Vehicle Inspection Checklist
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Use this checklist when buying a used vehicle to help make sure you're getting a good deal and a reliable car.
Quick Tip
- 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
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