I searched and couldn't find one, so I figured it'd be a good idea to start a thread about a generic buyer's checklist for open-wheel race cars. This is also a learning experience for me as I currently do not own an OW race car but I am a prospective buyer and want to know what potential buyers need to look for. To start, I'm basing this on other race cars I've owned (all tin tops) and some hard-earned lessons as a buyer.
This is a work in progress and I'm looking for feedback from the experienced folks here to make it accurate and relevant. So as a start, here goes:
1. Pre-Inspection Research (via Internet and by talking to racers)
A. What is a typical sales price for a race car like this?
B. What are the known problem areas?
C. How much does it cost to fix or replace typical known issues and problem areas?
D. How much does it cost to rebuild/replace the engine?
E. How much does it cost to rebuild/replace the gearbox?
F. How much does it cost for a set of new tires?
G. For the specific car being inspected, how competitive was it in recent races (race orgs will publish results)?
2. Initial Impression and Documentation
A. What is your initial impression on the condition of this race car (prior to detailed inspection)?
B. Does this car have a log book? Ask to see it.
C. Does this car have a current year annual tech inspection noted in log book? If not, when did it last pass the annual?
D. Review log book for race history, tech inspection notes, and crashes.
E. Ask the seller about any wrecks or crash damage the car may have suffered and subsequent repairs.
F. When was this car last driven on track (practiceday or raced)?
G. Does the seller have a maintenance log for this car? If so, review it.
H. Does the seller have the car's setup notes? If so, review them.
I. Ask the seller how the car is stored during the off-season.
3. Body Panels
A. Any signs of damage?
B. Do the body panels line up correctly?
C. Any signs of crash damage repair and does it look properly done?
D. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
4. Frame
A. Any signs of damage or corrosion?
B. Any signs of crash damage repair and does it look properly done?
C. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
5. Suspension
A. Are suspension components secure and without slop in joints?
B. When were the dampers last replaced or rebuilt?
C. Are the dampers showing signs of leaking or seeping?
D. Are the wheel bearings without play and not making any abnormal noises when rotated?
E. When were the wheel bearings last replaced?
F. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
6. Brakes
A. When were the brakes last serviced (including fluid flush)?
B. Condition of brake lines, brake pads, calipers, and rotors?
C. When were the brake calipers last replaced or rebuilt?
D. Any signs of brake fluid leaks?
E. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
7. Engine
A. When was it sealed (if applicable to the car's class)?
B. When was it last rebuilt?
C. When was the oil last changed?
D. How many hours are on the engine since it was built (or rebuilt)?
E. Has it been recently dyno'd? If so, how do the HP and TQ curves look?
F. Does the engine run well and appear to be healthy based on sound and throttle response?
G. Does the engine burn oil?
H. Any signs of engine oil leaks or seeps?
I. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
8. Gearbox
A. When was it sealed (if applicable to the car's class)?
B. When was it last rebuilt?
C. Is the shifter linkage secure?
D. Does it shift well in all gears?
E. Does it whine or make abnormal noises?
F. When was the oil last changed?
G. Any signs of gearbox oil leaks or seeps?
H. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
9. Engine Cooling System (if it has one)
A. Are there any signs of leaks?
B. When were hoses last replaced?
C. When was the radiator last replaced?
D. What coolant is currently in it (any anti-freeze will need to be flushed out)?
E. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
10. Fuel Cell
A. When was it last replaced?
B. Has the fuel cell aged out (expired)?
C. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
11. Electrical System and Transponder
A. Is battery properly secured?
B. Does the electrical wiring appear to be secure, safe, and with no signs of chafing?
C. If applicable, is the electronic ignition properly secured?
D. Is the transponder included in the sale of the car?
E. If the transponder is a rechargeable type, is the charger included with the car?
F. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
12. Safety Equipment and Driver Fit
A. How well do you fit in the cockpit (bear in mind some of this can be adjusted)?
- How well does the seat fit you?
- How well does the steering wheel position fit you?- Can you reach the pedals?
- Can you reach the various controls and the shifter?
- Does the instrumentation layout make sense?
- Do you have adequate shoulder clearance?
- Overall, do you feel comfortable sitting in this car?
B. Age and condition of seat belts (harness)?
C. When was the fire suppression system last serviced?
D. Verify proper operation of kill switch.
E. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong?
13. Tires and Wheels
A. How old are the tires and how many heat cycles are on them?
B. How old are the wheels and how many track sessions are on them?
C. For unmounted wheels, do they look straight/unbent?
D. Overall visual inspection. Does anything look wrong (e.g., flat spots, sidewall cracks, etc.)?
14. Spares Package
A. What's included in the spares package?
B. How many sets of tires and wheels go with the car?
C. Do the spare parts look OK to use?
15. Final Thoughts Based on The Inspection
A. Does this car appear to be legal per class rules?
B. What does this car need to be track-ready?
C. What does this car need to be race-ready?
D. Does the car appear to have been maintained well?
E. Based on market research and what you've just seen, what is this car really worth?
F. Avoid buying the car in the heat of the moment when your best judgement may be cloudy. Instead, sleep on it and negotiate a day or so later.
G. Remind yourself that there are other good cars out there on the market (or will soon be). If something doesn't feel right about this car, don't buy it.
H. Be prepared to walk away.