Are you looking to buy a used automobile? That thrilling buy can easily become an expensive nightmare unless it is thoroughly inspected! At Maclane’s Automotive, we’ve had dozens of customers come in for surprise repairs for their used vehicle because of unknown problems they didn’t detect during the buying process.

We’ve put together a list of 12 must-have checks that will help shield you from unnecessary issues that most often rear their ugly head after purchasing a used vehicle. Let’s dive into each check so you can make a sound, well-informed decision on your next used vehicle. These simple yet essential steps may save you from spending thousands on repairs down the road.

1. The Need for Daylight Inspection

While you are browsing for a second-hand car, the first and most important thing that you must do is try to view it in person it during the day. The reason for this is that when you view a car in the evening, it would be very hard to notice any serious faults that might cost you a lot of money to repair later.

What You Can See During Daylight Inspection

Here are some things that proper daylight allows you to spot:

Panel Uniformity: Compare each body panel against adjacent ones – they should match perfectly in color and texture

Paint Inconsistencies: Different paint shades or textures often indicate previous accident repairs

Rust Problems: Natural sunlight reveals early signs of rust, especially in corners and under trim

Hidden Damage: Daylight exposes dents, scratches, and body repairs that artificial lighting might mask

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Be aware, any signs of repainting work signal potential accident history or rust problems. When one panel shows rust, it’s likely other areas are affected too – this could mean the car is approaching the end of its lifespan.

2. The Significance of Tires

Your tires reveal important information about the used car you’re considering buying. Since a new set of tires can cost between $800 and $1,000, it’s essential to inspect them as part of your pre-purchase checklist.

Here’s what you need to check:

• Turn the wheels completely to one side
• Run your hands across the tire surface
• Look for uneven wear patterns including feathering (wear on one side), cupping (scalloped dips), and irregular tread depth

These wear patterns often indicate potential issues such as misaligned wheels, worn suspension parts, or previous accident damage.

A car with uneven tire wear might require costly repairs to both the suspension and tires. This could turn an initially attractive deal into a financial burden.

3. Under the Hood Checks

Your inspection journey continues under the hood, where crucial fluids tell the story of your potential car’s health.

Transmission Fluid Check:

• Look for the yellow-handled dipstick
• The fluid should display a clear red color
• Check for proper fluid level
• Give it a quick smell test – burnt odor signals trouble

Engine Oil Inspection:

• Pull the dipstick to verify the oil level
• Look for clear, clean oil
• A quick smell test helps detect potential issues

Brake Fluid Tips:

• Check the brake fluid reservoir level
• A full reservoir might indicate:
  • Well-maintained brake system
  • Recently topped-off fluid
  • Possible attempt to mask worn brake pads

Pro tip: Low brake fluid often signals worn brake pads, as the pistons extend further to compensate for wear. A full reservoir doesn’t always guarantee good brakes – sellers might top off fluids before showing the car.

4. Check the Belts and Exhaust System

Inspecting the belts and exhaust system of a used car can help you avoid expensive repairs in the future, hands down. Here’s what you should look for:

Belt Inspection:

• Feel the belts with your hands
• Look for any cracks or fraying
• Make sure the belts are properly tightened
• Check for shiny spots that indicate wear

Exhaust System Examination:

• Inspect the entire exhaust system for any signs of rust
• Pay close attention to aluminum parts
• Look for any discoloration that could indicate leaks
• Check connection points for signs of corrosion

A well-maintained exhaust system should not have any major rust issues, and all its parts should be intact. Significant rust or deterioration may mean that repairs are imminent in the near future. The belts should feel firm and show no visible damage – replacing these parts can add unexpected costs to your purchase.

5. Coolant and OBD2 Reader Analysis

A critical inspection of your potentially used car’s coolant system reveals vital clues about its health. Check the antifreeze when the engine is cold – it should display a clear, vibrant green or pink color, depending on the type. Any signs of oil contamination or murky appearance raise red flags about potential engine issues.

The OBD2 reader serves as your digital detective for cars manufactured after 1999. You can purchase a reliable reader for around $45, making it a smart investment for used car shopping. Here’s what to check:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes: Zero codes indicate potential good health

Vehicle Readiness Tests: Check if all supported monitors show “complete” status

VIN Verification: Confirm the vehicle’s identity through the reader

Pro Tip: A “complete” status on all readiness monitors suggests the vehicle has been driven regularly since its last computer reset – a positive sign. Incomplete monitors might indicate recent code clearing to hide issues.

6. Listening to Engine Sounds and Researching Online Reviews

Your ears can be your best tool when inspecting a used car. During your test drive:

Turn off all distractions:

• Switch off the radio
• Disable the fan/AC system
• Ask the seller to remain quiet

Listen carefully for these warning signs:

• Ticking sounds
• Knocking noises
• Squeaking
• Unusual squawks

Any of these noises could be indicative of mechanical problems that will cost you a lot of money in the future.

Research is your ally in making an intelligent choice. Browse web reviews of the exact model of the car in question. Sure, negative comments will get your attention, but keep this valuable insight in mind: for each outraged complaint posted on the web, there are frequently 200 happy owners who simply don’t take the time to report their good news.

This is how one should read internet reviews:

Read multiple sources and sites for an unbiased evaluation of the vehicle’s performance and issues. Look for common issues that are recurring, as those may be recurring issues that other owners have had. Give credence to owner reviews that have been authenticated so that the review can be applied and is genuine. Take the age and mileage of test-drove cars into consideration; for older, higher mileage, test-droved models will naturally have more problems based on their very existence. Listen especially closely to comments about maintenance, for this can provide some clues about the car’s long-term reliability and cost of maintenance.

Actual usage-based owner comments can provide you with some insight into potential issues and allow you to make a more informed decision with your purchase!

7. Other Precautionary Measures

Here’s a smart tip that many car buyers miss: Call your local parts store before making a purchase decision. Parts store employees can provide valuable insights about specific car models, including common repair patterns, frequently ordered replacement parts, known mechanical issues, and parts availability and costs.

This simple phone call can reveal potential red flags. If the parts store reports frequent orders for transmission parts or wheel bearings for your chosen model, you might want to reconsider your choice or factor these future repairs into your budget.

Remember – dealerships might not share this information, but parts stores have no stake in your purchase. They’ll give you straight facts based on their sales history and customer feedback.

Choose Maclane’s Automotive Repair For Pro Service

A thorough inspection can be the line between a solid used car buy and a costly headache. These 12 critical inspections are your guide to a wiser buying decision, enabling you to identify problems before they turn into costly repairs.

Need professional service with your vehicle repair or inspection? We at Maclane’s Automotive recognize the value of having you safe on the road. Our Downingtown, PA, family-owned repair shop is skilled in:

• Quality repairs are done right the first time
• Building lasting customer relationships
• Comprehensive auto services from oil changes to emergency repairs
• Expert diagnostics and solutions

Skip the dealership hassles – trust our professional technicians to handle your car with the care it deserves. Whether you’re considering a used car purchase or need reliable auto repairs, we’re here to help.

Ready to experience the best car repair service in the Thorndale, Exton, Coatesville, Honey Brook, Chester Springs, and Glenmoore areas? 📞 Call us today at (610) 590-9974!

Your safety is our priority – let’s keep your vehicle running smoothly, together.