Used Car Checklistdrivetime.comThe Genius Way to Buy a Car
Determine the price range you want tostay within
Find out which cars have the features you want
Check vehicle safety ratings
Check fuel economy
1. Do Your Vehicle Research
Check a pricing tool like Kelley Blue Book®
Keep in mind other factors that impact whatyou end up paying, including:
Term of payment • Interest Rate • Sales Tax Dealer Fees • Registration Fees • Down Payment
2. Find the Market Value
Educate yourself on the basics of financingand simple interest loans
Find out what impacts your financing
Get pre-approved before going to the dealer
3. Understand Financing Options
Keep in mind that upgrading your vehiclelikely end up changing your insurance rate
Get quotes from multiple insurance carriers andcompare them
4. Check Car Insurance Rates
Research the different kinds of car titles
Research different vehicle history report providers
Get your vehicle history report
5. Get a Vehicle History Report
Check the tires
Check the undercarriage
Check the doors and openings
Check the glass
Have a mechanic take a look if you are unsure
6. External Walk Around
Check the oil:
Locate the dipstick • Pull it out clean it and put it back • Pull it out again and check the oil level on the stick • Check the oil color
Check for coolant leaks
7. Check Under the Hood
Check for any lingering smells
Check that the seats are in good condition anddon’t have any rips or scratches
Check that the radio, heating & a/c, locks, gps, sunroof and other interior features function
8. Inspect the Interior
Have someone else (a friend or familymember) start the car while you stand outside
Test the lights and blinkers
Check the engine for strange sounds or smells
9. Start the Car
Test the vehicle brakes
Take the car on the highway
Make sure the A/C and heater work
Make sure cruise control functions
Check the horn
Make sure you like the visibilty
10. Take a Test Drive
Check for oil or coolant leaks
Check for strange smells
Check the engine and exhaust
11. Post Test Drive Inspection
Request a complete service record from theowner or dealer
Check what work has been completed on the car
12. Review Service Records
DriveTime has provided this checklist as a guide to the basic items that should be inspected on a vehicle. This checklist may not include all points you want to inspect and is not intended to be an itemized, all-inclusive checklist. Have an independent, third party mechanic inspect the vehicle when possible.