Have expanded the "New Buyer" or "Seller" checklist:
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~Any service history records?
~How long have you owned it?
~Electric windows work properly or bind?
~Condition of window rubber track/gaskets...(many have ripped or been cut)
~Look behind door panels to see if vapor barrier is present - (may indicate previous work on windows)
~Window regulator /motor been replaced?
~Any oil consumption noted, under ANY conditions? (some seem to consume a little when on prolonged highway driving)
~Chrome wheels peeling?
~Any ABS light problems?
~OEM CD player still work correctly or ERR3 code? Any jammed CDs?
~Any problems with TOD?
~Any clunking when decelerating or accelerating?
~Brand & model of tires & approx tread remaining-
~Do all 4 tires match in brand, size, model & wear?
~How long have these current 4 tires been on?
~Timing belt changed?
~Original OEM brake pads or replacements?
~Any fluids dripping, ever?
~Last time & what fluids have been changed?
~What type of fluids (synthetic oil or regular, motor oil, diff, tranny, transf case)?
~Evaluate/describe condition of all cladding - scrapes, holes, deformation, dryness, chalky appearance, any evidence of being "painted" in any way?
~Are all cladding screws present? Any striped?
~Condition of 4 screw knobs on rear door panel (often break off)
~Condition of inside door opening levers & mechanism (sometimes broken)
~Any unusual /excessive vibrations - very subjective of course
~Any problems with motor mounts?
~Determine the history of the car's physical location, if possible (i.e. East Coast, potential rust, desert, etc)
~Inspect thoroughly for rust!! Any evidence of rusted bolts anywhere?
~Status of front bumper reinforcement bar? (Often rusts off completely)
~Status of rear license plate light/socket/bracket -(often severely rusts) -will give indication if it was in a rust belt area
~Evaluate engine bay- clean? dirty? Any evidence of leaking fluids of any type?? Evaluate fluid levels.
~Evaluate air filter- excessively dirty? OEM or after-market?
~Has muffler ever been replaced? What's the status of the current muffler? Rusted, surface rust, etc? OEM, after-market? (Since, as I understand it, these mufflers are no longer available, so an aftermarket one with some modification to the pipes may be required.)
~Has it had to go through emissions testing recently? (Some states require for registration, some don't)
~Ever been lifted or torsion bars cranked?
~Condition of CV joints? (Can be damaged after being lifted)
~Battery- status, condition and age
~Any unusual flashing of any lights on dash or shifter? (Mode selection switch may be bad)
~Any odors inside, such as smoke?
~Condition of leather seats...scrapes, rips, tears, wear, abrasion, driver's side seat bolster
~Condition of leather steering wheel - (often heavily scraped up)
~Condition of levers that bring seat back forward to allow access to rear seats (often broken)
~Does it have an OEM roof rack?
~Are OEM rail caps in place and/or available?
~Ever taken off road?
~OEM or after-market tail pipe?
~Status of tail pipe - any deformation may indicate off road use
~Status of rear lower cladding & rear gas tank skid plate- scrapes may indicate off road use
~Status of undercarriage overall - scrapes, damage, etc... may indicate off road use
~Any known repairs?
~Any extra parts on hand?
