When we go out looking for a new or used car, the word “tire kicker” often evokes a negative stigma. However, it represents what everyone looking for a new or used car should be doing: an inspection. Once you’ve come up with your initial criteria for a replacement of addition to your current stable of cars, you’ll often want to research the possible choises you have for a variety of things like reliability, economy, usability and other real world metrics. All of the above a very personal things that each person weighs in a way only they can. However, when you actually go to check out the car itself, it’s easier to have a guide that you can run through in a mechanical fashion to make sure the car of your dreams won’t become the car of your nightmares.

This post is the first in a series of posts where I’ll present a new set of criteria as part of an inspection. At the conclusion, I’ll post a complete PDF checklist that every owner should use to see if the car you have your heart set on is, in fact, meat to be. So, onto part 1 of the list: VIN Inspection

1. VIN matches other VIN’s on vehicle and paperwork/Proper attachment (original/no alterations)
2. Vehicle has California emission sticker (California only)
3. Service bulletins and recall updates performed on vehicle
4. Check vehicle for trouble codes
5. Oil Change/Scheduled Maintenance Performed

eBay is infamous for people posting pictures of a valid VIN on a car that looks exactly like the one they are selling, when in fact they have a title that gives a completely different VIN. That clean VIN will show a car with an excellent history and the same features as the car being sold. The sellers count on a lazy user who won’t compare the VIN on the car when they see it in person to the VIN they were given to do a CarFax check with. It’s pretty strait forward, but people can be lazy and not check these things when the high of seeing a new car takes over. Once this is verified, you’ll often be able to check for service recalls. Taking the car to a local mechanic that specializes in the model you’re interested in is another great way to make sure the seller is honest and you’re getting what you’re told you are. Most mechanics will check car error codes for free, for example, and those who do charge will probably do it for less than $50. Should the car you are looking at have a check engine light (CEL), taking it to a mechanic to validate the reason is a MUST. From personal experiance, it’s very easy to buy a running car with “just a CEL on” and end up with a car that has a cracked engine block or head. If you’re lucky enough to find a car that has a complete history of records, check the average mileage between oil changes. Simply changing the oil and filter every 3000-5000 miles will help ensure your car will last years to come without serious internal engine problems.

I hope you enjoyed this small post and hope you’ll come back to learn more about our next inspection step…

The Road Test!

What to Look for When Buying a Used Car

Read these 8 Tips for Buying a Used Car before making your final decision on what car to buy:

1. The Engine - The first thing to check is the engine. You need to look at the overall condition of the engine. Is there oil all over? Does there look like the belts are worn? If you see anything that does not look right, you should inquire as to why. You can have your own mechanic check to see if there are any potential problem with the engine of the used car.
2. The Body - The body is another thing to look at. Just because you do not see any rust or holes, does not mean the underside does not have rust or holes. Check the wheel wells and the trunk for holes or rust. Take a close look at the bumpers. Make sure there is no rust by the connections. Make sure the bumper is secure.
3. The Fuel Efficiency - Some used cars can be certified gas guzzlers.  In these economic times the cars fuel efficiency should be top of mind (Check out these 8 best used cars under 10k that are fuel efficient).
4. The Mileage - Check the odometer. The mileage on a car is important. Compare the mileage to the mileage listed on the title. It is possible to turn back the odometer. An inconsistency with the odometer reading may be that a different engine was installed.
5. The Gauges - Remember to check all the gauges after you start the car. This includes the gas gauge, oil pressure gauge and the temperature gauge. A faulty gauge can cause confusion for the driver.
6. The Frame - Another thing to look at in your used car search is the condition of the frame. Examine the car from a straight on view from the front and back. Make sure the frame is straight. Cars that were in an accident and repaired may shows signs of frame damage that could not be repaired correctly.
7. The History - Ask the person questions about the car. Make sure you know everything about the car.  You can check with some of the car websites to see the history of the car. This helps you find out a little more information about the car that may not be known by the person selling it or the person may not want to disclose the information. All you need is the VIN number, which is located in the window on the left side of the car.
8. The Test Drive - Next, take the car for a test drive. Make sure to take it on the highway to see how the front end handles. A shaky front end may be a sign of an unaligned front end. See how the vehicle handles turning, stopping and accelerating. If the car passes all of your tests and examination, you are probably getting a good car that will last for a while.