Used Car Inspection

Don't Let a "Great Deal" Become a Money Pit. Buying a used car is a smart financial move, but navigating the private seller market in Richmond can feel like a gamble. Whether you are dealing with endless rain, salt or just the wear-and-tear of daily commuting, used vehicles in British Columbia go through a lot.

 

Before you sign on the dotted line or hand over a certified cheque, you need to know exactly what you are buying. Based on guidelines from ICBC and leading consumer advocates, here is your ultimate used car inspection checklist.

Never fall in love with a car before you check its history. In BC, a shiny exterior can hide a complicated past.

 

• The ICBC Vehicle Claims History Report: This is mandatory reading. It will tell you if the car has been in any crashes reported in BC and what the damage estimates were.
• Check for Liens: If the previous owner still owes money on the car, that debt transfers to you. You must run a search through the BC Personal Property Registry.
• Carfax Canada: This provides a broader view, showing if the vehicle was imported from another province (where it might have suffered harsh winter salt damage) or has unfixed safety recalls.

Bring a flashlight and a friend. Two sets of eyes are always better than one.

 

• Check the Stance: Make sure the car is parked on level ground. If it’s sagging on one side, you are looking at expensive suspension repairs.
• The BC Rust Check: Look closely at the wheel wells, the bottom of the doors, and the exhaust. In our climate, moisture is the enemy.
• The Smell Test: Open the door and take a breath. A heavy smell of mildew could indicate water leaks (common in Richmond winters), while a strong smell of air freshener might mean the seller is hiding something.
• Check the Fluids: Pull the transmission dipstick (it should be pink/red, not brown or burnt-smelling) and check the oil (it shouldn't look like thick chocolate milk, which indicates a blown head gasket).

A quick spin around the block isn't enough. You need to put the vehicle through its paces on roads you actually drive.

 

• Listen closely: Turn the radio off. Listen for clunks when going over speed bumps or grinding noises when you apply the brakes.
• Hit the Highway: Merge onto Hwy 99. Does the steering wheel shake at 80 km/h? Does the transmission shift smoothly?
• Test the Tech: Turn on the heater, blast the AC, test the wipers, and make sure the Bluetooth actually connects.

Skip the Stress. Doing this inspection yourself is stressful. Hiring an independent mechanic to do it costs time and money.

 

At Applewood Nissan Richmond, we remove the anxiety from buying a used car through The All Good Experience.

 

• Fully Inspected: Every used vehicle on our lot has already been through a rigorous, multi-point inspection by our certified technicians. We check the brakes, the fluids, the suspension, and the history.
• Our Best Price Upfront: No haggling required. We price our vehicles competitively from day one, with absolutely no hidden fees.
• No Hassle Exchange: Even after all those checks, what if you drive it home to Steveston and decide it’s just not the right fit? Our exchange policy means you aren't stuck.

 

Ready to skip the Craigslist headaches? Browse our fully inspected used inventory online or visit us on the Langley Bypass to find a vehicle you can trust.