Poquet Auto Blog

How to Check the Condition of a Car

Written by Poquet Auto | Nov 1, 2017 4:16:00 PM

Whether you're looking to sell your vehicle, or you’re in the process of buying a pre-owned car, you may be wondering how to check the overall condition.

 

We’re not all mechanics, but when it comes to making a decision to purchase or sell a vehicle, you should be armed with a few pointers to follow.

To get the most accurate sense of a car’s condition, consider the following 4 categories:

  1. Exterior
  2. Interior
  3. Mechanical
  4. Miscellaneous

Plus, in each section, we offer a condition checklist for you go through when looking at your vehicle or another one!

 

1. EXTERIOR

Here’s where you’ll be “kicking the tires” so to speak. As you work your way around the vehicle, look for any issues regarding the paint and body. Do you notice any significant damage, flaws in the paint, or indications of body work? You should also check out the windshield, lights, and lenses. Look out for scratches, chips, pitting, or cracks! When it comes to the tires, don’t stop where the rubber meets the road. In addition to checking the tire tread, get up close and personal with the wheel itself.

Paint and Body Damage

𝤿 Pristine; no scratches, dents, chips in paint, or rust
𝤿 Minimal scratches and chips
𝤿 Moderate scratches, chips, dents, or surface rust
𝤿 Damaged; major dents, flaws in the paint, or rust

Bodywork Performed

𝤿 No work done
𝤿 Minor cosmetic work done; dent removal, paint touch ups
𝤿 Notable amount of paint and/or bodywork done

Windshield, lights, or lenses

𝤿 No defects to windshield, lights, or lenses
𝤿 Small scratches to glass; slight discoloration to lights or lenses; may need repairs
𝤿 Moderate scratches, chips, or pitting; may not be repairable
𝤿 Significant crack to windshield or lights; discoloration to lenses; should be replaced

Wheels

𝤿 No damage to wheel well
𝤿 Small scratches, tears, or scrapes; may need repairs
𝤿 Significant scratches, tears, scrapes, pitting, bent, or dented; should be replaced

Tires

𝤿 Brand New; all matching
𝤿 More than 75% of tread; all matching
𝤿 Between 50% to 75% of tread; all matching
𝤿 50% of tread; all matching
𝤿 Less than 50% of tread; all matching
𝤿 Non-matching tires
𝤿 Tires need replacing

 

2. INTERIOR

Since this is where you’ll be spending most of your time (if you’re buying a car), be sure to take your time evaluating the interior. In terms of the upholstery and carpet, check for stained, faded, or worn fabrics. Also, pay attention to your nose. Does the car have any odors that indicate mold or that the previous owner smoked in the car?

Looking at the interior also affords the chance to fiddle with the electronics. Make sure the windows, locks, and radio are fully operational. Pre-owned luxury cars may have additional options, such as navigation and reverse cameras. Test each feature accordingly.

Upholstery and carpet

𝤿 Clean; no wear or tear; looks like brand new
𝤿 Minor wear and tear
𝤿 Moderately stained; faded; worn down
𝤿 Significantly stained; faded; worn down
𝤿 Notable damage; torn; burned; cracked

Odor (smoke/mold...)

𝤿 None; no scent
𝤿 Faint; light scent
𝤿 Obvious; significant scent

Electronics (windows, locks, radio, NAV, etc...)

𝤿 Flawless; no issues
𝤿 Functional; minor faults
𝤿 Not working; repairs needed

 

3. MECHANICAL

From a mechanical standpoint, depending on your level of expertise, your best bet is to complete a comprehensive test drive. Drive at slow speeds, drive at highway speeds, test the stopping power, and make sure you handle curves. Be aware, if the engine makes any unusual noises or if the transmission isn’t shifting smoothly.

Engine and Transmission

𝤿 Fluids need topping off
𝤿 Fluids dripping
𝤿 Fully operational; no issues
𝤿 Fully operational; needs some service
𝤿 Operational; minimal repairs needed
𝤿 Vehicle not operable; engine and/or transmission needs replacement

Frame or Unibody

𝤿 Unaltered with zero work
𝤿 Repaired, altered, or replaced frame
𝤿 Damaged done to frame or unibody

Steering and Suspension

𝤿 No issues with steering
𝤿 No issues with vehicle suspension
𝤿 Minimal wear to suspension or steering
𝤿 Alteration of steering and/or suspension; immediate repairs needed

AC and Heater

𝤿 Fully working
𝤿 Somewhat functional; may need repairs
𝤿 Not working; repairs required
𝤿 Not installed

Brakes

𝤿 Brand new
𝤿 More than 75% remaining
𝤿 50% remaining
𝤿 Less than 50% remaining
𝤿 Needs replacement

4. MISCELLANEOUS

High quality pre-owned vehicles should have a track record of proper paperwork and maintenance. Ask about the title to make sure it’s clean. In other words, avoid rebuilt, salvage, or titles that indicate flood damage.

From a maintenance perspective, check records for regular check-ups based on mileage and manufacturer’s recommendations. You should also grab the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to run a CARFAX report to view the vehicle’s history. If you’re selling, providing this report to buyers is a sign of confidence (which may help to get your asking price). 

Car Title

𝤿 Clean title; never deemed a total loss
𝤿 Salvage title; deemed a total loss (rebuilt salvage, flood, etc…)
𝤿 Rental or commercial title

Maintenance and Records

𝤿 Current maintenance record; complete
𝤿 Current maintenance record; incomplete
𝤿 Overdue maintenance record; no records
𝤿 Mileage known
𝤿 Mileage unknown
𝤿 Defective odometer

Emissions Test

𝤿 Passed
𝤿 Failed
 

Expert Vehicle Condition at Poquet

Checking the condition of a car can seem intimidating if you haven’t had a lot of practice buying or selling used cars. Use our helpful checklist from each section to get you started on checking the condition of your vehicle!

Should you have any questions about how we evaluate the cars that we purchase and sell, give us a call at (763) 522-2000.

 

Join our community of over 3,000 local Minnesotan Car Owners on Facebook for latest deals, pro tips on car ownership, and fun weekly competitions to win car related goodies.