Used Car Checklist

 
This Checklist covers same aspects that you need to evaluate when you are considering buying a used car. 
 

     01 - Getting Started

  • Wear old clothes you are going to handle dirty items.
  • Don't forget to take whit you: Checklist, Flashlight, Magnet, Notepad and Pencil.
  • Is the owners' manual in the vehicle?
  • Are the service records available?
  • Are previous repair records available?
  • Is the title of the vehicle in order?

     02 - Tips

  • Check the car first thing in the morning to see how it will start.
  • Inspect a used car during the day.
  • Take your time don't hurry.
  • Compare prices before you inspect the car you are considering.

     03 - Body

  • Are seams where doors and fenders meet even and straight?
  • Are seams where the hood and trunk meet the fenders even and straight?
  • Does a magnet cling to all steel body panels? If doesn't cling suspect body filler.
  • Are all body panels the same color?
  • Has the car been recently repainted?

     04 - Engine Compartment

  • Are there signs of oil or fluid leaks?
  • At operating temperature are there abnormal smells due to leaking fluids on hot engine parts?
  • Are there unusual noises in the engine compartment when the engine is running?
  • Does anything appear to be missing?

     05 - Engine

  • The engine starts easily?
  • Is the engine idle smooth?
  • Does the idle speed seem too slow or fast?
  • Does the engine stalls?
  • The engine hesitates or stumbles when accelerated?
  • Does the engine run smoothly?
  • Does the engine seem to lack power?
  • Does engine or other system warning lights appear?
  • The engine continues to run when it is shut off?

     06 - Suspension

  • Does the vehicle sit level?
  • Bounce each corner of the vehicle, corners should bounce once or twice before stopping.
  • Do you hear a creaking noise when bouncing the vehicle's corners?

     07 - Transmission and Clutch

  • Is shifting smooth?
  • When accelerating hard in high gear (third or fourth) does engine rpms rise without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed? It may need to be adjusted or replaced.
  • When shifting to a lower gear when going slowly does it shifts easily without grinding?

     08 - Steering

  • Is steering difficult?
  • Does the vehicle pull to one side during operation?
  • Is the steering wheel centered when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead?
  • Turn sharply in both directions. Do you hear noises, or feel rubbing or binding?
  • Does the vehicle shake or vibrate while moving?

     09 - Under the Vehicle

  • Are there fluid leaks on the ground beneath the vehicle?
  • Are any parts loose?
  • Does anything appear missing?
  • Are exhaust system parts rusty?
  • Are there marks from scrapes?

    10 - Frame

  • Examine inside trunk, wheel wells, and under hood.
  • Do you see areas that look like they have been crumpled and straightened?

     11 - Brakes

  • Does the brakes stop the vehicle adequately?
  • Does the vehicle pull to one side when brakes are applied?
  • Does the parking brake hold firmly and release completely?
  • If the vehicle has ABS do wheels lock?

     12 - Tires

  • Are all tires the same size?
  • Are all tires the same brand?
  • Do all tires have the same amount of tread?
  • Is there a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench?
  • Is the spare tire inflated?
  • If the vehicle has locking hubcaps, is there a key for removing them?

     13 - Interior

  • Is the dashboard in good condition?
  • Is upholstery in good condition?
  • Do seats adjust easily?
  • Are any window cranks?
  • Are there any controls missing?
  • Do all interior lights work?
  • Is the carpeting in good condition?

     14 - Accessories

  • Do all accessories operate fully?
  • Test all functions on each accessory.
  • Does the gas cap fit correctly?
  • If the cap locks, is there a key?