
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
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.

Spring Cleaning with the Help of a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Spring is right around the corner, and that means it’s time to get your home in shape. Spring cleaning is a time for cleaning, organizing and improving your living space. From adding a new deck to renovating your kitchen, there are so many projects to consider. However, spring cleaning home improvements can be costly. Depending on the size and scope of your project, you might need to borrow money. You can use a HELOC to help finance your spring cleaning plans. Learn more about how to use a HELOC to improve your home.

What are Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) and Home Equity Loans?
If you are new to the world of Home Equity Loans and HELOCs, learn how these loans work and how you may be able to use them to your advantage.

Infographic: How to Apply for a Mortgage
The mortgage application process can be overwhelming. Use this guide to simplify the application process so you can finance with confidence.

How to Pay for College
In some ways, going to college has become essential in today’s economy. Having a degree can be your ticket to a better paying job, but the cost of tuition can be prohibitive for some aspiring students and professionals. The good news is that there are many financial aid programs for you to choose from, regardless of your financial situation. You can lower the cost of college by doing your research and taking advantage of as many of these programs as possible. Don’t wait! The sooner you start researching these programs, the less you’ll have to pay out of pocket.

Money and Marriage: What Newlyweds Should Know
You’re looking forward to a long, happy marriage with your betrothed. However, before you say your “I do’s” you might want to have a heart-to-heart talk about money and how you’ll manage your finances. Disagreements on money-related issues are a common challenge that married couples face. Here are some steps you can take so money issues don’t become marriage issues.

Calculating a Car Payment and Other Things to Know About Buying a Car
So, you’re gearing up to buy a car and now it’s time to put your hard-earned money toward a beautiful vehicle that will hopefully last you for the foreseeable future. But calculating a car payment isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Getting pre-approved, locking in a low interest rate and shopping around for the best price is key to making sure you can afford your payments going forward. If you’re new to the world of buying a car, use this guide to get your finances in order before you sign on the dotted line.

Buying vs. Leasing a Car
This age-old dilemma continues to find new life in today’s economy. Driving is so much a part of our daily lives, but not everyone can afford to buy their car outright. Leasing a car can be a great option to save money, or for those individuals who enjoy driving a different car every few years. Like renting an apartment, you spend money month after month without walking away at the end of the lease with anything of your own. Let’s compare the pros and cons of buying vs. leasing a car so you can make the right decision based on your lifestyle.

Buying a House in a Hot Market
Buying a home in a seller’s market can be challenging. While housing market conditions may be less than ideal, there are still benefits to buying a property versus renting. Use these tips to stay ahead of the competition and land the house you’ve always wanted.