How to Mechanically Inspect a Used Car

Buying a used car is an important purchase that requires the right balance of cost-effectiveness. By inspecting the mechanical attributes of a car, you can quickly determine whether it is the right vehicle for you. Repair costs can be considerable, and it is useful to know how to investigate and find existing mechanical problems the car may have, so that you make an informed decision. A few simple inspection techniques allow you to check the basic mechanical processes before purchase.

Instructions

1

Test all doors on the car. Open and close each one and check for panel alignment or loose hinges. Door panels that have uneven gaps could suggest that the car has been in an accident or that the car has experienced heavy use.

2

Open and close the hood and trunk softly. Check for proper alignment and check the hinges for rust. The hood and trunk should shut with little effort; if they don't, there could be problems with the rubber seals, hinges or panel alignment.

3

Push down on each corner of the car to test the suspension. The body should drop once and bounce back; if it bounces two or more times, it indicates that the suspension should be checked out and may need to be replaced. Grip the top of each of the front tires and use a pull-and-push motion to check the wheel bearings and suspension joints. If you hear a clunking sound or there is loose movement, the wheel may need repair.

4

Check all the mechanical processes inside the car. Test each seat by adjusting its position to make sure it slides easily. Look at the pedals and check for excessive wear or replaced rubber, as this suggests heavy use.

5

Open the hood and look at the condition of the engine bay. There should be no oil splashes or stains in the bay or on the ground underneath the engine. Check that there are no loose hoses and feel each hose for hard spots or cracks. Take out the dipstick and look at the oil. If the texture is foamy or contains drops of water, there may be a major problem --- most likely with the head gasket or engine block.

6

Feel the inside of the tailpipe with your fingers and check for greasy black marks, which indicate that the engine is burning oil and needs to be checked.

7

Start the car and let the engine run for several minutes. Check the transmission fluid dipstick for tiny metal fragments, which suggest a problem with the transmission. Finally, listen to the engine: It should have a smooth, regular rhythm when idling.