Following is the list of things to be checked before start bargaining.It can be used for new cars also while taking delivery except the part about service history.
checklist for testing a old car:
example M-800
Details of the car
Kms….
Model……
Stereo model.
Last tyre change…
Service historyEngine oil…(with oil filter)
Gear oil….
Brake oil.
Coolant…
Refrigent….
Sparkplugs…
Airfilter.
Fuel filter.
Suspension.
Clutch.
Seats…
Carpet area.
Paintwork.
Engine condition.(by smoke test)
CV joints.
Steering.
brake play.(3.4 inches from floor with 30kg pressure)clutch play.(1-1.2inches when pressed by hand)steering.(1 inch when turned with engine off without resistance)
fan belt .(6-9mm when pressed in the cnetre)
extra fittings…-Before starting the Engine:
0.reason for selling
1.exteriors should look good.check the position of the car. It should be even on an even ground.
2.check the suspension by pressing the 4 corners. It should be hard to press and should not vibrate.
3.check the tyres for any openings.check the date of the tyres if possible.
4.check the doors and handles.should not have gaps or bending.
5.Inside the car, check the seats and others if they look heavily used.
6.check the carpet areas for corrosion and wiper spindle also.
7.all the lights can be checked before starting the engine.
a.headlight(high)
b.headlight(low)
c.left turn
d.right turn
e.parking lights
f.hazard lights
g.inside lights
h.tape
8.sit on the driver seat and feel.(even if u don’t know driving)
9.open the bonnet and look at the engine area. It should be dry; atleast should not be oily.
10.levels of various oils can be checked.a.
engine oil
b.gear oil
c.brake fluid
d.coolant level
11.check the thermostat is present( inbetween the engine and the radiator and near the engine)
12.check the battery if it looks new.
13.check the windows for easy and smooth movement.
14.check the wiper in all positions.-While starting the engine:
1.lock the hand brake and see if the light is coming.
2.when the ignition is on the following lights should come on.
a.brake light
b.battery
c.oil pressure
2a.check how much time it takes for starting and find out the reason for delayed start
3.after starting the engine check all the lights should go off.
4.see if the car required throttle pressing to idle.
5.see how much choke is required for starting and idling(4 and 5 are for cold starting only.)In cold starting it is normal to use choke or pressing throttle.
6.check the take off.check for the click should when the car is about to move.
7.check the gears for smooth engaging in all position.
7a.check the reverse gear.check rear vision while reversing.
8.after starting release the clutch without enough trottle.engine should stall.
9.after the engine is warm check the smoke by pressing the throttle. Is it blue/grey, black or no smoke?
black-engine tuning required;plugs may be clogged;
blue-engine oil is going thr' the piston rings;overhaul may be required;
white(except in the morning)-water vapour is leaking thr' the valves
(these are general ideas not exact condition of the system)
When the car is running:
10.check the a/c in all position.(in all gears also)11.check the temperature needle after the engine if warmed up.
12.check the steering by turning left and right(half turn)at around 20km/hr. Check for any click sounds.If sound comes CV joints may require attention.
13.when the engine is warm off the engine and restart. It should start without any problems.
- Sit on both front seat and back seat and check.
15.check the brakes;if they are pulling one side?
16.check a steep climb;does the car have power to climb
- drive in a pumpy road and check feeling of the suspension
18.after the engine is stopped check for leaks in engine and gearbox and cooling system and brake(leak can be checked only after driving for some distance.)
Service historty:
1.clutch(30, 000 kms)(Rs 2300)
2.gearlever bushes(25, 000kms)
3.front suspension(40, 000 kms) 1127/-
4.rear suspension –stbilizer bushes(20, 000 kms)
5.steering-rack damper- 40, 000kms
6.front brake –pads-20, 000 kms Rs 340
7.rear brack shoes- 80, 000kms 280/-
Papers:
1.RC book without loan amount due.
2.road tax payment recpt.
3.Insurance( atleast 3rd party)
4.PUC
It may not be possible to check everything but better to check maximum possible.
