Hillside Auto Repair:
Considering a used car? Better know what you're buying!
Here at Hillside Auto Repair we are AAA approved for auto repair which means our technicians do a through job. To do so, the AAA has come up with a vehicle Pre-Purchase Inspection form that covers all the bases. That means that finding a potential problem BEFORE you buy saves you time, headaches, and your hard earned money. In addition, by having your future vehicle checked out first, you have a valuable negotiating tool to use in your price discussion with the seller should anything need to be serviced. Furthermore, your pre-purchase inspection is AAA approved and your vehicle is inspected by a neutral third party. Click on the link below to see exactly what and how we will inspect that car or truck. And thank you again for considering Hillside Auto
Repair for all your vehicle service and repair needs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Procedures
TRANSMISSION
Check transmission and transfer case fluid levels and condition. Check clutch fluid level. Inspect transmission mount(s) for signs of deterioration Verily that automatic transmission park-position and shift-lock function properly. Verify that transmission does not shift into overdrive when button is In the OFF position. Verify that vehicle does not start in gear. Test drive vehicle for transmission performance.
Transmission should operate and shift smoothly with no abnormal noises or vibration. Transfer case should switch from 2WD to 4WD upon demand and 4WD to 2WD smoothly. Clutch should operate smoothly with no abnormal noises or vibration.
ELECTRONIC / ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Inspect battery cables and battery mount. Verify cables are dean and serviceable and mount secure. Perform battery load test and test charging system. Check starter current draw. Record measurements. Inspect wipers and washers. Verify that all wiper speeds (including intermittent) work correctly. Wipers should return to correct park position when turned off. Windshield washers should operate property. Cruise control operation should function properly. Power windows should operate from master switch and all door switches. Rear defogger lines should be intact. Rear defogger indicator light should turn on with switch ON. Sunroof or convertible top operation should be normal through full range of position, inspect instrument warning lights and dome/courtesy lights. Warning lights should be ON with key ON. engine OFF Verify that SRS warning light functions property. Light dimmer should work properly. Dome/courtesy lights should work property including operation lor each door cycle. Verify that horn works.
EXTERIOR
Inspect body surface for damage. Inspect underbody for visual evidence of damage, check for glass defects. Check all external lights. All lights should work properly and have no cracked or broken lenses. High and low beams of headlamps should work correctly. Left and right turn signals should operate property and self-cancel with steering wheel operation. Emergency flasher should function property. Inspect mirrors. Mirrors should have full range of adjustment. Check outside rearview power or manual operation. Inspect wheel covers. Verify that ire secure with no cracks or broken mount tabs.
INTERIOR
Inspect door operation. Doors should open and close correctly. Door locks should operate property, including child safety tacks. Check seat operation. Seats should operate normally, including recline, lumbar, and cushion adjustments. Seat belts should have full range of extension and smooth operation. Seat bells should lock up as designed. Gas filler door remote-release should operate normally. Check the operation of all windows. All should function properly with no binding or noise. Driver's door window lock should function properly. Tilt-wheel should function properly. Hood latch should function properly. Interior should be free of significant squeaks or rattles. Cigarette lighter (power point) should operate normally. Clock should work and keep time.
LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT
Inside trunk remote release should operate normally. Verify that jack and tools are correct for vehicle application and are secured (including wheel took). Check spare tire condition. Spare tire should be in safe condition. Check and note tire pressure reading Trunk latch should work property. Verify trunk light functions properly. Trunk trim appearance should be normal.
AIR CONDITIONING / HEATING SYSTEMS
Check A/C components, hoses, and connections for obvious signs of leakage. Receiver/Dryer sight glass should be clear and free from bubbles or oil streaks. Check A/C and heating fan operation at all speeds. Chock A/C in all modes and verify proper cooling temperature at vents. Check for any unusual noises. Verify heater and windshield defroster are working property.
BRAKE SYSTEM
Inspect brake fluid level and condition. Fluid should be dear and uncontaminated. Level should be full. Inspect wheel cylinders, calipers, and master cylinder for signs of leakage. Brake lines should be free from leaks and signs of cracking (flex lines), inspect brake pedal free-play and travel. Parking brake should set and hold vehicle, and release completely. Brake rotors and drums should have no excessive grooving or heat checking. Brake pads should have a minimum thickness of 5mm; shoes should have a minimum of 2.5mm above the rivets. No excessive pedal or chassis vibration, nor pulling on both tight and heavy braking. ABS should operate on a "panic stop."
COOLING SYSTEM
Inspect coolant level and condition. Verify specific gravity protection to -31 degrees Fahrenheit. Pressure test cooling system, verify no leaks. Inspect all radiator and coolant hoses. Hoses should be free from swelling and cracking. Hoses that appear to be original should be recommended for replacement every 5 years/50,000 miles as preventative maintenance. Visually inspect radiator and water pump (If accessible) for signs of leakage. Verify no unusual noise from water pump. Pressure test radiator cap. Cooling fan should function properly. Check fan clutch for excessive free-play.
DRIVE AXLE
Inspect differential fluid level and condition. Inspect for fluid leaks at deferential. Inspect CV axle boots for any signs of cracking or splitting. Inspect axle shafts for excessive play at differential. Check for excessive play in driveshaft and U-Joints. Check for CV axle noises during test drive.
ENGINE
Inspect engine oil level and condition. Check for any fluid leaks. Inspect drive belt(s) for signs of cracking or glazing. Bert tension should be within manufacture specifications. Inspect air and fuel filter condition. Recommended drive belt replacement interval is 5 years/50,000 miles for preventative maintenance. Inspect fuel line and connections for signs of leakage. Fuel lines should be free of cracking (flex lines), inspect exhaust systems and hangers for damage. All motor mounts should be checked for cracking/splitting. Check for unusual noises from engine and exhaust system. Verify engine reaches normal operating temperature. Check emission levels of HC and CO from vehicle at idle and at 2500rpm. Note emission readings on report. Unreasonably high emission levels should be noted as Unsatisfactory. Engine performance should be within manufacturer specifications and exhibit no excessive drone or vibration from engine or driveline Vehicle test drive should incorporate idling, acceleration and cruising speeds. Any abnormality should be noted under "comments"
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
Check power steering fluid level and condition. Fluid should be clear and free from contaminants Inspect power steering pump and hoses for signs of leakage. Inspect steering gear box or rack and pinion for signs of fluid leakage. Inspect rack and pinion steering boots for creeping or splitting. Check for unusual noises, pulling, or vibration during test drive. Check for excessive wheel bearing free play. Check and note tire pressure and condition. Check steering components for excessive free play. Check lug nuts and studs for galling and/or stripped threads.
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