at a targeted used vehicle certainly wouldn’t constitute as “personal.” Regardless, it could be in your best interest to have a pre-owned vehicle thoroughly inspected by a professional before you commit to any purchase.

This isn’t a particularly rare strategy, and most reputable private car sellers shouldn’t have too many issues with a mechanic checking out the vehicle before a purchase is made. After all, if there are some major qualms, it’s probably a major indication that they have something to hide.

These professionals are naturally more experienced, and they’ll be able to identify some issues that may not be as obvious to a standard car buyer. While you will have to dish out some extra dough for their time and effort, it’s worth it to eliminate any risks. If you’re even the tiniest bit wary of a targeted used car, there’s really no harm in having a professional eye give it a look.

Find Dealer You Can Trust And Save Time And Money!

Now that you’re fully prepared to start shopping for used cars, it’s time to head out to a Dayton, Ohio dealership. Well, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t have to shop around at multiple dealerships in pursuit of the ideal used ride. Instead, you can head into McCluskey Chevy and be confident that you’ll find the perfect used car for the best price.

At McCluskey Chevy, you can count on always getting a clean, quality, affordable used car near Dayton Ohio that meets every one of your expectations. No need to worry about broken parts, or interiors filled with garbage, at McCluskey Chevy we pride ourselves in offering the best used cars, anywhere. The dealership is always fully stocked with a number of reliable and affordable pre-owned vehicles, providing plenty of options for those on a budget. Plus, if you need help with any financing, the dealership is more than happy to work with you to determine a fair and affordable payment plan.

Instead of researching used cars, get out there and give them a look for yourself. Head out to McCluskey Chevy today, and you could be driving off the lot in a used car tonight!