Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle interior looking for any damage or imperfections. Check the odometer reading and assess whether the amount of interior wear seems consistent with the age and mileage of the vehicle. Wear to the interior is a fairly reliable indicator of mileage. The condition of the exterior can vary widely according to how the vehicle has been driven and treated, while interior wear is generally more uniform and correlates more directly to the amount of normal usage. Clues that indicate high mileage include heavy wear to the steering-wheel cover, the brake and clutch pedal, the carpet near the gas pedal and (if it's original) the ignition key. If the odometer reading seems too good to be true, there may be cause for suspicion. - Open the doors and inspect the door-hinges (figure A) and latches for wear. Hinges on the driver's side in particular typically receive a lot of wear, and there may be buckling in the metal door frame where the hinge attaches. Make certain that the doors are not overly loose and that they open, close and latch properly. Check whether any of the interior door panels are loose. Be sure that door releases and all electric controls (figure B) -- power locks, power windows, mirror adjust -- or window cranks are operational.
- Check the condition of the steering wheel and steering-wheel cover (figure C). With wear, the seams of the cover may split or come loose and the cover may begin to separate from the wheel. Replacing a steering wheel can be very expensive. Make certain that the horn works, and check the condition of the controls on the steering wheel and column such as cruise control, windshield-wiper controls, headlight switch and turn signals.
- Check the overall condition of the dash as well as the speedometer and other dash indicators. Check all controls and switches on the dash to make sure that none is loose or damaged.
- If there is a center console, make certain that it is solidly attached (figure D) and that the lid operates and latches properly.
- Check the condition of the emergency-brake handle and gearshift.
- Check the air-conditioning/heater controls, including any slide controls, rotary knobs or solenoid switches. Also check the directional vent covers. Broken or worn-out air vents are one of the more common signs of wear in used vehicles.
- Check the front panel on the radio or stereo system to be certain that all controls are properly attached and operational.
- Check the condition of the upholstery for rips, splits and (if there are leather seat covers) cracks.
- Check the condition of the carpet. If there are floor mats, don't forget to pull them out and check the condition of the carpet underneath.
- Sit in the driver's seat and make certain that the floor pedals are in good shape and that the seat adjustments work. Put on the safety belt and make certain that it is operational and adjusts properly.
RESOURCES :
Buying a Car for Dummies
ISBN: 0764550918
Author: Deanna Sclar
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Hungry Minds, Inc.
Buying a Car Online for Dummies
ISBN: 0764506978
Author: Pierre Bourque and Richard Mansfield
To order this title from Amazon.com, click here.
Hungry Minds, Inc.
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