Used Camry Inspection Checklist?

[rstl99a]

Hi all,
I searched but could not find a reference in past postings.
Is there a "Used Camry Inspection Checklist" somewhere, pointing out the particular things to look for when inspecting a used Camry (mechanical, electrical, rust, ride, etc.)?
If not, what are some of the more important things to look at or get checked out by a mechanic, to prevent nasty surprises down the road (I'm not referring to typical checks like engine smoke, hard shifting, brakes, exhaust, suspension, etc., but more "hidden" faults that could cause grief if not adequately assessed before buying).
I am looking for a Gen 3 model.
Thanks!
--Robert

[Toysrme]

If it's a v6 take a strong flashlight and look at the back of the engine for fresh oil.

If it's just at the bottom, the rear main seal is leaking, the middle is a blown head gasket, close to the top is a valve cover gasket.

Other than that it's just normal car stuff.

Check that the A/C blows cold air in a fairly short amount of time. If not, tell them they should recharge it. (When mine was recharged the first time at the dealer, it went from having cold A/C in twenty seconds on the first drive, to ice cold air after five seconds) Woot woot for freon!

Take a napkin and pull the transmission fluid dip stick out. You want red-pink color fluid. If it's not, tell the sales guy it needs to be FLUSHED. (I do that anyways. I'm mean, and I like new transmission fluid!)

^ If they do that, along the same lines, the power steering fluid should be any red color (It's tranmission fluid) :P aaaaand the differential fluid should be changed if it's high milage. :P

If you want to be anal, inspect the CV joint covers. No cracks!



The sales guys TELL the mechanics what to do. If you could talk a sales guy into believing something fairly minor is broken, they'll MAKE the mechanics fix it just so the car get's off the lot.

[karazy]

I think they have a copy of the certified vehicle inspection list at toyota.com. That would be a good place to start.

[rstl99a]

Thanks for those suggestions. There are obviously a lot of generic "used car inspection checklists" out there to use, but I was looking for some specific bits and pieces that should be checked closely on a used Camry, to prevent nasty surprises post-sale.

In my case, I'm looking for a vehicle sold by an individual, and not a dealer (don't trust used car dealers, especially the corner-lot ones who get their cars from auctions etc.). Hence the need to focus in on the key areas in my inspection. I have a mechanic that I can take the used car to for his inspection, but that may not always be practical hence the idea of my having a good look at the car myself, and being able to make a decision on buy/no-buy.

In a way, Camry's are reputed to be such solidly built and reliable cars that it takes a lot of the worry out of buying a used one, but no one wants to be stuck with a lemon, or with one that has been grossly under-maintained by a hapless previous owner. One of the reasons I much prefer buying from an individual is that this allows me to size up that person's maintenance approach, look at repair/oil change records, etc. Often, you have none of this information when you buy from a used car dealer, who knows little about the past history, and couldn't care less, as long as he can sell you the car and have it last the 30 day (or whatever) warranty without incurring major problems; after that point, you're on your own!

If anyone else has good tips on what to look for, I'd love to hear. Thanks!

[rstl99a]

Here's the Toyota Certified Used Car Checklist referred to above. Indeed, looks quite comprehensive, so if someone is looking to buy a reasonably new vehicle with low mileage, and willing to pay the premium involved in buying from Toyota, it probably helps ensure a fairly safe buying experience. I'm looking to buy a mid-90's Camry so I assume that none of these would go through Toyota certification, but the list may give some ideas of what to look for myself:

VEHICLE HISTORY

Run and print Vehicle History Report/Check for outstanding Special Service Campaigns



EMISSIONS & STATE INSPECTION

Perform emissions test and/or state inspection, if required



FRAME, STRUCTURE & UNDERBODY

Frame/Unibody check

Inspect body surface

Inspect panel alignment and fit

Inspect lower body and underbody for damage

Check exhaust systems and hangers



ENGINE COMPARTMENT

Change engine oil and filter

Check for evidence of sludge

Inspect for fuel, oil, coolant or other fluid leaks

Engine cold high idle correct

No abnormal engine noise at cold start

Throttle does not stick shut on cold start

Drivability OK during warm-up

Hot drivability OK

Engine reaches normal operating temperature

Engine fan functions properly

No excessive drone or vibration from engine

Drive belts and hoses free of cracks or damage

No damage to engine mounts

Check under-hood labels and decals

Engine compartment is clean

Under-hood heat insulator pad is clean

Engine free of excessive dressing

Inspect air filter

Oil, brake, clutch, transmission, transfer case, washer and power steering fluid levels OK

Under-hood fluids clear and uncontaminated



BATTERY SYSTEM

Battery in good condition, has proper cold cranking amps and reserve capacity

Battery proper size and secure

Battery posts free of corrosion

Cables in good condition



ENGINE COOLANT & HVAC SYSTEM

Engine coolant at proper hot and cold levels

Coolant specific gravity to -31° Fahrenheit

A/C cooling operation normal

A/C refrigerant sight glass clear

Heater operation normal



BRAKING SYSTEM

Inspect brakes, calipers, lines and hoses

No excessive vibration during braking

ABS operates on "panic stop"

Parking brake sets and holds vehicle

Brake pads/shoes must have minimum of 50% wear remaining

No excessive grooving or heat checking of rotors or drums

Parking brake releases completely

Brake pedal free play and travel is normal



TRANSMISSION/TRANSAXLE

Transmission/clutch operates smoothly

Automatic transmission in "ECT" power mode shifts properly

Transmission gear ranges engage promptly while shifting when warmed up

Transmission shift lock and key interlock system OK

Transmission does not shift into overdrive when button is in OFF position

Inspect transmission case and pan for leaks

No damage to drive and axle shafts

Differential fluid level correct



STEERING SYSTEM

Steering has normal feel in lock-to-lock turning

Steering wheel centered in straight line driving

Vehicle tracks and drives straight on level surface

Tilt steering wheel adjustment works properly

No excessive wind whistle or buzz

No excessive tire vibration or steering wheel shimmy at any speed

Interior free of significant squeaks or rattles

Inspect steering rack, linkage, bushings, control arms and dust boots



TIRES & SUSPENSION SYSTEM

Inspect tires for defects, damage and inflation

Minimum of 5/32" tread depth remaining across tread width

All four tires must be of same brand, model, size, tread design, speed and load rating

Wheels are clean and free of brake dust

Tires are dressed, not greasy

Wheel cover caps secure with no damage

Inspect struts/shocks for leaks and wear

No damage to CV joints/boots



LIGHTING SYSTEMS

Warning lights function

High and low beams OK

Headlight aim is OK

Taillights work

Brake lights work

Side marker lights work

Backup lights work

License plate lights work

Instrument lights work

Heater lights work

Dash light dimmer works

Turn signals operate correctly and self-cancel

Four-way flashers work

Defogger indicator light turns on with switch ON

Dome/courtesy lights operate with door cycles



INSTRUMENT PANEL & ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Master key is present

Fuel gauge reads correctly

Battery voltage gauge reads correctly

Horn works

Airbag deployment/replaced airbag

Speedometer and odometer work properly

Cruise control operation normal

Clock keeps time

All wiper speeds work correctly

Windshield washer operates

Wiper blades are in good condition and work

Wipers return to correct position when OFF

All mirrors have full range of adjustment

Windows operate normally

Window locks operate normally

Power windows operate from master switch and all door switches

Memory seat control operates properly



AUDIO & ALARM SYSTEMS

Audio/cassette/CD system working normally, CD cartridge present (if equipped)

Antenna is present and functions properly

Radio speakers do not rattle at high volume

Remote entry system works properly

Theft-deterrent system works properly



INTERIOR CONDITION & APPEARANCE

Day/night mirror operates and lens is good

Window tinting clear and free of bubbles

Cigarette lighter is intact and operates

Ashtrays function and are in good condition

Ashtrays and lighter are clean; no evidence of use

Headliner, sun visors, dash pad, upholstery, console, cup holders, trim panels, floor mats and carpets are in place and in good condition

Cup holder extends completely and sturdily

Doors open and close correctly

Door locks, including child safety locks, work properly

Seats, including all position adjusters, work properly

Headrests function properly

Rear defogger grid lines intact

Interior leather, vinyl, plastic, carpet and fabric surfaces are free of holes, rips, tears, excessive wear or fading

No evidence of previous improper repairs

Inspect seatbelt condition

Seatbelts have full range of extension and smooth operation

Seatbelts lock up per specification

Inside remote release operates normally

Interior is free of debris

Dash and vents are clean and properly dressed

All crevices are clean

Doorjambs are clean

Glove box and console compartments are clean

Seats, carpets, floor mats and headliner are free of stains

Free of odor, including heavy perfume

Glass is clean and free of streaks



EXTERIOR CONDITION & APPEARANCE

Exterior is clean and free of road residue

No cracked or broken lenses of exterior lights

Outside rearview mirror operates/lens is good

Glass free of cracks, stars and large chips

Glass is free of improper repairs

Bumpers are free of cuts, gouges and scratches

Body is free of all dents

Body is reasonably free of dings

Paint is reasonably free of scratches and chips

Vehicle is free of improper paint repairs or mismatched color

Hood and trunk latches working

Free of water spots

Paint is free of swirl marks

Paint has even, high luster

Paint is free of buffable scratches

Free of wax residue

Wheelwells are clean

Acceptable aftermarket items checked

Removal of unacceptable aftermarket items



TRUNK COMPARTMENT & SPARE

Trunk is clean, free of debris, no stains

Trunk light and trunk trim appearance

Jack and tools are correct, present and secured

Fiber board tire cover is not broken/warped

Spare tire present

Spare tire and storage areas are clean

Spare tire is securely fastened

No signs of damage to spare tire

Minimum 5/32" tread remaining on spare

Spare tire has correct air pressure



HYBRID COMPONENTS

Hybrid Vehicle Immobilizer System

Multi-Information Display

Inverter Coolant Level

Engine and ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission)

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

EMPS (Electric Motor Assisted Power Steering)

CCS (Cruise Control System)

SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Airbag

HV ECU (Hybrid Vehicle Electronic Control Unit)

HV (Hybrid Vehicle) Battery

Perform "Onboard Equalizing Charge" of HV Battery using Intelligent Tester

Fully charge 12-Volt Auxiliary Battery

Clean or replace Air Refiner Filter (A/C or evaporator filter)

Check Transaxle "Park" Mechanism



ADDITIONAL ITEMS, WHERE APPLICABLE

"Fade-away" dome light works properly

Sunroof/convertible top operates normally through full range of positions

Convertible top lockout function operates

Radio security codes cleared

Navigation system works properly

Transfer case smoothly switches from 2WD to 4WD and back from 4WD to 2WD

Truck bed is in good condition

Truck bedliner is in good condition and secured

Tailgate functions properly

Rear bumper is in good condition and secured