Inspecting the Inside of a Used Vehicle
After you have inspected the vehicle exterior, concentrate on the interior.
How clean and well maintained the inside is will give you some idea of what condition the car is in. Do not let anyone rush your inspection.
The inspection is your best chance to ensure that the car you are looking at is in good condition and will serve you well if you buy it.
Prepare and make inspection notes from the following checklist:
Make: _____ Model:_____ Year: _____ Date: _____
___ Check the total mileage. Average mileage is about 12,000 miles per year
___ Inspect the odometer for scratches on the dashboard or odometer, misaligned numbers, numbers that stick or a loosely fitting odometer, which could indicate tampering which is illegal
___ Compare service and oil filter change mileage to the odometer meter for inconsistencies
___ Check the condition of the seats and upholstery for discoloring, tears and excessive wear. Leather seats should be soft, not dried out
___ Ensure the seats and arm rests can be fully adjusted as designed
___ Check the condition of the seatbelts and carpeting for excessive wear, tears, discoloring, and fraying
___ Ensure that the windows properly open and close and make a good seal to keep water and noise out
___ Check the condition of the rubber stripping to ensure it seats the windows properly. You should not hear air rush in when driving on the highway and water should not come in when spraying the window with a hose
___ Check the brake, accelerator and clutch (if manual transmission). They should operate smoothly, not stick or make strange sounds
___ Ensure all exterior and interior lights work to include the map lights, lights in the glove compartment and vanity mirror lights
___ Start the engine and ensure that the dashboard lights work and that no sensors lights are on indicating a defective part
___ Ensure that the cigarette lighter/charger works
___ Ensure the high beam and windshield washer controls work properly and the high beam light indicator comes on when activated
___ Ensure that the heater and air conditioning are working very well
___ Ensure that the mirrors and seats adjust properly
___ Ensure that all switches operate as they should
___ Check the top of the dashboard for cracking and discoloration (from too much Sun)
___ Ensure the stereo and sound system works properly and that the speakers are not shot. Also ensure that the antennae operates
___ Ensure that the emergency brake and hazard warning lights work
___ Ensure the locks work properly
___ Ensure the alarm arms and works properly (if applicable)
___ Check the glove compartment for the owner’s manual
___ Check the vehicle for unusual odors (engine on), especially engine, exhaust and gasoline odors
___ Check the airbag compartment seams for unusual signs of breakage, wear or tampering
___ Check to se if you are comfortable with the car’s blind spot, which all cars have