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Auto Inspection Portland| Used car Inspection| Auto Pre-Purchase Inspection
•If you are meeting a private party to look at a vehicle, try to get there 15 to 20 minutes early. You may
discover the vehicle being prepared for your visit.
•Try to get the seller to set a time for you to see the vehicle when it has been sitting overnight. You
want to see how it will start first thing in the morning.
•Always try to inspect vehicles during the day, when you can see better than at night.
•Don't be afraid to ask the seller to help or show you something.
•Take time to perform an inspection to your satisfaction. Don't hurry or let yourself be rushed.
•At some point during a test drive, try to drive at 20 to 30 mph beside a solid center median or beside a
solid side wall. Open the window halfway and listen for sounds of the vehicle echoed by the hard
surface. You should only hear the sound of the tires on the roadway.
•For practice, inspect a vehicle you already own. Doing so will familiarize you with the process and also
provide a reference point for vehicles you are considering for purchase.
•Refer to the CARFAX Vehicle History Report to determine if the vehicle has any issues that may effect
your purchase decision.
Exterior
Yes No Body
Are seams where doors and fenders meet even and straight?
Are seams where the hood and trunk meet the fenders even and straight?
Does a magnet cling to all steel body panels? (Be sure to test fenders, the lower corners of doors, and
rocker panels—the areas below doors. If a magnet doesn't cling, suspect body filler was used to repair
rust or accident damage.)
Are all body panels the same color?
Has the car been recently repainted? (Look for signs of spray paint on moldings; also check the edges
of the doors, hood, and trunk to be sure they are all the same color. Fresh paint may cover rust that will
continue to progress.)
Tires
Do all tires have the same amount of tread?
Are all tires the same size? (Check tire size markings on tire sidewalls.)
Are all tires the same brand?
Is there a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench? If the vehicle has locking hubcaps, is there a key for
removing them?
Is the spare tire inflated (Press hard against the side with your thumb; the tire should be firm.)
Suspension
Does the vehicle sit level?
Bounce each corner of the vehicle. Do all corners respond the same? (Corners should only bounce once
or twice before stopping.)
Do you hear a creaking noise when bouncing the vehicle's corners?
Frame
Examine inside trunk, wheel wells, and under hood. Do you see areas that look like they have been
crumpled and straightened?
Look underneath each side of the vehicle for a row of holes in the frame just inside the vehicle's outer
edge. Do holes appear scratched or recently cleaned? (If so, suspect the frame has been straightened
after a crash.)
Gas Cap and Filler Neck
Is there a gas cap? Does it fit correctly? (If the cap locks, is there a key?)
Remove the gas cap and check inside the filler neck. Is there a fuel-nozzle restrictor to prevent adding
leaded fuel? (Most states require them.)
Interior
Is upholstery in good condition? (Look for tears, stains, and burns.)
Are the dashboard and headliner in good condition?
Do seats adjust easily?
Are any window cranks, door locks, handles, dash controls or similar items missing?
Do all interior lights and dash bulbs work?
Does carpet condition match the age of the vehicle?
Does carpeting smell of mildew or stale water, suggesting moisture underneath (or worse, flood
damage)?
Check under the dash at the top of the carpet. Are there stains suggesting heater core or air conditioner
leakage
Accessories
Do all accessories, such as the heater, air conditioner, audio system, and alarm system, operate fully?
Test all functions of each.
Engine Compartment
Are there signs of oil or fluid leaks?
Run the engine at full operating temperature. Are there abnormal smells that might be due to leaking
fluids on hot engine parts?
Are there unusual noises, such as clattering or metallic sounds, or sharp hissing, in the engine
compartment when the engine is running? (Normal sound is smooth whirring of belts and fan.)
Does anything appear to be missing? (Look for shiny or clean areas where parts may have been
removed.)
Under the Vehicle
Are there fluid leaks on the underside of the engine and transmission, at axle ends, at brake line
connections, or on the ground beneath the vehicle? Green fluid is usually antifreeze; reddish fluid is
usually power steering or transmission fluid; dark brown or black fluid is usually oil or brake fluid.
Are any parts loose, with the exception of exhaust parts slung from flexible rubber "donuts"?
Does anything appear missing, such as bolts, clamps, brackets or cables?
Are exhaust system parts rusty?
Are there marks from scrapes, indicating the car has bottomed out on rocks or pavement?
Examine exhaust when the car is operating at normal temperature. Do you see white or blue smoke?
(Both can indicate an engine problem, especially if the smoke burns your eyes. A small amount of steam
is normal, especially in cold weather.)
Performance
Engine
Does the engine start easily?
Does the engine stall at any time?
Does the engine idle smoothly?
Does the idle speed seem too slow or fast?
Does the engine hesitate or stumble on acceleration?
Does the engine run smoothly during operation?
Does the engine seem to lack power?
If the vehicle has cruise control, do all features work correctly?
Do engine or other system warning lights appear?
Does the engine diesel (continue running) when shut off?
Transmission and Clutch
Is automatic shifting smooth?
On a manual-shift vehicle, is take-off smooth, without grabbing or jerking?
On a manual-shift vehicle, accelerate hard in a higher gear (third or fourth) or while going uphill. If
engine rpms rise without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, the clutch could be slipping. It may
need to be adjusted or replaced.
On a manual-shift vehicle, try shifting to a lower gear when going slowly. Does the transmission shift
easily, without grinding?
4-Wheel Drive
Engage 4-wheel drive only on soft surfaces unless the owner's manual specifically says the feature can
be used on hard-surfaced roads. On a suitable surface, test-drive the vehicle in forward and reverse
with 4-wheel drive engaged. Does the vehicle shift smoothly in both directions?
Turn tight corners to the right and left. Are there clunking sounds or other noises?
Do the wheels bind or pull, whether turning or going straight?
Brakes
Apply the brakes several times at different speeds. Also try a sudden stop. Does the vehicle pull to one
side when brakes are applied?
Do brakes stop the vehicle adequately?
If the vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), try stopping suddenly. Do wheels lock? (A pulsing brake pedal
is normal.)
Does the parking brake hold firmly and release completely?
Steering
Does the vehicle pull to one side during normal operation?
Is steering difficult at any speed?
Turn sharply in both directions. Do you hear clunking or other noises, or feel rubbing or binding?
Does the vehicle shake or vibrate while moving? (Take the vehicle up to freeway speed for this test.)
Is the steering wheel centered when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead?
Other Concerns
•Is there evidence of flood damage? By law, this information should be on the title. Signs are
upholstery and carpet stains, odor, rust in normally dry areas such as beneath the dashboard and inside
the glove compartment, powdery green or white residue inside lowest electrical connectors.
•Is the owners' manual in the vehicle? How about the operating instructions for any accessories, and
any warranty information that still applies to items like tires and exhaust?
•Are previous repair and service records available? (Complete records are a sign that the owner has
taken good care of the vehicle.)
•Does seller have clear title to vehicle?
•If you are meeting a private party to look at a vehicle, try to get there 15 to 20 minutes early. You may
discover the vehicle being prepared for your visit.
•Try to get the seller to set a time for you to see the vehicle when it has been sitting overnight. You
want to see how it will start first thing in the morning.
•Always try to inspect vehicles during the day, when you can see better than at night.
•Don't be afraid to ask the seller to help or show you something.
•Take time to perform an inspection to your satisfaction. Don't hurry or let yourself be rushed.
•At some point during a test drive, try to drive at 20 to 30 mph beside a solid center median or beside a
solid side wall. Open the window halfway and listen for sounds of the vehicle echoed by the hard
surface. You should only hear the sound of the tires on the roadway.
•For practice, inspect a vehicle you already own. Doing so will familiarize you with the process and also
provide a reference point for vehicles you are considering for purchase.
•Refer to the CARFAX Vehicle History Report to determine if the vehicle has any issues that may effect
your purchase decision.
Exterior
Yes No Body
Are seams where doors and fenders meet even and straight?
Are seams where the hood and trunk meet the fenders even and straight?
Does a magnet cling to all steel body panels? (Be sure to test fenders, the lower corners of doors, and
rocker panels—the areas below doors. If a magnet doesn't cling, suspect body filler was used to repair
rust or accident damage.)
Are all body panels the same color?
Has the car been recently repainted? (Look for signs of spray paint on moldings; also check the edges
of the doors, hood, and trunk to be sure they are all the same color. Fresh paint may cover rust that will
continue to progress.)
Tires
Do all tires have the same amount of tread?
Are all tires the same size? (Check tire size markings on tire sidewalls.)
Are all tires the same brand?
Is there a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench? If the vehicle has locking hubcaps, is there a key for
removing them?
Is the spare tire inflated (Press hard against the side with your thumb; the tire should be firm.)
Suspension
Does the vehicle sit level?
Bounce each corner of the vehicle. Do all corners respond the same? (Corners should only bounce once
or twice before stopping.)
Do you hear a creaking noise when bouncing the vehicle's corners?
Frame
Examine inside trunk, wheel wells, and under hood. Do you see areas that look like they have been
crumpled and straightened?
Look underneath each side of the vehicle for a row of holes in the frame just inside the vehicle's outer
edge. Do holes appear scratched or recently cleaned? (If so, suspect the frame has been straightened
after a crash.)
Gas Cap and Filler Neck
Is there a gas cap? Does it fit correctly? (If the cap locks, is there a key?)
Remove the gas cap and check inside the filler neck. Is there a fuel-nozzle restrictor to prevent adding
leaded fuel? (Most states require them.)
Interior
Is upholstery in good condition? (Look for tears, stains, and burns.)
Are the dashboard and headliner in good condition?
Do seats adjust easily?
Are any window cranks, door locks, handles, dash controls or similar items missing?
Do all interior lights and dash bulbs work?
Does carpet condition match the age of the vehicle?
Does carpeting smell of mildew or stale water, suggesting moisture underneath (or worse, flood
damage)?
Check under the dash at the top of the carpet. Are there stains suggesting heater core or air conditioner
leakage
Accessories
Do all accessories, such as the heater, air conditioner, audio system, and alarm system, operate fully?
Test all functions of each.
Engine Compartment
Are there signs of oil or fluid leaks?
Run the engine at full operating temperature. Are there abnormal smells that might be due to leaking
fluids on hot engine parts?
Are there unusual noises, such as clattering or metallic sounds, or sharp hissing, in the engine
compartment when the engine is running? (Normal sound is smooth whirring of belts and fan.)
Does anything appear to be missing? (Look for shiny or clean areas where parts may have been
removed.)
Under the Vehicle
Are there fluid leaks on the underside of the engine and transmission, at axle ends, at brake line
connections, or on the ground beneath the vehicle? Green fluid is usually antifreeze; reddish fluid is
usually power steering or transmission fluid; dark brown or black fluid is usually oil or brake fluid.
Are any parts loose, with the exception of exhaust parts slung from flexible rubber "donuts"?
Does anything appear missing, such as bolts, clamps, brackets or cables?
Are exhaust system parts rusty?
Are there marks from scrapes, indicating the car has bottomed out on rocks or pavement?
Examine exhaust when the car is operating at normal temperature. Do you see white or blue smoke?
(Both can indicate an engine problem, especially if the smoke burns your eyes. A small amount of steam
is normal, especially in cold weather.)
Performance
Engine
Does the engine start easily?
Does the engine stall at any time?
Does the engine idle smoothly?
Does the idle speed seem too slow or fast?
Does the engine hesitate or stumble on acceleration?
Does the engine run smoothly during operation?
Does the engine seem to lack power?
If the vehicle has cruise control, do all features work correctly?
Do engine or other system warning lights appear?
Does the engine diesel (continue running) when shut off?
Transmission and Clutch
Is automatic shifting smooth?
On a manual-shift vehicle, is take-off smooth, without grabbing or jerking?
On a manual-shift vehicle, accelerate hard in a higher gear (third or fourth) or while going uphill. If
engine rpms rise without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, the clutch could be slipping. It may
need to be adjusted or replaced.
On a manual-shift vehicle, try shifting to a lower gear when going slowly. Does the transmission shift
easily, without grinding?
4-Wheel Drive
Engage 4-wheel drive only on soft surfaces unless the owner's manual specifically says the feature can
be used on hard-surfaced roads. On a suitable surface, test-drive the vehicle in forward and reverse
with 4-wheel drive engaged. Does the vehicle shift smoothly in both directions?
Turn tight corners to the right and left. Are there clunking sounds or other noises?
Do the wheels bind or pull, whether turning or going straight?
Brakes
Apply the brakes several times at different speeds. Also try a sudden stop. Does the vehicle pull to one
side when brakes are applied?
Do brakes stop the vehicle adequately?
If the vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), try stopping suddenly. Do wheels lock? (A pulsing brake pedal
is normal.)
Does the parking brake hold firmly and release completely?
Steering
Does the vehicle pull to one side during normal operation?
Is steering difficult at any speed?
Turn sharply in both directions. Do you hear clunking or other noises, or feel rubbing or binding?
Does the vehicle shake or vibrate while moving? (Take the vehicle up to freeway speed for this test.)
Is the steering wheel centered when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead?
Other Concerns
•Is there evidence of flood damage? By law, this information should be on the title. Signs are
upholstery and carpet stains, odor, rust in normally dry areas such as beneath the dashboard and inside
the glove compartment, powdery green or white residue inside lowest electrical connectors.
•Is the owners' manual in the vehicle? How about the operating instructions for any accessories, and
any warranty information that still applies to items like tires and exhaust?
•Are previous repair and service records available? (Complete records are a sign that the owner has
taken good care of the vehicle.)
•Does seller have clear title to vehicle?
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Its big problem when you by a used
car with out inspection this why we
have system in place to you are
buying a safe car, per-purchase
inspection,used car inspection, buy
good car,Repurchase Inspection in
Portland, its our number one goal to
keep the buyer from bad car buying,
Portland Vancouver car Inspection
by E&A Auto Repair
car with out inspection this why we
have system in place to you are
buying a safe car, per-purchase
inspection,used car inspection, buy
good car,Repurchase Inspection in
Portland, its our number one goal to
keep the buyer from bad car buying,
Portland Vancouver car Inspection
by E&A Auto Repair