New Car Check List

   I recently went with my cousin to browse and test drive a few new cars she was interested in. She didn't know what she should be looking for, and her dad was out of town, so they asked me to go along with her. I've had 2 cars in the last 8 years and both have been great to me. So i figured i'd share my list of things i personally feel is a great way to tell weather you are looking at a decent car or not.
   My list is 30 things to look for:
 - 5 Exterior Things to check for

1. Check doors for damage and trim work.
2. Check glass for cracks, chips, etc.
3. Wheels (treads, damage to covers or rim)
4. Check the bumpers for damage, and make sure they are sturdy.
5. Make sure the hood and trunk are in good shape and latch well.

 - 5 Interior Things to look for:

1. Is the instrument panel complete, and are all the knobs and buttons there?
   
2. Check all the doors (is the trim and cushioning in good condition, and do all the controls work)
3. Check all the carpeting and seat covering for damage.
4. Check all the compartments (make sure they open and close properly and are in good condition)
5. The smell of the inside of the car will also tell you a lot ;-)

 - 5 Things to check for Under the Hood:

1. Are there any visible leaks?
2. Any wires hanging out?
3. Any broken belts or hoses?
4. Is the insulation under the hood damaged?
5. Are any of the fluids empty (if the fluids are low, this could be an indicator of leakage)

 - 5 Things for overall functionality (do this before and after the road test):

1. Do the windows, doors, and sound systems all work? (don't forget the sun roof, and radio)
   
2. Is the exhaust system and fame intact (check for signs previous repair).
3. Do all the lights work (blinkers, dome, headlights, brake-lights)
4. Does the parking brake work?
5. Check the Axles for bends, rust, and signs of previous repair.

 - 10 Things to look for during the Road Test:

1. Safety Systems (seat belts and air bags)
2. Check if any indicator lights appear.
3. Do all the gauges and meters work?
4. Are all the mirrors attached and operational?
5. Does the heating and cooling system work? (any oily smell coming from them?)
6. Does the temperature stay in a normal range?
7. Shifting system (does it make noise, or stick in any gears?)
8. Brakes (do they make noise, grind, or cause vibrations?)
9. Acceleration (does it accelerate normal without shifting too hard, or too late?)
10. Feel for any vibrations during the drive, and listen for any odd noises.

   I wont guarantee that this will catch every single little problem, but it will give you a very good idea as to whether you are getting your money's worth on the car. A lot of times you'll need new brakes, and some other work, but are they making you pay as if the brakes are like new, and all the windows work, when they don't? Always ask. Never purchase a car without some type of warranty, and be sure to read it and understand it.

   Hope this helped!