Car check list,
Pre checks, HPI vehicle history check
1, outside
• Check the paintwork for evidence of poor repairs
• Check the panel gaps again for evidence of poor repairs
• Check the wheel arches for rust (rust is bad and cant be repaired the effected area needs to be cut away and replaced.
• Check the sills for rust and damage from jacking
• Check the lower parts of the car for damage e.g. cracked bumper
• Check under the wheel arch for oil from leaking shocks and check the brakes for damage, while there check for rust.
2, inside
• Check the key works in the door even if the car has a fob
• Check the cars controls and seat for wear and make sure it matches the mileage, a lot of imported cars have been clocked!
• Check the interior for damaged and broken trim.
• Check the electrical systems work like the windows radio etc but don’t start the engine yet.
3, engine off
• Open the bonnet and check the engine has oil and water
• The engine oil should be clean and free from metallic particles (looks like glitter)
• The engine coolant should be clear not brown and murky and be coloured e.g. green
• Check the engine bay for rust and damage
• Check the engine for leaks and obvious damage
• Check the radiator for damage and leaks
• Check the brakes for leaks and damage
4, engine on
• Start the engine paying attention to the dash lights make sure the oil and battery light are on with the engine off and go out as soon as it starts
• Listen for any rattling noise when the engine starts
• The engine should start straight away and not shake or splutter when it does start
• Pick the engine revs up to around 2500-3000 and check for smoke from the exhaust and bonnet. (two people helps to do this)
• There might be a small amount of white smoke (water vapour) from the exhaust this is normal. There should be no blue = oil smoke, black = Fuel smoke or large amounts of white = Coolant smoke.
• The engine should be smooth with no shuddering or any excessive noise
• Allow the engine to warm up while checking the papers.
5, papers
• Check all the vin/chassis no’s match the car’s stamped no and its chassis plate
• The car should have a v5 registration document and a valid MOT.
• A vehicle hand book and service book with stamps would be nice but not essential.
• Imported cars need to have a SVA test it would be nice to see its import papers and the documents from this test.
6, road test
• The engine should be hot now but it shouldn’t overheat, check for smoke again the same as when it was cold.
• Insist you drive your insurance company will supply you with temporary cover to do this.
• Take the car out and listen for any noises don’t get carried away just driving the car like I do!!
• Check the brakes work well they are important!!
• Check the steering it should work with no noise (mustangs are known for killing suspension joints)
• Check the transmission shifts up and down smoothly manual or auto
• Check the engines performance, accelerate hard from a standing start there should be no shaking or whining noise and the steering should stay straight and not be hard to steer.
Good look finding a car and i hope this helps
Matt