Used car check 

With this control list you know what is important for a used car.
Walk slowly around the vehicle, paying careful attention to the following points:
  

1. Bodywork & Paint

• Is the vehicle clean?
• Are waves, dents, scrapes or stone chips visible?
• Are color differences or matte spots visible?
• What is the gap size? Are they even?
• Is the vehicle rusting? (Caution! Always consult a specialist for rust points)

2. Lighting

• Inspect all lamps. Are the front lights and the rear light working?
• How is the condition?
• Are stone chips, cracks or moisture visible?

3. Engine compartment

• Inspect the engine compartment: Is it clean and radiant as new? A motor wash can possibly be a sign that the seller wants to cover up leaks.
• Check the fluid levels: oil level, cooling water, steering gear, brake fluid,
• Check the condition of the hoses: Are the hoses porous or leaking? Are the clamps tight?
• Pay attention to the toothed belt: Ask for the toothed belt and provide proof of when and by whom it was renewed.This is to avoid possible engine damage.
• Now test whether the bonnet is light and clean.

4. Interior

• Doors: Check that all doors open and close easily. Is there something clogging or sinking the doors when closing? Are the sealing gums complete and in good condition?
• Seats: Are the upholstery in order? Does it smell pleasant or rather musty or modish? Are all safety belts functional?
• Test the functions: Start the engine and check the ventilation, the windscreen wipers and the functionality of the other buttons, The warning light.

5. Test drive

• Try to divide your test drive into two areas: one with low and one with higher speed.
• Drive slowly:
  • Does the gearbox switch easily and cleanly?
  • Is the car going straight ahead? Are there any crackling noises during steering?
  • Do the ads work? (Speedometer, speedometer) Are the control lamps switched off again?
    
    
• Drive faster:
  • Is there any vibration on the steering wheel? Does the car remain in the track? Are sounds heard? Does the car brake evenly?
  • Caution: Do not brake on the highway test!
• Air conditioning: Does the air conditioning and heating function? Is the ventilation okay?

6. Underbody

• After the test drive, the best way to identify deficiencies
• Condition of the engine: Drips oil?
• What does the exhaust system look like? Here are the most common shortcomings.
• Are the brake pads in order? Is sufficient document strength available? Have the brake discs run or rusted?
• Is the brake caliper difficult? You can see the still rusty brake discs.
• Do the tires have sufficient profile? Are they evenly traveled? (Note on lane and crash settings) Is there any damage to the flank or the profile?
• Are the rim edges damaged?

7. Vehicle papers

• Look at the vehicle papers: Are the papers complete? Are the usage instructions available? Are the owner and the seller the same?
• Is there a maintenance booklet? Are the entries created?
• First aid kit and Warndreieck: Is both available? Is there a warning vest? What is the state of these things?