Vehicle Inspection Checklist
-
-
Copied link to Clipboard!
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
Related Resources
View All
Expanded Lesson
8 min read
Buying a Home for the First Time? How to Navigate Your Purchase
Nothing could be more exciting than buying your first home! After years of saving and renting, it’s finally time to be the master of your own domain. But buying a home can be much more complicated than you might realize. The asking price of the home is just one piece of the equation as you navigate this all-too-important purchase. From shopping for a mortgage to budgeting for unexpected costs, we’ll walk you through every step of the process.
Expanded Lesson
7 min read
How to Refinance a Mortgage
Refinancing your mortgage is a great way to reduce debt and take control of your finances. There are many reasons to swap out your current home mortgage for a new repayment plan. It all depends on what you’re looking to achieve with your new home loan. Use this guide to learn more about the refinancing process to see if this is the right option for you.
Expanded Lesson
15 min read
How to Pay Back Your Student Loans
Paying off student loans is a top financial priority for many people, but it can be confusing and hard to navigate. Many people don’t understand how student loan debt works or what their options are to reduce their payments. Read this article to learn more about student loans and what options you have to pay them back.
Expanded Lesson
6 min read
How Much Does a Wedding Cost? Ways to Prepare Financially
As exciting as this moment may seem, it’s best to plan your wedding around your finances and future lifestyle. Your wedding is just one piece of a much bigger financial puzzle. Use this guide to help plan your special day in an affordable way so you don’t end up putting a financial strain on your marriage before it starts!
Expanded Lesson
6 min read
College Savings Plans: What You Need to Know
Whether you’re saving for your child to go to college or planning the next chapter of your career, you have several options to choose from when it comes to paying for school. The good news is that you’re thinking about your options ahead of time, which should help you make the most of your money as you prepare to further your education. 529 plans can be confusing but learning about these programs will help you save money over time as you finance your education, regardless of where you decide to go to school.
Expanded Lesson
6 min read
How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Are you ready to house hunt, but are wondering "How much mortgage can I afford?" Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can show sellers that you are a serious prospect and give you a leg up on other buyers who jump the gun by visiting open houses without even knowing their budget. In this market, where sellers are getting many offers including cash offers, a pre-approval can help you stand out as a buyer. When you have a documented pre-approval, the seller knows you will be able to get the funding you are offering for the home and you’ll be able to close more quickly and reliably.
Expanded Lesson
8 min read
Seven Major Steps in Buying a House
The decision to buy a home can be both exciting and terrifying all at the same time. Homeownership is what many of us strive for—to be able to have a home that we can call our own, as well as a real estate asset we can use to build our personal wealth. It is a big step to take. At the same time, though, the process of buying a house can be overwhelming. Understanding the step-by-step process in purchasing a home can help make the home-buying experience a more positive one for you and your family and can help reduce the additional stress that comes with this life-changing decision.
Expanded Lesson
5 min read
Debt to Income Ratio Demystified
If you’re hoping to get a home loan, auto loan or debt consolidation loan, there’s one important number lenders will want to take a close look at. That number is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI.) Even if your credit report is squeaky clean, your DTI is a good indicator of whether or not you’re overextended and might have trouble with additional monthly debt payments like house or car loans.
Expanded Lesson
6 min read
What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and What Can You Use It For?
Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) have a wide variety of uses. Read this article to learn more about how they work and how they can help you tackle your next project.
Vehicle Inspection Checklist
Use this checklist when buying a used vehicle to help make sure you're getting a good deal and a reliable car.
Quick Lesson
3 min read
When Should I Review My Insurance Coverage?
While a periodic review of your coverage is always a good idea, it’s also important to know what other things should prompt an insurance review.
Quick Lesson
3 min read
5 Tips to Help You Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage
Use these car insurance tips the next time you're reviewing your policy to help make sure you have enough coverage and potentially save some money.