![]() Lights and lenses: Have a friend confirm that all lights are working. If you feel play in it or hear a clunking sound, the wheel bearings or suspension joints may be shot. Grab the top of each front tire and tug it back and forth. If the shock absorbers are in good shape, the car should rebound just once, not bounce up and down. Suspension: Walk around the car to see whether it’s sitting level. But cracks in the windshield will worsen and lead to a costly repair. A small stone chip might not be cause for alarm, though you should bring it up in negotiations. Glass: Look carefully at the glass to make sure there are no cracks or large, pocked areas. If it seems loose on its hinges, the car has seen hard or long use. Gently lift and let go of each door, particularly the driver’s door. Open and close each door, the hood, and the trunk. ![]() Check the wheel wells, panels beneath the doors, and door bottoms. Rust is a cause for concern, so check the body for blistered paint or visible rust. If other parts of the car have been repainted, there may be paint adhering to the rubber seals around the hood and trunk lid. The magnet won’t stick to an area with body filler. If you think a dent may have been patched, put a small magnet on it. ![]() The paint color and finish should be the same on every body panel. Watch out for misaligned panels or large gaps, which can indicate either sloppy assembly at the factory or shoddy repair. To learn more, check CR’s Car Recall Tracker.īody condition: Check each panel and the roof, looking for scratches, dents, and rust. Note the mileage when work was performed. Dealerships can access the recall history, but with the VIN, you can check the manufacturer’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. Repair-shop receipts normally note the odometer reading, helping you verify the history.Īre there open recalls? Ask whether any safety-recall work needs to be done. Ask for receipts for any parts that have been replaced. It should have had maintenance done at the manufacturer-specified intervals. Don’t worry about minor scrapes, but think twice about a car that has been in a serious collision.ĭo you have service records? You want a car that has been well cared for. Has it been in a crash? If yes, ask about the extent of the damage, the cost of repairs, and who did the work. How about the body and interior? If these areas weren’t covered before, ask about them specifically. What’s the car’s condition? Start broad and don’t interrupt-the seller could bring up something you wouldn’t have thought to ask about. Double-checking could produce some telling comments. This easy-to-use PDF can be printed out and kept in your glove box for quick reference.How is it equipped? Whether they’re listed in the ad or not, ask about key features: transmission type, safety equipment, audio system, cruise control, power seats, Bluetooth, rear entertainment screens, backup camera, and navigation. Just check off the tasks as you knock them out throughout the year. It includes important tasks such as checking and replacing the spark plugs, checking the brakes and suspension, and inspecting the belts and hoses. The checklist is organized by mileage intervals, such as every 5,000 miles, 10,000 miles, and so on. This downloadable PDF is designed to help you keep track of the maintenance tasks that need to be completed as your car racks up the miles. This easy-to-use PDF can be printed out and kept in your glove box for quick reference.īy Mileage Car Maintenance Checklist - PDF ![]() It includes a comprehensive checklist of all the maintenance tasks that should be completed on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual basis, such as changing the oil and filter, rotating the tires, and replacing the air filter. ![]() This downloadable PDF is the perfect tool for keeping your car in top condition all year round. ![]()
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