What is the Optimum Vehicle Check List?

[redmarvel]

When you're considering renting, leasing or buying a vehicle what things do you check?

Tire Tread
Tire Pressure
Windshield Washer Fluid
Oil
Transmission Fluid
Nicks, scratches / dents
Engine sound
Colour/Amount of Exhaust
Mirrors
Window controls (open/close switches)
Door controls (open/close switches)
Braking Ability
Acceleration Ability
Steering responsiveness

Anything I might have forgotten?

Do you take it to a licensed mechanic or do you check it yourself?

 

[Erzengel]

Isn't their a website that does the car history report?

 

[redmarvel]

Well, in Ontario the seller must provide a "Used Vehicle Information Package" which costs them $20. It includes the following:

1. Description of the vehicle
2. Ontario vehicle registration history (previous Ontario owners - doesn't show other provinces/states)
3. Odometer Information (you would be able to tell if it's been rolled back or not)
4. If there are any liens registered against the vehicle
5. Wholesale and retail values for the vehicle's model and year (on which the minimum tax payable may apply), if available
6. Retail sales tax requirements
7. Bill of sale
8. Other information such as consumer tips on vehicle safety standards inspections

- this leaves out a lot of stuff that you would probably want to get checked and also does not apply to people selling a "new" vehicle or to rentals.

 

[jaguarr]

I check all those things, red, but I have a local shop who will go bumper to bumper for $40 and tell you EVERYTHING that even MIGHT be something that COULD go wrong with the car in the next 100,000 miles. They're very thorough including checking out the electrical system. Worth every penny.

jag

 

[ang_hulk]

the air and heat,let them run throughout the test drive.Check underneath,if its got scrape marks then get it to an auto shop you trust.look close at the paint,if theres a dark spot that means a poor dent cover up,avoid that.Look at the market,dont pay to much.look at the dip stick,look inside,if the oils cloudy,walk away.Dont let the salesmen tell you they didnt change it because they were selling it.look at the belt,if its starting to get light in color it needs changed and that can knock some cash of the cars price.make sure every sound is clear and loud,same with other signals.