Buying a used car can be a smart financial move, but it’s important to go in prepared. Here's a checklist of things to look for and do:

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🔍 Before Seeing the Car

1. Set Your Budget – Include insurance, taxes, registration, and potential repairs.

2. Research the Model – Check reliability, common issues, recalls, and market value (use KBB, Edmunds, etc.).

3. Get the VIN – Run a vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck) to check for:

   • Accidents

   • Salvage/rebuilt title

   • Service history

   • Ownership history

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🚗 Inspecting the Car (Exterior & Interior)

Exterior:

• Paint and Rust – Check for mismatched paint, dents, or rust spots.

• Tires – Uneven wear could mean alignment issues.

• Lights & Lenses – Check for cracks, fogginess, and function.

Interior:

• Odor – Musty or moldy smells can mean water damage.

• Seats, Dash, Upholstery – Look for excessive wear or tears.

• Electronics – Test windows, locks, A/C, radio, dashboard lights, etc.

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🔧 Mechanical Condition

Even if you’re not a mechanic, here are basics to check:

• Engine – Listen for knocking, clicking, or rough idling.

• Fluids – Check oil, transmission, brake, and coolant levels/condition.

• Transmission – Make sure it shifts smoothly (manual or automatic).

• Suspension & Brakes – Drive over bumps, brake at different speeds.

Pro tip: Always bring a mechanic or get a pre-purchase inspection done if you're not confident yourself.

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🧾 Paperwork

• Title – Must be clean (not salvage or rebuilt) and match the seller’s name.

• Bill of Sale – Essential for legal documentation.

• Service Records – A well-documented maintenance history is a good sign.

• Odometer Reading – Check for signs of rollback or tampering.

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🚘 Test Drive

Take it on highways, residential roads, and turns. Pay attention to:

• How it accelerates and brakes

• Any strange noises or vibrations

• How it handles and turns

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🚩 Red Flags

• Seller is hesitant about a mechanic inspecting it

• Car has no maintenance records

• Price is way below market value

• Recently painted areas that don’t match

• Title isn't in the seller's name

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Absolutely! Here's a deep dive into the Drive Test (Behind-the-Wheel) portion of the Oregon driving test — what to expect, how to prepare, and tips to pass:

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🚗 Oregon Drive Test (Behind-the-Wheel) – Detailed Breakdown

📝 Purpose

This test evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle safely and obey traffic laws in a real-world driving environment.

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🕐 Test Duration

• Approx. 20–25 minutes

• Conducted by a certified examiner (either DMV or an approved third-party provider)

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✅ Eligibility Requirements

Before taking the drive test, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Hold a valid instruction permit

• Have passed the Knowledge and Vision tests

• Have proof of completed driver education (if under 18) or practice hours (50–100 hours)

• Have a scheduled appointment – no walk-ins

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🚘 Vehicle Requirements

You must bring your own vehicle, which must:

• Be in good mechanical condition

• Have valid registration and insurance

• Include working:

  • Headlights and taillights

  • Brake lights and turn signals

  • Horn

  • Windshield wipers

  • Safety belts

  • Emergency/parking brake

⚠️ You’ll be disqualified immediately if your vehicle is unsafe or non-compliant.

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📋 What You'll Be Tested On

Here's what the examiner will be observing:

1. Pre-Drive Safety Check

You’ll be asked to:

• Demonstrate hand signals

• Turn on lights, horn, hazard lights

• Show emergency brake and defrost functions

2. Starting and Stopping

• Smooth acceleration and braking

• Use of mirrors and signals

3. Turns

• Proper signaling and lane use

• Right turns: Tight and close to curb

• Left turns: Wide, enter correct lane

4. Lane Changes

• Check mirrors and blind spots

• Use turn signal

• Maintain speed and lane control

5. Backing Up

• In a straight line or around a corner

• Turn your head and look through the rear window

• Go slowly and safely

6. Traffic Interaction

• Yielding when appropriate

• Maintaining safe following distance

• Recognizing right-of-way rules

7. Parking

• Curbside parking

• Possibly parallel parking (depends on location)

• Proper use of parking brake

8. General Driving Behavior

• Awareness of surroundings

• Obeying speed limits and signs

• Defensive driving and hazard awareness

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❌ Common Reasons for Failure

• Rolling through a stop sign

• Failing to yield right-of-way

• Driving too fast or too slow

• Improper lane use (e.g., cutting corners)

• Not checking mirrors/blind spots

• Failing pre-drive vehicle check

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💡 Tips to Pass

• Practice in the same car you’ll use for the test.

• Know the test route (some DMVs have typical paths you can rehearse).

• Avoid any distractions — no phones or passengers.

• Stay calm and focused, even if you make a mistake (not all mistakes fail you).

• Take a driver education course if you haven’t already.

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📍 Where to Take It

• At an Oregon DMV office (requires appointment)

• Or through an ODOT-approved third-party examiner (usually faster scheduling)

💵 Cost: $45 at DMV; varies for third-party testers.

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Perfect! Here’s a Mock Drive Test Checklist tailored to help you practice like you’re taking the real Oregon DMV behind-the-wheel test.

You can print this out or use it during practice sessions to track your progress.

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✅ Oregon Mock Drive Test Practice Checklist

🔍 BEFORE YOU START DRIVING

Task	Complete?
✔ Valid instruction permit/license with you	☐
✔ Vehicle registration and insurance in car	☐
✔ Vehicle walkaround check (tires, lights, mirrors)	☐
✔ Seatbelt on (driver and passengers)	☐
✔ Adjust seat, mirrors, steering wheel	☐

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🧪 PRE-DRIVE SAFETY CHECK

Task	Pass?
✔ Turn on headlights, left/right signals	☐
✔ Use the horn	☐
✔ Hazard lights (emergency flashers)	☐
✔ Show how to use parking/emergency brake	☐
✔ Demonstrate hand signals (left, right, stop)	☐

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🚘 DRIVING MANEUVERS

Start Driving

Task	Pass?
✔ Start smoothly, signal, and check mirrors	☐

Stops

Task	Pass?
✔ Complete stop at stop signs	☐
✔ Stop behind crosswalk/limit line	☐
✔ Proper response at traffic lights	☐

Turns

Task	Pass?
✔ Right turns: tight, signal 100 ft before	☐
✔ Left turns: wide into correct lane	☐
✔ Check mirrors and blind spot before turning	☐

Lane Changes

Task	Pass?
✔ Signal, check mirrors, turn head to blind spot	☐
✔ Change lanes smoothly and safely	☐

Backing Up

Task	Pass?
✔ Turn head and look over right shoulder	☐
✔ Back straight and slow	☐

Speed Control

Task	Pass?
✔ Stay within posted speed limits	☐
✔ Adjust speed for traffic/weather conditions	☐

Parking

Task	Pass?
✔ Curbside parking (within 12 inches of curb)	☐
✔ Use parking brake properly	☐
✔ Turn wheels if on a hill (uphill/downhill)	☐

General Driving

Task	Pass?
✔ Maintain safe following distance (3-4 seconds)	☐
✔ Stay centered in lane	☐
✔ Obey traffic signs and signals	☐
✔ Yield when required	☐
✔ Drive with confidence and control	☐

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❌ INSTANT FAIL ACTIONS TO AVOID

Action	Avoided?
❌ Rolling stops	☐
❌ Speeding or driving too slow	☐
❌ Hitting curb or driving over lines	☐
❌ Dangerous maneuvers (e.g., cutting off cars)	☐
❌ Ignoring examiner’s instructions	☐

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📓 Score Yourself

• 30+ ✅ out of 35 = You’re Ready!

• Practice until you're comfortable doing all of the above smoothly and confidently.

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Making your own homemade Bisquick mix is super easy and only needs a few pantry staples. It’s basically a pre-mixed blend of flour, fat, leavening, and salt. Here’s a simple recipe:

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🥣 Homemade Bisquick Mix

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, butter, or coconut oil (cold and solid)

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2. Cut in the fat: Use a pastry cutter, fork, or food processor to cut the shortening/butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs (like sand with tiny pebbles).

3. Store: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months, or freeze for longer storage.

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🧁 Use It For:

• Pancakes

• Waffles

• Biscuits

• Dumplings

• Quick breads

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How can I make my own Biscuits with this recipt?

 

That homemade Bisquick mix is perfect for making biscuits—just like the real thing. Here's a quick and easy biscuit recipe using your mix:

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🧈 Fluffy Biscuits with Homemade Bisquick

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of your homemade Bisquick mix

• ⅔ cup milk (any kind — dairy or non-dairy)

Optional Add-ins:

• 2–3 tablespoons shredded cheese

• Pinch of garlic powder or herbs for flavor

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Mix it up: In a bowl, stir the Bisquick mix and milk until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’ll make the biscuits tough.

3. Shape biscuits: Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet for drop biscuits, or pat the dough out ½ inch thick and cut with a biscuit cutter for round ones.

4. Bake: 8–10 minutes or until golden brown on top.

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Pro Tips:

• Brush the tops with melted butter after baking for extra goodness.

• Want them flakier? Chill the dough before baking and use cold butter as the fat.

 

Making your own pizza sauce is super easy and tastes way better than store-bought! Here's a classic and simple recipe you can tweak to your taste:

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🍅 Simple Homemade Pizza Sauce

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes (or use fresh, peeled and blended tomatoes)

• 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional for thicker sauce)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Instructions:

1. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds (don’t let it brown).

2. Add Tomatoes: Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato paste (if using).

3. Season: Stir in oregano, basil, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

4. Simmer: Let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps it thicken and blend the flavors.

5. Taste & Adjust: Add more seasoning if needed. Blend if you want it super smooth, but chunkier is great too.

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Tips:

• If using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them first, then purée or crush.

• Want it smoky? Add a pinch of smoked paprika.

• Store in the fridge up to a week or freeze for a few months.