Help- Need to perform my own pre-purchase inspection advice?

[bweber]

Hi All,
I

[MadeInJapan]

What you need is someone knowlegeable from Tulsa to help you out.
What comes to mind is:
1. Does A/C work...put it on full blast and see if it gets cold.
2. Check engine oil and look for leaks under the car, and any smoke from the exhaust.
3. Pull the dipstick to the transmission and make sure it's red in tint, not brown or burnt smelling.
4. Drive it and feel for lots of clanking and rough ride (turn radio off for this).
Suspensions are typically worn out at these miles, so noise and rough ride may be expected.
5. Any check engine lights on? (take a scanner reader if you can to read codes....take a laptop if you can to post back here to ask that the codes are if you have the time).
6. Make sure radio works and has its code
7. Check temp gauge after you get the car hot and look for coolant leaks and cleanliness.
8. General cleanliness under the hood too.
9. Make sure it has service records and the timing belt was changed on time.

Guess that's about it that comes to mind. Good luck!

[coustyj]

Excellent list MIJ
I would only add to check the drivers seat for wear I have 113k on my 2000 V70 and the drivers seat shows only a lttle wear on the door side from sliding in and out seat bottom and back excellent condition. Unusual or excessive wear MAY be a sign of more miles or just possible abuse (screwdrivers etc in back pockets). Good luck

[MadeInJapan]

Yeah, I didn't mention the interior....if the interior is not well kept it's usually a sign of poor general maintenance as well too.

I could add to check the brakes on the car too....something I missed. You can see the pad wear without taking tires off....Also, you can feel how they are when you brake hard while test driving it.

[bweber]

Thanks you guys! I'm going to look at the car on Saturday...I"ll keep you updated.
Brook