Headliner

The lining above your head on the underside of the roof. Headliners are usually not a problem. However, sometimes they are faded or have stains or tears. They can be replaced, but this requires some time and expense. THIS HEADLINER DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, IT IS FULLY INTACT.

Upholstery

Should be clean and not faded or ripped. Leather is a special case. It usually has some added value if it is in good shape. However, if it needs repair or replacing it is much more expensive than cloth or vinyl to do so. THIS CAR DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, IT IS FULLY INTACT WITH ONE SMALL TEAR IN THE VINYL ABOUT WHERE A MAN'S WALLET WOULD COME TO REST ON THE SEAT BACK DRIVER'S SIDE.

Carpets

Older cars usually have some carpet wear. If so, it must be replaced for the vehicle to be worth top dollar. Any stains will reduce the value. CARPETING DOES NOT REQUIRE REPLACEMENT, IT IS FULLY INTACT, NO TEARS, STILL ORIGINAL, NO REAL WEAR AND TEAR EVEN ON THE GAS AND BRAKE PETALS.

Dashboard

The dashboard is usually not a problem. However, sometimes they have been dented or scratched. More often they could have sun damage in the form of fading or cracking leather or vinyl trim. DASHBOARD HAS TWO CRACKS THAT RUN ALONG THE SPEAKER OUTLET

Metal and Paint

Metal and paint are very subjective items. You must keep in mind that while some minor dents and scratches are normal wear and tear as the car gets older, the new buyer expects it to be perfect. When you drive the same car for several years, these imperfections sometimes start to go unnoticed. Door chips and sand damage are sometimes subtle and should be looked at carefully. CAR HAS BEEN REPAINTED AND IS QUITE FADED FROM STANDING IN HOT BARN FOR 12 YEARS..IT'S UP TO YOU BUT I WOULD PAINT THE CAR

A warning about Metal and Paint reconditioning: If you have paid for reconditioning that was not done properly (a "fixed" dent that appears wavy, etc.) the person appraising the car may deduct for reconditioning anyway.

Glass

The side windows are usually not a problem as long as they operate properly. You should pay special attention to the windshield and rear window. The rear window sometimes gets sun damage in the form of checking, cracking or discoloration. The windshield is the most important glass, as it is the most expensive and is most subject to damage. Besides the obvious cracking, checking and discoloration, sand damage is the most commonly overlooked problem by the layman. Sand damage can range from slight to the point where it impairs vision. In either case, the windshield will usually need to be replaced. WINDSHIELD HAS CRACK ON DRIVER'S SIDE (LOWER PORTION)THAT IS SHAPED LIKE A STAR...LOOKS LIKE A STONE CHIP...DOES NOT IMPAIR ANY VISION AND IS ONLY VISIBLE WHEN STANDING OUTSIDE OF CAR

Rust

Check around the window mouldings, wheel wells, under the doors, door hinge area and taillight mouldings. Look in the trunk area under the mat. Look for rust on the hubcaps or on the bumper. Look underneath the vehicle. Is there rust on the underbody? Look under the hood. Is the engine compartment pitted or corroded? SMALL RUST SPOT AT DRIVER REAR WHEEL WELL, BOTTOM WHERE RAIN HAS GATHERED, SIZE OF SILVER DOLLAR...EASILY REPAIRED

Mechanical

The exact nature of a mechanical problem is difficult for a layman to diagnose. Even the experts can't always be sure of the nature or the magnitude of the problem without at least partially disabling the part. If you are in doubt, have a reputable repair shop give you an opinion of the problem and an estimated cost of repair. STARTS, RUNS, SHIFTS BUT YOU BE THE JUDGE...NO LOAD NOISES....EVERTHING INCLUDING POWER WINDOWS WORK.....BRAKE LITE STAYS ON IN DASH PANEL...BRAKE PEDAL VERY SOFT

Tires

Tires must be the proper size and match for the vehicle. They should be near new to avoid a deduction when the car is appraised. The depth of the new tire tread for the average passenger car is about 3/8" (this can go to nearly 1/2"). All-terrain and off-road tires found on trucks and sport utility vehicles should have at least 1/4" of tread. Any less than 1/4" will likely result in a deduction as the dealer will probably want to replace the tires before offering the vehicle for resale. OVERSIZED AND NEW...ALL FOUR...I PURCHASED THEM

Interior * * * * *

Headliner - Look for fading, stains, rips or loose edges.
* * * * *

Upholstery - Look for fading, stains, rips or excessive wear.
* * * * 

Carpets - Look for fading, stains, rips, excessive wear and loose or frayed edges.
* * * * 

Dashboard - Look for dents scratches and the condition of any leather, vinyl or other trim.
* * * * 

Exterior
* * * * *

Metal - Look for dents and creases that are deeper than the paint. (Don't overlook the parking lot dings/dents on or around your doors.)
* * * * *

Paint - Look for fading, scratches and other discoloration.
* * * * 

Glass - Look for cracks, chips or pitting in the windshield.
* * * 

Trim - Look for loose or dented moldings and frosted chrome (sand damaged), particularly on the front of the vehicle and the front bumper.
* * * * *

Rust - Look for rust all around and under vehicle, especially around wheel wells rear window and doors.
* * * * 

Mechanical
* * * * 

You probably have some idea as to how your car is running, however some of the tell-tale signs of present or future problems are:

Knocking or clicking sounds coming from the engine
None

Noise from the drive train or tires None

Smoke from the exhaust Yes

Smoke from the engine compartment yes

Oil leaks in your driveway or garage Trani fluid

Clattering when you release the clutch (manual transmissions)
None

Poor braking
Yes

Grinding noise while braking
None

Loss of power
None

Uneven power
None

Pinging noise when accelerating
None

Radiator corrosion
None

Uneven tire wear
None

Tires
New

If the tires are more than 50% worn a dealer would probably want to replace them before offering your vehicle for sale. Also look for cracks or cuts on the sidewalls. All tires should match and be the proper size for your vehicle.

Overall
Very Restorable Car

Look at the overall appearance of your car.
Very Good

Is it a popular color?

Does the interior color blend well with the exterior color?

Does it sit square and level on the road?
Yes

Is it well equipped with popular optional equipment?
Yes

Is it relatively free of squeaks and rattles?
Yes

Would you purchase this car if you were looking for a similar make and model?
Yes

Please email questions to: BUD

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© Copyright '03 C. Parent. All rights reserved.