Odor Check: When you first open the door and begin looking inside, do a quick sniff test. If it smells like mold, must or mildew that could indicate a water leak or flood damage. If you notice this, remove the floor mats and run your hand over the carpet to check for wet spots. Do the same sniff test with trunk. If you smell something strange, remove the trunk mat and do some investigating.

Seats: Try out all of the seats – even if you don't plan on using the rear seat. See if the seats are worn or have any tears in the upholstery. Make sure to check the seat adjustments – electric or manual – to see if they work properly and to make sure that you can find a proper driving position.

Instruments: Turn the ignition switch to the accessory mode. All of the lights in the instrument cluster should come on for a few seconds before going off. Then, start the car. If any warning lights stay on, there is likely an issue that needs to be addressed.

Controls: Start the car up and play with all of the switches and buttons throughout the vehicle to make sure that they operate properly. Try out the climate control system and see if the heater and air conditioner works. Also be sure to try the audio system.

Roof: Check the headliner and trim for any signs of staining or water leaking through a sunroof or window. If the vehicle has a sunroof, check to see if it opens and closes properly.

Exterior Checks:

Body Condition: Walk around the vehicle and take note of any signs of scratches, dents and rust. Little areas should be no worry, but large areas of those three items should be warning signs as to how the car was treated.

Also, take note of the body panels. They should line up evenly. If they don't it may be a clue that the vehicle was involved in an accident.

Open and close all of the doors, hood and trunk. Note how easy or hard it is to complete this task.

Tires: Tires are a great way to figure out the life of vehicle. During your walk around, take note if all of the tires are of the same brand. Seeing a different brand on one or more of the wheels might raise some red flags. If you see any, be sure to ask the seller about it.

Look at each tire individually and note if the sidewall has cracks, bulges, or scuffing. Also look at the tire tread and see if there is enough tread by using a tread-depth tool or a quarter. The trick with the quarter is to put Washington's head down into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Washington's head, then you know the tire needs to be replaced.

Ask if the tires have been rotated on a regular basis and look at the tires to see the tread wore evenly on the both sides.

Lights: Have the seller or friend turn on the lights and make sure that all of them work. Don't forget to check the reverse lights, turn signals and high beams as well. Look at the light housings to make sure that they aren't cracked or damaged, and that there isn't any moisture coming in.

Exotic Auto Collision

11481 Ventura Blvd

Studio City, CA 91604

(818) 985-1899

exoticautocollision.com