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    The Ultimate Used Car Buyer's Checklist

    From Colorado Automotive Report & Service

    Don't buy blind. Check these before you sign.

    1Before You Even See the Car

    • VIN check: Run a Carfax or AutoCheck report (salvage title? accidents? odometer rollback?)
    • Market price: Compare asking price to KBB, Edmunds, and local listings
    • Seller red flags: Pushy "buy today" pressure, won't let you inspect, cash only demands
    • Service records: Ask for maintenance history (oil changes, timing belt, major repairs)

    2Exterior Inspection (Walk Around First)

    Body & Paint

    • Panel gaps: Uneven spacing = possible accident repair
    • Paint depth: Run your finger along panels. Feel for bumps (body filler = hidden damage)
    • Rust: Check wheel wells, door edges, under trunk, rocker panels
    • Tire wear: Uneven wear = alignment issues or suspension problems
    • Tire age: DOT code on sidewall (tires older than 6 years = replace soon)

    Glass & Lights

    • Windshield cracks: Small chips spread; check all windows
    • Headlight fog: Oxidized headlights = cosmetic issue (but check if they work)
    • All lights work: Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights

    3Under the Hood (Engine Off First)

    Fluids

    • Engine oil: Pull dipstick. Dark/gritty = neglected; milky = head gasket leak
    • Coolant: Should be bright green/orange; rusty brown = system neglect
    • Brake fluid: Dark = old; low level = possible leak
    • Power steering fluid: Pink or clear; brown/burnt smell = problem
    • Transmission fluid: Should be red/pink; brown or burnt smell = major issue

    Leaks & Hoses

    • Visible leaks: Check ground under car, look for wet spots on engine
    • Hoses & belts: Cracks, fraying, or squealing noises = replace soon
    • Battery terminals: Corrosion (white/blue powder) = clean or replace battery

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    4Interior Check

    Seats & Controls

    • Seat wear: Excessive wear doesn't match low mileage = odometer fraud
    • All controls work: Windows, locks, mirrors, seat adjusters, A/C, heat
    • Dashboard lights: Turn key to ON (engine off). Check engine light, ABS, airbag warnings
    • Odometer: Does mileage match service records and wear?

    Smells (Trust Your Nose)

    • Musty/mildew: Water leak or flood damage
    • Sweet smell: Coolant leak (heater core)
    • Burning oil: Engine issue

    This is a lot to check on your own. Let a pro handle it →

    5Test Drive (20+ Minutes, Highway + City)

    • Starts easily: No grinding, no hesitation, no smoke from exhaust
    • Steering: Straight tracking, no pulling left/right, no vibration
    • Brakes: Firm pedal, no grinding/squealing, stops straight
    • Transmission: Smooth shifts (auto) or clutch feels good (manual)
    • Engine: No hesitation, no knocking, smooth acceleration
    • Suspension: No clunks over bumps, no bouncing
    • Warning lights: Check engine light should turn off after starting; if it stays on = problem

    6Under the Car (Bring a Flashlight)

    • Frame damage: Look for bends, welds, or kinks (accident damage)
    • Exhaust rust: Holes = replace soon
    • Oil pan/transmission: Wet = leaking
    • Suspension: Bounce each corner. Should settle in 1-2 bounces

    When to Walk Away (Red Flags)

    Seller won't let you:

    • • Get a pre-purchase inspection
    • • Test drive on highway
    • • See maintenance records

    Vehicle has:

    • • Salvage title (unless you know what you're doing)
    • • Check engine light on (unless diagnosed and priced accordingly)
    • • Flood damage (musty smell, water lines, electrical gremlins)
    • • Frame damage (major accident history)

    Seller is:

    • • Pushy ("buy today or it's gone")
    • • Vague about history
    • • Cash only with no paperwork

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