That's a good point about wanting older oil on the dipstick. You also make a good point about the VIN. Most vehicles will have more than one VIN in different spots, and I try to find at least two, to be sure the numbers are consistent.
Initially check engine for heat. Hot engine can mean the car has starting problems and seller is trying to hide the fact Confirm all body panels line up Paint chipping Tire tread Rust Open all doors confirm smoothness Confirm Vin # on label, door, and title Check wheel boots Tire pressure and tread (penny test) Leaks under car, holes in exhaust Windshield - cracks, starburst Wiper blades Spare tire present Leaks in interior/weather stripping Gas cap is tight Bounce test shocks - 1 bounce, no continual bouncing when pressed on hood and trunk Check all exterior (blinkers, brakes, etc.) and interior lights, horn Exhaust pipe when car is started (excess smoke, sounds for hole in exhaust) Check oil level (dark oil shows the seller is not hiding anything with fresh oil - leaks) Transmission fluid - check engine off and on, smell fluid for burnt smell, white paper color test for what fluid is leaking (underneath car with engine on and off) Check air filter - should match oil in newness, smell for fuel signifying engine problem Brake fluid level Coolant level Drive belts - 90 degree turn test, no cracks in ribs of belt Ask about timing belt change and request receipts (sticker on cover of timing belt shows time and change Battery wires and connectors for excess wear, frays Oil cap - sludge or milky oil shows damage, glittery or silver colored shows metal flaking in oil reservoir Interior: use personal key - try to start the car. Possible theft if car starts with any other key Turn car ‘on’ before starting, confirm check engine, SRS, and oil lights are all working, lights should turn off when started Start car, check air conditioning, power windows, horn, blinkers, seat belts Check radiator hose for stiffness Listen for knocking or ticking while engine is running Watch temperature gauge while car is running, Any wetness in car flooring Check glove box for repair documents When car is warm, oil cap, feel for blow by, no smoke should come out of oil, can use dipstick hole to minimize oil splash back Test drive: check fuel, check brake for firmness - should not be spongy or go to floor Put car in reverse - check for hard shift, Emergency brake check - pull E brake and attempt to drive Check brakes at min speed, check steering to full rotation, 20-25 mph hard stop to see if alignment, pulling to one side, Veering or drifting while driving from alignment or tire pressure, make several type turns listening for clicking/ticking wheel bearing noise Highway drive - engine heat, oil light check, run AC, heating is working, drive 5 minutes highway speed, 2 drive cycles - stop car after driving, turn off, wait, start and drive again checking all engine lights. Park car leave running and repeat all previous engine running checks
Hahahaha. This video is embarrassing as hell for me lol!!! Yeah I had a rough start for sure but it still brought it over 1000 subs a month, amazingly.
Schrodingers Box if the oil looks crusted up or if it looks like sludge chances are it hasn't been well maintained, sometimes you can also see coolant or milky oil up there. I did see in the second part that you did take the oil cap off :).
I saw a reply to a viewer's comment about your being embarrassed by this video. I'm not sure why - there are some very valuable tips here. I'm sure this series has saved many buyers a lot of money over the years. I guess the lack of HD and HQ sound make this video look somewhat dated in comparison to your newer work, but it still has its virtues. (Although, I must admit that I'm very suspicious about what kind of hair-day is being concealed under that hat - lol.)
Very helpful video. Thanks. i check the engine dipstick first. I have looked at cars on a dealers lot with no oil in the crankcase. Just walk away, waste no more time.
Ha fantastic eye man! yes I did notice that at the time and replaced it from my collection of used wheel nuts. Sounds like you would be pretty good at inspections with that attention to detail
I had a 8 yr. old ford van with an auto tranny that didn't leak and staid over full for thousands of miles. At least an inch to high on the stick . That was 35 years ago. Now I have a Isuzu npr with auto tranny and the trans oil is way over the full mark like two inches. I have not driven it much , 200 miles maybe , Are transmissions overfilled by the the previous owner to mask something? Does over filling the transmission cure something, meaning if it is overfilled and I drain it to the correct mark would I get a pretty quick failure of the transmission
Most people don't realize that custom-anything on a car almost always lowers the value of the car, not the other way. The more customization that has been done, the fewer buyers there are out there for the vehicle. For instance, most people don't want custom wheels on a Malibu or Camry.... Of course this doesn't apply to vintage or collector's type cars, I'm talking average, daily drivers...
Dude you ROCK! You don't happen to live in the Tampa Bay area do you? I'd love to have you inspect any car I consider buying (which is up to 3 this weekend ;) Thanks for the video and take care.
You’re 100% different than what you were back then. I have gotten a lot of help, saved myself and others a lot of money. So thank you. Do you happen to have a copy of your used car report and or checklist I can have access to. And i wish there was a way on your paid channel to search for videos easier and a way to make our own playlist on it.
thanks man. this is one of my first videos- I no longer have the checklist, sorry. As for the pay channel - I recently did a upgrade which will improve searchability however I need to add keywords to the videos and I am in the process of doing that. over time the search will improve.
Hi, I just looked at a car (very well-maintained Lexus LS430 with 100k miles). The ATF is supposed to have been changed at every other service. The fluid is very fresh; however, there's quite some grey / silver matter on the dipstick. It came back after I wiped and dipped and pulled again. Do you consider this 'normal' wear or 'excessive' wear? I walked away for fear it's the latter.
Oh come on man It is so simple. You walk up and ask "when was last time car was driven". If they say last night and the engine is warm you know there is a suspicious problem. Come on man this ain't rocket science.
Lovely Video! Excuse me for the intrusion, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you thought about - Trentvorty Safe Vehicle Theorem (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a good one off guide for making sure your vehicle is safe without the hard work. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my work buddy after many years got great results with it.
Appreciate video content! Sorry for chiming in, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you researched - Saankramer Vehicle Statement System (search on google)? It is a good one off product for discovering how to get a vehicle history report minus the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my best friend Jordan after many years got amazing results with it.
That's a good point about wanting older oil on the dipstick. You also make a good point about the VIN. Most vehicles will have more than one VIN in different spots, and I try to find at least two, to be sure the numbers are consistent.
Initially check engine for heat. Hot engine can mean the car has starting problems and seller is trying to hide the fact
Confirm all body panels line up
Paint chipping
Tire tread
Rust
Open all doors confirm smoothness
Confirm Vin # on label, door, and title
Check wheel boots
Tire pressure and tread (penny test)
Leaks under car, holes in exhaust
Windshield - cracks, starburst
Wiper blades
Spare tire present
Leaks in interior/weather stripping
Gas cap is tight
Bounce test shocks - 1 bounce, no continual bouncing when pressed on hood and trunk
Check all exterior (blinkers, brakes, etc.) and interior lights, horn
Exhaust pipe when car is started (excess smoke, sounds for hole in exhaust)
Check oil level (dark oil shows the seller is not hiding anything with fresh oil - leaks)
Transmission fluid - check engine off and on, smell fluid for burnt smell, white paper color test for what fluid is leaking (underneath car with engine on and off)
Check air filter - should match oil in newness, smell for fuel signifying engine problem
Brake fluid level
Coolant level
Drive belts - 90 degree turn test, no cracks in ribs of belt
Ask about timing belt change and request receipts (sticker on cover of timing belt shows time and change
Battery wires and connectors for excess wear, frays
Oil cap - sludge or milky oil shows damage, glittery or silver colored shows metal flaking in oil reservoir
Interior: use personal key - try to start the car. Possible theft if car starts with any other key
Turn car ‘on’ before starting, confirm check engine, SRS, and oil lights are all working, lights should turn off when started
Start car, check air conditioning, power windows, horn, blinkers, seat belts
Check radiator hose for stiffness
Listen for knocking or ticking while engine is running
Watch temperature gauge while car is running,
Any wetness in car flooring
Check glove box for repair documents
When car is warm, oil cap, feel for blow by, no smoke should come out of oil, can use dipstick hole to minimize oil splash back
Test drive: check fuel, check brake for firmness - should not be spongy or go to floor
Put car in reverse - check for hard shift,
Emergency brake check - pull E brake and attempt to drive
Check brakes at min speed, check steering to full rotation, 20-25 mph hard stop to see if alignment, pulling to one side,
Veering or drifting while driving from alignment or tire pressure, make several type turns listening for clicking/ticking wheel bearing noise
Highway drive - engine heat, oil light check, run AC, heating is working, drive 5 minutes highway speed, 2 drive cycles - stop car after driving, turn off, wait, start and drive again checking all engine lights.
Park car leave running and repeat all previous engine running checks
"Provided we don't get interrupted by the coming of the Messiah..."
Lol. Wasn't expecting that one.
The early years of Schrodinger's Box. Glorious 480p and that aspect ratio....This guy has come a long way.
Hahahaha. This video is embarrassing as hell for me lol!!! Yeah I had a rough start for sure but it still brought it over 1000 subs a month, amazingly.
You should also check the oil reservoir cap. You can usually get an idea on whether it has been maintained.
+Whispered X By looking for what?
Schrodingers Box if the oil looks crusted up or if it looks like sludge chances are it hasn't been well maintained, sometimes you can also see coolant or milky oil up there. I did see in the second part that you did take the oil cap off :).
I saw a reply to a viewer's comment about your being embarrassed by this video. I'm not sure why - there are some very valuable tips here. I'm sure this series has saved many buyers a lot of money over the years. I guess the lack of HD and HQ sound make this video look somewhat dated in comparison to your newer work, but it still has its virtues.
(Although, I must admit that I'm very suspicious about what kind of hair-day is being concealed under that hat - lol.)
hahaha this video is probably my second or third video ever. I probably had 13 subs when this was released lol
Very helpful video. Thanks. i check the engine dipstick first. I have looked at cars on a dealers lot with no oil in the crankcase. Just walk away, waste no more time.
This video was very helpful in helping my left ear find a reliable car.
+Mike Litoris Lol- oh how I regret not getting HD when I first started lol
What a coincidence.. I watched this video, for the first time, 4 years later on an Easter weekend too lol.
missing a wheel nut @ 7:21
Ha fantastic eye man! yes I did notice that at the time and replaced it from my collection of used wheel nuts. Sounds like you would be pretty good at inspections with that attention to detail
Thank you sir.. I am about to purchase 98 honda civic and I will try my best to inspect the car like you did.
I had a 8 yr. old ford van with an auto tranny that didn't leak and staid over full for thousands of miles. At least an inch to high on the stick . That was 35 years ago. Now I have a Isuzu npr with auto tranny and the trans oil is way over the full mark like two inches. I have not driven it much , 200 miles maybe , Are transmissions overfilled by the the previous owner to mask something? Does over filling the transmission cure something, meaning if it is overfilled and I drain it to the correct mark would I get a pretty quick failure of the transmission
Most people don't realize that custom-anything on a car almost always lowers the value of the car, not the other way. The more customization that has been done, the fewer buyers there are out there for the vehicle. For instance, most people don't want custom wheels on a Malibu or Camry.... Of course this doesn't apply to vintage or collector's type cars, I'm talking average, daily drivers...
dude i wanna have all my inspections and services at your place, but im not in denver.
Dude you ROCK! You don't happen to live in the Tampa Bay area do you? I'd love to have you inspect any car I consider buying (which is up to 3 this weekend ;)
Thanks for the video and take care.
+Spaethon Thanks but I live in denver
You’re 100% different than what you were back then. I have gotten a lot of help, saved myself and others a lot of money. So thank you.
Do you happen to have a copy of your used car report and or checklist I can have access to. And i wish there was a way on your paid channel to search for videos easier and a way to make our own playlist on it.
thanks man. this is one of my first videos- I no longer have the checklist, sorry.
As for the pay channel - I recently did a upgrade which will improve searchability however I need to add keywords to the videos and I am in the process of doing that. over time the search will improve.
Compression test, and inspecting spark plugs tell u alot of the engine
99% of the cars I look at are total junk and never the way the seller says. People are scum and have no problem ripping off their fellow man.
valuable to a lot of buyers...
Hi, I just looked at a car (very well-maintained Lexus LS430 with 100k miles). The ATF is supposed to have been changed at every other service. The fluid is very fresh; however, there's quite some grey / silver matter on the dipstick. It came back after I wiped and dipped and pulled again. Do you consider this 'normal' wear or 'excessive' wear? I walked away for fear it's the latter.
goddesseddog I would say you probably did the right thing!
thanks. Your video is really helpful!
super helpful & funny Easter joke!
Great channel however your audio is scratchy and overmodulated.
Do you think i can get a pdf to your checklist?
Yes I have a few checklists- send me a private message with your email and I will respond with them.
Schrodingers Box it's ok man i'm going to look at the car now its a 93 miata with 71k miles for 3.000
Schrodingers Box Hello, can you also send me the check list? Thanks in Advance. My email montaquim72@yahoo.com
Md Abdul Montaquim sent
Schrodingers Box Can you send me the list to brownie89@gmail.com please?
Hey buddy, are you looking to do a fair deal or to ripp the seller off?
Um, aren't they the same thing?
Do you still have this checklist? If you do, can you send me a copy of it?
I sure do!! PM me with your email address and I'll be happy to send it!
My engine is warm because I just went and got myself fresh donuts. LOL People can make up thousand of excuses.
Oh come on man It is so simple. You walk up and ask "when was last time car was driven". If they say last night and the engine is warm you know there is a suspicious problem.
Come on man this ain't rocket science.
very use,thank you
How to get you PM to get copy of pdf?
click on my name to get to home page and choose “about” and you will find my email.
Very fine
Lovely Video! Excuse me for the intrusion, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you thought about - Trentvorty Safe Vehicle Theorem (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now)? It is a good one off guide for making sure your vehicle is safe without the hard work. Ive heard some awesome things about it and my work buddy after many years got great results with it.
Never heard of that in my life but in my experience, anything that simultaneously promises progress without effort is highly suspect.
Appreciate video content! Sorry for chiming in, I would appreciate your opinion. Have you researched - Saankramer Vehicle Statement System (search on google)? It is a good one off product for discovering how to get a vehicle history report minus the normal expense. Ive heard some interesting things about it and my best friend Jordan after many years got amazing results with it.
Never heard of that, sorry
Very fine
Very fine
Very fine