
Vehicle Inspection Checklist: Pre-purchase / Used Car Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist when buying a used vehicle to help make sure you're getting a good deal and a reliable car.

- Walk away if the seller objects to your inspection.
- Don't feel rushed while inspecting.
- Try to get a mechanic to assess checklist results.
- Use any flaws against the asking price.
CONTENTS
Exterior Checklist
□ Windshield free of cracks
□ Body panel colors match
□ Magnet adheres to all steel body panels
□ Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust)
□ Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned
□ Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned
□ Free of body scratches
□ Free of body dents
□ Windshields wipers and blades fully functional
□ Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional
Tires Checklist
□ Tires are a reputable brand name (Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear)
□ Tires are all of the same make
□ Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks
□ Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems)
□ Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional
□ Spare tire inflated
Engine Checklist
□ Free of fluid or oil leaks
□ Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits
□ Battery terminals free of corrosion
□ Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil
□ Free of odors while engine is running
□ Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black
(indicate excessive oil consumption)
Suspension Checklist
□ Vehicle rests levelly
□ When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made
□ All corners respond the same when bouncing
Interior Checklist
□ Seats unworn and free of cracks
□ All doors open and close freely
□ Trunk opens and closes freely
□ Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed)
□ All gauges work
□ No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated
□ Stereo works
□ Heater works
□ Air conditioner works
□ Windshield wipers work
□ Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly
□ All seats equipped with functional seat belts
□ All seats adjust properly
□ Power windows operate properly
□ Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable)
□ Car alarm works (if applicable)
□ Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key
□ Hazard lights function properly
□ Headlights, including brights, work properly
Frame Checklist
□ Chassis is neither bent nor cracked
□ No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk
□ Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches
Automatic Transmission Checklist
□ Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal
transmission problem)
□ Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving
Manual Transmission Checklist
□ Each gear shifts smoothly
□ No grinding noises when in reverse
Brakes Checklist
□ Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes
□ Parking brake engages and disengages freely
□ No grinding noises when applying
□ Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)
Steering Checklist
□ Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding
□ Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating
□ No resistance in the steering wheel when turning
□ No clicking or clunking when turning
Miscellaneous Checklist
□ Car manual located in the glove compartment
□ Instructions included for any accessories
□ Service and repair records available
□ Owner has title
Related Resources
View All
Medical Debt: How to Manage and What It Means for Your Credit
An estimated one in ten adults in the U.S. are in medical debt, and millions of households owe more than $10,000. Carrying around this added debt can negatively affect your finances but paying off your medical bills is not as straightforward as paying off other types of debt. You do, however, have options for reducing the amount you owe and when you pay it back. Learn how to manage medical debt to limit its effect on your finances.

What Higher Mortgage Rates Mean for You
Interest rates on mortgage loans are rising fast due to a variety of factors. The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates with several more rate hikes planned for later this year in hopes of easing inflation. This makes it more expensive to borrow money. Learn more about what these rates mean for you and your finances.

How much do you need to make to afford a home in Colorado?
One of the biggest parts of a person’s budget is their housing expense. If you’re looking to purchase a home, read this article to learn more about how home affordability has changed and what you can do to make things more affordable and fit your budget.

Preparing for a Possible Recession
A recession represents a decline in economic activity and often leads to high unemployment. Recessions are a natural part of the business cycle, but they can also have a detrimental effect on your finances. Recessions come and go, but they are historically difficult to predict. Learn how to prepare for a possible recession by adjusting your personal finances accordingly.

Great Resignation: Money Tips When Transitioning Your Job
With a record number of job openings all over the country, it’s a great time to look for a new job. But transitioning careers can leave you without income for several months or more, depending on how long you are out of work. If you are thinking of changing jobs, learn how to manage your finances during this period of transition.

Interest Rates' Impact on The Housing Market
Most people need a mortgage to buy a home, and this means borrowing money from a lender. The lender will always charge interest on top of the principal amount used to buy the home. The interest rate depends on a number of factors, including those related to monetary policy and the health of the economy, as well as those related to your personal finances and credit history. Learn more about how these rates affect the housing market and your bottom line.

How to Vacation on a Budget
There’s nothing better than leaving town with your loved ones as you explore a new city or country. But going on vacation is more expensive than it used to be. The cost of travel, housing and meals out can put a major dent in your finances. You don’t want to get to your destination and suddenly realize you don’t have enough money to enjoy your trip. This is your time to relax. You shouldn’t have to worry about every dollar you spend. Learn how to budget for your upcoming trip, so you can make the most of your time away from work.

Have Home Equity? Cash-Out Refinances versus Home Equity Loans
If you’ve been in your home for several years or more, chances are you have what is known as home equity, which means you’ve paid off a substantial part of your mortgage loan. You can turn your home equity into cash with a cash-out refinance or a home equity loan. Refinancing your mortgage may also allow you to lock in a lower interest rate, helping you save money in the years to come.

How to Get the Best Mortgage Rates
For homeowners, a common financial goal is to pay off the mortgage as soon as possible and avoid paying extra interest. The lower the interest rates, the less you will owe down the line. That’s why it’s important to find a loan with the lowest possible interest rates, usually represented as annual percentage rate (APR), and other fees associated with the lending process. Use this guide to help you find the best mortgage rates to save money over time.

Buying a Fixer-Upper Home: Know the Pros and Cons
If you’re looking to save money when buying a home, you might consider buying a fixer-upper home. Some individuals choose to renovate an older home or one that needs repairs and flip it to make a profit, but are these homes really worth your money? Take a look at the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper home

How Much Equity Do I Need for a Home Equity Loan?
One upside to owning a home is that you can start building equity. Once you pay off a certain percentage of your mortgage, you can use this equity to borrow money against your property by taking out what’s known as a home equity loan. This money is often used by homeowners to make repairs, pay down debt or invest in their education. If you are interested in borrowing against the equity you’ve built up in your home, learn more about how these loans work and how to qualify.

Student Loan Forbearance
Student loan forbearance is a period in which you aren’t required to make a payment on your student loans. You can temporarily make a smaller payment, but the principal amount of the loan will continue to accrue interest. Forbearance can help you reduce your monthly expenses in the short term, however, you won’t make any progress in terms of paying off the loan or loan forgiveness. Learn more about student loan forbearance and when to consider this option.