Greetings of the seasons one and all,
I have viewed a silver LS400 Mk4 in Windsor, and there is a second car also in Windsor and a third in Slough that will come under my mediocre scrutiny this week.
Can you let me know if (someone as mechanically unminded as myself) there is anything else I should be looking out for during the viewing and test drive?
1. Documentation
V5 present and VIN matches; call previous owner (on V5)
Manufacturer’s handbook
Service history log with invoices
Road Tax
MOT and old certificates
Mileage consistent on documents
HPi clear
2. Physical Inspection
Number of keys
Alarm/ immobiliser functioning
Body panels and shut lines; evidence of resprays
Opening/ closing of all doors, bonnet and boot
Tyre tread and condition
Spare tyre, jack and toolkit
Locking wheel nut
Alloys’ condition
Exhaust fumes
All exterior lights work
All interior lights work
Number plates front and back match
General interior condition
Wipers and washers
All windows and their switches
Multifunction steering wheel controls
Dash and other controls’ backlighting
AC is ice cold (front and back)
All other ventilation (front and back) functions
Audio controls, multidisc CD changer, sound quality
All electrical items, including mirrors
Electrical steering adjustment
Electrical seat adjustment and heating for seats
Sunroof function
Engine bay condition
Fluid levels: brake, oil, coolant, washer
Suspension mounts and chassis members
3. Test Drive
Allowed?
Noise on start up
Cruise control functioning
Check brake performance
Handbrake tight
Steering – what to check?
Suspension on cornering, noises?
Unnecessary noises
Smooth gear changes, including reverse
Computer functions
Hoping that Xmas present to myself does actually arrive before Xmas. All silent 4 litres of it.