Used Car Checklist

When you're purchasing your Audi (4000 & Coupe primarily), use this handy checklist!!

Information

When you've made up your mind, print out a Bill of Sale and buy that sucker.

Eyeball Tests

   Drivetrain & Transmission:

• Check CV boots for cracks and/or rips.
• Turn wheel all the way to the left/right and drive in a circle, listening for groaning. Rack and/or CV joints may be bad.

   Engine:

• Check main seals (engine).
• Check valve cover gasket for leaks.
• On cold start, check exhaust manifold for leaks, cracks.
• On cold start, check for stumble, lifter clack, smoke or noise.
• Check oxy. sensor age.  Are original tie straps used on oxygen sensor wiring harness?

   Cooling & Heating:

• Check condition of coolant hoses.
• Check radiator coolant condition. Dirty? Oily?  If oily, possible blown head gasket and vehicle was likely overheated.
• Turn on defroster for 20 minutes. If oily film forms on windshield, heater core is leaky.
• Check passenger footwell for fluid. Another indication of leaky heater core.
• Does A/C work? How long does it take to get cold, and how cold does it get?

   Fluids, Belts, Filters & Wires:

• Check brake fluid level and condition.  Dark?  If so, replace  Likely it hasn't been replaced in over 2 years.
• Check oil color, consistency and level. Indicative of how owner has treated car, and low level may explain noisy lifter clacking
• Check condition of belts.
  • Alternator belt
  • A/C belt(if working, if not, chop it out)
  • P/S belt
  • Timing belt & water pump (ask when changed, look for receipt)
• Check filters.
  • Air fliter
  • Pre-pump fuel filter
  • Fuel filter

   Lighting

• low beams
• high beams
• signals, both under front grille and in rear bumper
• Running lights function when headlights on
• Interior light over driver's head

   Brakes

• Check brake pad & rotor thickness.
• Check brake calipers for leaks.

   Check spot where owner usually parks, checking for fluids on ground.

   Suspension & Steering:

• Check front shocks.
• Check front shock protective boots and stops.
• Check rear shocks.
• Check tires for wear.  Wear on inside or outside means possible alignment problem due to worn suspension components. Cupping (flat spots) caused by worn shocks.
• Try bouncing car by pushing down hard on corner of car, should not bounce, come back to level. Indicates tired strut cartridges

   Body:

• Check for rust
• wheel wells
• sunroof
• front edge of hood
• underside of hood
• edges of trunk and lid
• running boards alongside doors
• Look for accident damage
• Misaligned bumpers
• Body panels different colors
• New parts and new paint
• Windshields
• Check windshields and glass for cracks, pitting
• Check wiper blade condition and washer sprayer pump.

   Exhaust:

• Check for holes or weak spots.
• Listen to exhaust sound inside cabin.
• Upon ignition, check for excessive emissions.  If exhaust is blue in color, may be leaky injectors or excessive oil consumption.

Driving Tests

   Downshift all gears to check syncros.  Listen for whines or howling in transmission above 40 mph.  Possible differential problem.

   Bring car to speed, and then brake hard.  Any shuddering could be warped rotors.

   Check emergency brake for function.  Make sure it doesn't stick or drag.  If it does, could possibly be bad calipers/cables.

   Listen for howling coming from front or rear of car.  If noisy, could be wheel bearing.  Swerve side to side over 40 mph, listen for noise to confirm which bearing it is.

   Accelerate hard, check for misses, bucking.  May need tune, oxygen sensor.

Final Decisions/Tests

   Secure all maintenance records from customer.  See if regularly serviced.  Check maintenance book in glove box.

   Is the car registered and insured? Does it have a plate? How will you get it home? Is there a title?

   Spend $30-$40 to have your vehicle inspected by an A.S.E. tech., preferably an Audi specialist.