What is the process for inspecting a used car?
3 Answers
In the process of used car transactions, the condition of the vehicle is the most significant factor affecting its price. For example, if a car has a bent radiator frame, the buyer might claim it's an accident vehicle to drastically lower the price, while the seller might argue that the damage doesn't affect the frame, considering it only a minor collision, and thus refuse to lower the price. Those knowledgeable about cars can argue their case effectively, while those who aren't might end up at a disadvantage. Therefore, whether buying or selling, having a comprehensive understanding of the vehicle's condition is essential. Before delving into vehicle condition assessment, it's important to grasp some basic knowledge. The three major components of a car's frame are fundamental in the inspection process. These components are: the structural parts, reinforcement parts, and body panels, listed in order of decreasing importance. The structural parts refer to the car's frame, which can be likened to the skeleton supporting the vehicle's body, serving as the primary safety guarantee. Since structural parts are integrated, any damage necessitates cutting and welding during repairs, significantly compromising safety. Hence, any accident damaging the structural parts is classified as a major accident. Given their critical role in driving safety, structural parts have the most significant impact on vehicle condition assessment and depreciation. Any issues in this area are considered serious safety hazards. First, place the vehicle on level ground and stand 3 to 5 meters directly in front of it to observe if the shoulders are level. Uneven shoulders indicate that the body frame has been repaired or that the suspension and shock absorbers haven't been properly fixed. Next, check if the gaps between the engine hood and the front fenders are consistent. Inspect the headlights for uniformity in age, even gaps, and symmetry. Then, open the engine hood to check for the presence of original sealing strips and any deformation on the inner surface of the hood. After inspecting the hood, stand at a 45-degree angle to the front of the car to examine the smoothness and evenness of the body's side. Proceed to check the uniformity and symmetry of the door gaps. Examine the window sealing strips for neatness and look for manufacturer logos on the windows, ensuring all logos belong to the same brand. Open the doors to inspect the door frames for deformation, verify if the welding points are original factory seals, and check the skirts for collision marks. Then, inspect the A-pillars, B-pillars, and C-pillars for any deformation, collision marks, or repainting. Finally, check the tire treads for signs of aging or wear.
When buying a used car, I always follow this process. First, a static exterior inspection: walk around the car to check for collision marks, repainting, or uneven gaps, see if tire wear is consistent, and inspect the chassis for rust. Open the hood to check if the engine oil is dirty, if the coolant level is normal, and smell for any burnt or leaking oil odors. For the interior, sit in both front and rear seats to check seat wear and ensure all buttons like the AC and audio system work properly. The test drive is crucial—listen for smooth engine sound during cold starts, feel the power during acceleration, test the braking distance, and check if the steering wheel shakes when turning. Finally, verify the vehicle history using the VIN, check maintenance and accident reports with an app to avoid flood-damaged or heavily repaired cars. If the budget allows, hire a friend or professional inspection service—it’s a small cost for peace of mind. Never skip this step, as hidden issues in used cars can be deeply concealed.
When helping to inspect a used car, I usually start from a mechanical perspective: after checking the uniform gaps and absence of scratches on the exterior, I focus on the engine compartment, starting the engine to listen for noise levels, especially during a cold start, and checking for fluid leaks. Next, I test the suspension system by going over speed bumps to feel the cushioning. The test drive includes accelerating to medium-high speeds, emergency braking, and steering tests for stability. All lights, wipers, and air conditioning functions must be tested one by one. The key is to use an OBD tool to read fault codes and check for hidden electronic issues. Maintenance records must be verified for authenticity and mileage matching. It is recommended to schedule an inspection with a professional agency for a comprehensive check, including an undercarriage scan. This process can avoid major repair costs later, especially for engine and transmission issues.
