Paperwork and history
Match the VIN on the dashboard, door jamb, and title. Run a history report for accidents, salvage, or flood branding. In Texas, check that the title is in the seller's name and not marked 'salvage' or 'rebuilt' unless disclosed.
Exterior and body
Look down the sides for wavy panels, mismatched paint, and uneven panel gaps that suggest accident repair. Check under the car for rust and fresh undercoating that might hide damage.
Flood damage warning signs
After heavy North Texas storms, flood cars hit the market. Watch for:
- Musty or heavy air-freshener smell
- Silt under seats or in the spare tire well
- Rust on seat rails and pedal brackets
- Fogged headlights or gauge cluster
- Electrical glitches
Under the hood
Check oil for milky residue, coolant for oil contamination, belts for cracks, and look for leaks. Scan the computer — recently cleared codes show as 'not ready' monitors.
The test drive
Drive cold and hot, at city and highway speed. Feel for shifting delays, vibration, pulling, and listen for clunks. Test the AC thoroughly — it's expensive to fix in Texas.
Get a professional inspection
Aaron's Auto Repair meets you at the seller's location anywhere within 50 miles of Irving and delivers a written report with photos the same day.