Operational Tests Take several minutes to check the functioning of all operational features controlled from inside the vehicle. Check all the dashboard indicators and, when you start the vehicle, take note of whether any warning indicators come on.
- Check the condition of the dash panel and all indicators -- speedometer, tachometer, odometer, trip odometer, temperature gauge, oil-pressure gauge, fuel gauge, dash clock, etc.
- Check the seat adjust (forward and backward) and the adjustable seat-back. If the vehicle is so equipped, check the power seats and adjustable-seat memory settings (figure A). Check seat adjusts for the passenger side also.
- Check door locks or power locks, trunk release, hood release, and fuel-fill door release.
- Check all window cranks or power windows.
- Check headlights and signals -- high- and low-beam headlights, emergency flashers, right and left turn signal and brake lights.
- Turn on the windshield wipers and check them on all speed settings -- normal, fast, slow and intermittent. Check the operation of the windshield washer. (The washer-pump motor may fail in an older vehicle.)
- Check the heating and air conditioning. With the AC running on full-cool, make certain that it operates on all fan settings (figure B). Be certain that there is cold air coming from all vents. Repeat the same process for the heater. Make certain that thermostat slides and knobs work properly and that none of the controls is loose or broken.
- Listen to the radio and sound system. Check all controls including FM tuning, volume control, fade, balance, tone controls, cassette/CD operations, etc. Make certain all speakers are operational. Make certain that none of the buttons or knobs is loose or missing.
- Make certain that seat belts fasten and release properly and retract when not in use.
- Check that all doors and windows open properly. If there is a sunroof, make certain that it opens and closes completely. Carefully check for signs of leaks around the sunroof.
- Check the operation of any interior lights -- dome light, map lights, vanity-mirror, glove-compartment light, etc.
- Don't forget any functional features in the back seat. Actually get in the back seat to get an idea of whether everything is in good shape from the back-seat passenger's perspective.
- If you find any electronic problems, check the fuse box. The solution could be an easy fix by simply replacing a fuse (figure C). Be aware, however, that blown fuses may be an indicator of a more serious electrical problem such as a system short.
Test Drive Take the vehicle for a road test to see how it handles and feels, how the engine performs and sounds, and to confirm that driving features such as speedometer and tachometer are functioning properly. Except when testing the stereo system itself, turn the radio/sound system off during the test drive. Take the vehicle on a variety of road surfaces -- including bumpy roads or over speedbumps or a railroad track -- to see how well the suspension performs. Drive it on the interstate, using the on ramp to check how well the vehicle performs under hard acceleration and how smoothly the transmission shifts. Find an empty parking lot to take the vehicle through a series of braking tests. - Start the engine and see how easily it turns over and how it sounds during ignition. Check the panel and gauges at startup. Does the engine start easily or require additional cranking? How smoothly does it idle? Listen for knocks, pings or other engine noise.
- Take note of the transmission and shifting. Is it easy to change gears? If it's an automatic transmission, does shifting occur smoothly during acceleration? Does there appear to be slipping?
- Note how the alignment feels. Does the vehicle shimmy or pull to one side at highway speeds?
- Make certain that the brake pedal is firm and that braking is smooth. Listen for brake squeals or grinding. Note whether the vehicle pulls to one side or there is vibration during braking. Make certain that the parking brake works.
- Check the condition of the tires for severe tread-wear, uneven wear or damage.
Remember that any deficiencies you find during the vehicle inspection and test drive need either to be addressed by the seller or, perhaps more likely, to serve as bargaining leverage as you negotiate a final price.
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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