Operate and inspect every item on the car:a. Doors: Do they all work correctly? Do they seal properly?b. Cruise controlc. Hornd. Wiperse. Do the locks work properly -- are they automatic, can they be operated remotely?f. Does the hood release lever operate from the inside? Do you know the location? Can you open the hood yourself? Does it stay up on its own?g. Is the engine compartment in perfect shape?h. Is every dip stick, plastic cover, and wire harness present and properly secured?i. All the fluids should be at optimal levels: oil, transmission, power steering, brake, windshield wash, and coolant.j. There should be very little dirt and grime, and not a single sign of fluid leakage of any kind.k. None of the engine components should show exterior wear or replacement -- things like one spark plug wire that is a completely different shade of black should draw a red flag and a question. They should replace them all with new items if that means you'll drive the vehicle away.l. Battery: Is it filled properly? Or is it a "no-service" type? (Check the level or sight dot.) No corrosion should be present on the electrodes. It should be properly connected -- fastened to wire leads and properly secured -- tied down in the vehicle. 0 Ask about how to jump it properly. 0 Does it have a special separate warranty?m. Is the trunk in perfect shape?i. Is the carpeting properly fastened?ii. Do the lights work correctly?iii. Does the internal opening button work correctly?iv. How about the outside lock?v. If it has gas shocks to hold up the lid, are they working properly?vi. Are the extras, such as cargo nets or trunk tray, present as you ordered?n. Fuel System:i. Which side is the filler door on?ii. Can you open it from inside the vehicle?iii. Does it lock?iv. What grade of gasoline does the manufacturer recommend?v. How big is the tank?vi. At what level does the fuel gauge on the dash register? (Many dealers will buy the first tank, just ask!) Does the dash have a low fuel level warning light?vii. Is there anything special about filling this vehicle with gas (i.e. some gas caps make a ratcheting sound when properly tightened)?o. Tires:i. Where is the spare tire and jack system located?ii. Is the spare properly inflated?iii. How far can you go on "the donut"?iv. Is the jack present, accessible? Have you been given a briefing on the use of the jack? (And where do you install it?)v. If you have wheel locks, where is the lug key? Are all the tires the same and as ordered? (Some performance tires have several different speed ratings and associated cost levels. Check the specific numbers on each tire.)vi. What is the proper air pressure?vii. What is the tire warranty and where is it? The tires should show no signs of wear, and should be properly inflated. Tires should be scuff-free.viii. Are the hubcaps properly affixed?p. Interior: Is the interior in perfect shape? Carpet, headliner, seats should have no tears, stains, or damage. Get in the car (both the front and back seats) and keep your eyes peeled for problems. Try out any device that will move, bend, turn, be pushed, or pulled. Do all the seatbelts work? Are the floor mats you ordered in the car?q. Look in the glove box. Does it open properly? Is the owner's manual included? Does it lock?r. Lighting and Signals.i. Know where the light switches are, and how they work.ii. Where is the fuse box?iii. Check the operation of all the lighting systems:1. Headlights (low and high beams),2. Tail lights,3. Emergency flashers,4. Brake lights,5. Backing lights,6. Trunk light,7. Hood light,8. Interior lights (map lights, dome lights, glove box, reading lights, running board lights).9. Does the vehicle have automatic shutoff? Is it for the headlights only?10. How long does the dome light stay on after unlocking and locking the door? Can you dim interior lights. What about the dashboard lights? Is the ignition switch lighted? Daytime running lights?11. Check left and right turn signals (front and back -- you'll need a helper) proper operation, and switch positions.
