Used Car Shopping

The past few weeks have been rather packed with visits to used car dealers in search of a car below 10 years of age. Below is a list I compiled containing the usual items to check and possible causes/risks. Do note that the items below are merely guidelines  and the would-be owner should still be prepared for ‘hidden’ problems in future.

Body/Chassis Check

1.  Irregular paint/color tones between panels

Possible cause: Accident(s), color fade from weather exposure

2. Irregular panel alignment (doors, boot, bonnet)

Possible cause: Accident(s), worn hinges (doors)

3. Electric switches/devices

Possible cause: Worn power window motor, blown fuse/bulb, faulty wiring/switch

4. Stained/Worn Carpet (Door opening & boot)

Possible cause: Water leakage, wear & tear

5.  Cabin Wear & tear (seats, carpet, steering, paddle)

Note: Discolored/flat seats, worn steering/shifter/pedal pads/carpet

6.  Under carriage check (heavy rust, joint, fresh paint)

Note: Heavy rust, fresh paint & joint may indicate high wear & tear

7.  Under spare tire & boot pockets

Note: Check for rust/dampness/unoriginal welds for water leaks and chassis repair

8.  Lining (door, window)

Note: Peeling/warped/cracked rubber lining, seals from weather exposure and possible leaking

9. Panel glue

Note: Usually below doors (along drain hole) and leftmost/rightmost of wheelbase for rust, water leak

10. Irregular tire wear (front left vs front right; rear left vs rear right)

Note: Worn shock absorbers, chamber/alignment issues

11. Service history (if available)

Note: Service booklet/receipts for service history

Start The Engine

1. Engine Idling

Possible cause: Improper engine timing, worn mounting(s), faulty ignition system, cold engine, loose/cracked vacuum hose(s)

2. Exhaust Smoke Color

Gray/Blue: Worn piston rings, valve seals, lubricant overflow, faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, compression issue

White/Water Vapor: Normal if cold day, worn cylinder head gasket, warped/cracked head/block

Black: Faulty/Off tuned choke, faulty fuel injectors

3. Engine, Brake, & Transmission Lubricant/Oil

Note: Thick, burnt smell, coal black, discolored lubricant from poor servicing, leaking gasket/lubricant line

4. Sludge check (underneath oil cap, valve springs)

Possible cause: Wear & tear, worn seals & piston rings

5. Mileage (timing belt change at 80K)

Note: High mileage may not indicate poor maintenance/car care; abnormally low mileage may not indicate correct mileage/proper car maintenance

6.  Radiator/spare tank water

Note: Not oily or murky indicating worn gaskets or cracked cylinder head

7. Engine bay leaks

Note: Oily components may indicate blow-by/loose/cracked hoses, discolored body panel below master brake servo may indicate leaking servo; rust on bonnet above battery indicates leaking/over-filled battery

8. Air Condition smell

Note: Stale mushy smell may indicate car previously had water in or blocked air duct.

9. Oily Exhaust Pipe

Worn piston rings, valve seals, lubricant overflow, faulty Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, compression issue

Test Drive

1. Unusual sounds

Note: Undercarriage sounds (worn bushes, loose mount, arms, absorbers), door sounds (loose panel/screw, misaligned door, loose window mount)

2. Transmission shifting

Note: Auto – Smooth continuous gear shifting (no jerking), easy movements between gear slots; Manual – light clutch, easy & effortless gear change

3. Alignment (left/right pulling)

Note: Depending on road condition/gradient, vehicle should not pull easily on its own away to the side when steering is straight. Other wise normally indicate worn absorbers, alignment\chamber issue

4. Full turn (drive shaft)

Note: Knocking/clicking sound from drive shaft for worn CV joint

5. Emergency stop (suspension wear & tear, body structure condition, alignment)

Note: Execute only on deserted road/car park. Vehicle should stop in a straight line without brakes feeling too spongy (may contain air pockets/leaking brake line)

6. Steering responsiveness & feedback

Note: No straying, not tight (power steering) and no irregular noise/feedback (loose steering rack/mounting)

7. After test drive

Recheck exhaust, engine bay and idling