Use this checklist to evaluate any used car or used trucks you are considering buying. The links recommended below are free service, and I highly recommend you use them before you purchase the vehicle.


Used Car price quotes from the Internet can save you lots of time and frustration when shopping for a vehicle. I used them on my last car purchase, and they really saved me a lot of time and money. A local dealership will email you their best deal on the car you are looking for. No hassles, no gimmicks, no time wasted going to dealership to dealership. Just the lowest price on the vehicle you are looking for.

Preliminaries Click Here For Printable PDF Version
When you are ready to buy a used car wear old clothes. Bring a rag for handling greasy or dirty items. If desired, also bring clean paper towels and a container of hand-cleaner for cleaning up after performing the inspection.

Other items to bring:

* flashlight
* small magnet
* notepad
* pen or pencil
* copy of this checklist

Tips

* If you are meeting a private party, try to get there 15 to 20 minutes early. You may discover the vehicle being prepared for your visit.Try to get the seller to set a time for you to see the car or truck when it has been sitting overnight. You want to see how it will start first thing in the morning, and if any smoke comes from the tailpipe.
* Always try to inspect during the day, when you can see better than at night.
* Don't be afraid to ask the seller to help or show you something.
* Take time to perform an inspection to your satisfaction. Don't hurry or let yourself be rushed.
* At some point during a test drive, try to drive at 20 to 30 mph beside a solid center median or beside a solid side wall. Open the window halfway and listen for sounds of the vehicle echoed by the hard surface. You should only hear the sound of the tires on the roadway.
* For practice, inspect a vehicle you already own. Doing so will familiarize you with the process and also provide a reference point for the vehicle you are considering for purchase.
* Check the local newspaper, used car lots, and Internet for prices to get a comparable prices before you inspect the car you are considering.