How to Inspect a Used Car for Purchase

Learn how to inspect a used car for purchase. I show you everything you need to know on how to inspect a used car for the first time when the owner is not around to give you a test drive. If you see a used car for sale on the side of the road and want to know if it is worth contacting the owner for a test drive, I go though all of the things you want to inspect. This way you wont waste your time if the car is no good.

Link to the downloadable ChrisFix Used Car Inspection Checklist:

Episode 1: The "Side of the Road Inspection":
Episode 2: What is the car worth?:
Episode 4: Interior & Exterior Inspection:
Episode 5: Test Drive and Negotiation:

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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. ChrisFix assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. ChrisFix recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ChrisFix, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ChrisFix.

[jaddenmp]

Seen this 4 years ago.. wow time flies. I was 14 at the time now I’m 18 getting ready to buy a car, thanks again Chris!

[HereForAStorm]

Here's another great tip... when taking a look at a Jaguar X-Type, turn the other way and run.

[carduran_]

Me looking the underside: It seems a bit rus...
Chris: Its rust-free, good condition.
Me: Ok i see

[mrbriceno]

When chris pulled up that checklist i knew he wasn't playing.

[electronicsNmore]

When I bought and sold vehicles I would open the drivers door all the way then lift up on the door to check for play in the hinge. If there was play, and the mileage was low, I would suspect a rolled back odometer. Also look for excessive wear on the brake pedal/gas pedal. It is a very good idea to measure the paint thickness on the vehicle to see if any body work was done. Pull out the dipstick on the transmission and smell the fluid to see if it is burned. A compression test is very useful as well. Never buy used cars that young males owned. I preferred buying cars from older people, they are much more likely to service the vehicle. Younger people abuse vehicles.

[bblack]

I was inspecting a used car and took it for a test drive. Opened the door and started the car. Drove excellent!

After spending a night in jail I realized the car wasn't for sale and I didn't even have a key!

[joshbono]

“There was no owner around”

Proceeds to put ChrisFix license plate on it😂

[oxeunlimited]

“Would you shop at a store without prices” what about dollar tree lol

[Inglott]

Make sure to give the car a kick to ensure the alarm system is working.

[Asdayasman]

You should also check the shocks. Push down with your full bodyweight once on each corner of the car. It should go down, then up once, and that's it. If it keeps going up and down like it's on the sea, you'll need to replace the shocks, and that's pretty bad.

[EphemeralProductions]

I could tell that Chris wasn't older than 25, and I checked and sure enough, he's 24. He knows a LOT about cars for that age!

[tyable]

Thank you for posting this series! The last vehicle I purchased blew its head gasket on day TWO! Thankfully the dealer split the repair costs with me despite no warranty. If I checked the radiator cap, I would have seen that sludge instantly.

I just inspected my wife's next vehicle high and low yesterday using your checklist and videos. I tried my darndest to find an issue but came up with nothing. I feel much more assured I made a safe purchase this time around!!!

[brandyscott]

I love it how Chris just explains it down to the nitty gritty instead of having someone taking 20 minutes to get to the point

[bills]

As long as you are looking under the car, you could check the VIN on the frame and see if it matches the one inside the windshield and then look it up. Sometimes scammers will change the VIN on the top and not on the bottom.

[cheechedbeats]

I have used your check list about 4 or 5 times for me and my friends. Works every time. Thank you for making that.

[ellespence]

Just sent this to my sister in law who’s buying her first car, thanks for being in the community Chris!

[Patrick_OWheresmypants]

Another great tip. If the owner won't let you test drive the car, don't bother wasting your time with it.

[IZRRL]

+ChrisFix .... you missed a big point with the body inspection. Always check the gaps between the hood, fenders, doors, and trunk to make sure that they align properly and there is an even gap between them. I walk away as soon I see that one of these gaps is wrong. At this point you know the part has been removed, for what reason, who knows, but I don't care to find out.

[notsaab]

It is always a good idea to check if all the windows have the same logo, so you can quickly know if someone tried to steal the car (so it would have some damage on the ignition or the owner had to replace the key) or if it had an accident - a replaced one won't ever be the same since they should have the same number printed on them

[buster]

These are good tips, when I bought my car (my dad checked everything for me) we used the wheel inspection and body inspection to negotiate down $1, 500!!!