12-24-2025, 06:52 AM
I'm planning to buy my first used car from a private seller, a 2018 Toyota Camry with about 70,000 miles, and I want to do a thorough inspection before committing. I've looked up a basic used car inspection checklist online, but I'm not entirely confident I'll know what to look for beyond obvious body damage and a test drive. For experienced buyers or mechanics, what are the most critical but often overlooked items on your personal checklist? How do you properly check the transmission, suspension, and for signs of flood damage or past major repairs that weren't disclosed, and is it worth paying a mobile mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection even if the car seems fine to me?