Tips That Can Help
Checking Out A Used Car
When I go see a used car and I like what I see on first impression I forget to go through my check list before making an offer, here is a check list:
1) Check the engine oil
2) Check the break fluid reservoir if it is low could be a sign the break pads are almost gone or a fluid leak.
3) Start the car and turn on the Air Conditioning, full blast and let the car run while you do the following checks. If the car has a collent leak or an over heating problem this will help identify it. Let the car run...
4) With gloves on you hands look at each tire one by one and see what the tred looks like.
4.1) Do the following to all four tires, One hand on the front of the tire one hand on the back, pull with one hand push with the other thenpush and pull. If the steering is loose you will feel it. Next put both hands on the top of the tire then push and pull, if the suspension is loose you can feel it.
5) Remember the car is still running let it run.
6) Open the trunk
6.1)Is there a spare tire what does it look like?
6.1) Is there a jack and tire iron?
7) Open the passanger side door sit in the back seat and try the seat belt, also try the center seat belt
8) Sit in the front passanger seat move if front and back, tilt the seat back if it can be tilted.
8.1) Open the glove box, look and see if the proof of insurance is in the glove box and if it has expired. Look through the other paper work, repair recipts, etc.
8.1) Turn on the radio, try AM, FM
9) Remember the car is still running, let it run.
9.1) Check the passanger side mirror, can it be moved, manual or electric.
9.2) Change to AC controls from cool to heat and see if heat comes out of the vents.
10) Check the transmission fluid level, that has to be done with the engine running.
10.1) Close the hood. Note how it closes and remember how it opened.
11) Now sit in the drivers seat, did the doam light come on when you got in the car
11.1) Adjust the driver side mirror
11.2) Adjust the rear view mirror
11.3) Turn on the headlights, right turn signal, left turn signal, high beams. This can best be done with your friend checking the outside lights.
12) Now time to drive the car
12.1) Put your foot on the brake peddle (make sure the peddle is hard) and put the car in reverse.
12.2) Put the car in drive, now carefully do a test drive
13) Has the inspection sticker expired, when does it expire, tomarrow?
14) Have the owner show you the title, is it clear (outstanding loan)?
14.1) Is the over 100,000 mile check box checked, has the title be dated - may cost you a late registration fee if the date is over 30 days old.
Tires
What do the numbers on the tire side wall mean? This utube video explains the numbers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDQ40hjWrRM
Recalls
Your car may be involved in a recall and you do not know it. Go to the US government web site (https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/) and check out your car for recalls, have your VIN ready.
Fleets everything fleet.........
Sold Your Car
If you sold your car you need to get the buyers information a bill of sale and notify the state where the car is registered, that you are no longer the owner of this car.
In the state of Texas you need to file a Vehicle Transfer Notification
Buying a Used Car - Was it ever Salvaged?
Check a used cars title and find out if it was ever rebuilt, salvaged or had flood damage. This site has a list of companies that will check a VIN number for a few dollars: www.TxDMV.gov
Nissan drawings and parts
at this link
Service Manuals
at this link