[SMG]

Cont.. from Part I

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Visual inspection

1. Note the mileage. Before you do anything else. It should be
as close to zero as possible. What you don't want is a car with 100
or 200 Km that's been a demo vehicle to every lead-footed prospective
buyer in town. Be reasonable, but question anything greater than 50
Km.

2. Look over the bodywork. Do it in an open space and under a
bright daylight. Walk around the vehicle several times looking from
as many angles as possible. Carefully sight along the sides of the
car, from front to rear and vice versa, looking for ripples, dimples
and dings. Look for paint over-spray on door ledges or around the
edges of the engine compartment that might indicate repairs. Make
sure seams and door lines are straight and true. Remember, a careful
inspection is critical because after the car leaves the lot, the
dealer could reasonably claim that any body damage was caused by you.

3. Doors, hoods, trunks, deck lids, and lift gates: Do they all
work correctly? Do they seal properly? Does the fit and finish match
up between these and the rest of the bodywork? Do the locks work
properly -- are they automatic, can they be operated remotely? Does
the hood release lever operate from the inside. Do you know the
location? Can you open the hood yourself? Does it stay up on its own?

4. Open bonnet. Is the engine compartment in perfect shape? Is
every dipstick, plastic cover, and wire harness present and properly
secured? Check all the fluids are at optimal levels level:
transmission, Engine Oil, Coolant, Break oil, Power steering oil,
windscreen water and battery water. There should be very little dirt
and grime, and not a single sign of fluid leakage of any kind.

None of the engine components should show exterior wear or replacement e.g. things like one spark plug wire that is a completely different shade of black should draw a red flag and a question.

5. Check the Battery: No corrosion should be present on the
electrodes. It should be properly connected -- fastened to wire leads
and properly secured / tied down in the vehicle. Ask about how to
jump it properly. Does it have a special separate warranty?

6. Close bonnet. Check bonnet seats in firmly.

7. Is the trunk in perfect shape? Is the carpeting properly
fastened? How about the outside lock? If it has gas shocks to hold up
the lid, are they working properly?

8. Tires: Where is the spare tire and jack system located? Is
the spare properly inflated? If you have wheel locks, where is the
lug key? Are all the tires the same and as ordered? (Some performance tires have several different speed ratings and associated cost levels. Check the specific numbers on each tire.) Check the dates on the tires , tires should be fresh. What is the proper air pressure?
What is the tire warranty and where is it? The tires should show no
signs of wear, and should be properly inflated. Tires should be scuff-
free. Are the hubcaps properly affixed?

9. Look in the glove box. Does it open properly? Does it lock?

10. Windows and Mirrors: Make sure there are no defects (chips,
cracks). Are the options installed and how they working? (Options may
include rear defogger, wiper and tinting.) Proper open and close
operation tested on each window. Control device operation and
location - power window controls, rapid down operation? Wipers,
controls, delay systems, rear window?

11. Get in the car. Is the interior in perfect shape? Carpet,
headliner, seats should have no tears, stains, or damage. Try both
the front and back seats and keep your eyes peeled for problems. Try
out any device that will move, bend, turn, be pushed, or pulled. Do
all the seatbelts work? Are the floor mats you ordered in the car?

12. Driver's Seat: Do you know how to work the seat position
controls and where they are located? Does the lumbar work? Note the
steering wheel positioning, tilt, telescope, lock, horn, and cruise
control.

13. Keys: Do you have more than one set? Is the remote entry
working? How does the alarm work (codes and disarmament)? Is there a panic button and cut off switch? Do the door locks have child
protection?

14. Make sure that spare tire, tire-changing equipment, owner's
manual, plus any unusual items that may standard equipment - like a
first-aid kit or floor mats should of course, be on board. Then be
sure the car has any optional equipment that you paid for - premium
or alloy wheels or a trunk-mounted CD changer, as examples. No
reputable dealer would try to cheat you out of these things. But
should any be missing, he'll go to more trouble to get them quickly
if you refuse to take delivery of an incomplete vehicle.


Now it is time to crank the engine........


To be conitnued in Part III