== Exterior ==
? ☐ Windshield free of cracks <br>? ☐ Body panel colors match <br>? ☐ Magnet adheres to all steel body panels <br>? ☐ Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust) <br>? ☐ Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned <br>? ☐ Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned <br>? ☐ Free of body scratches <br>? ☐ Free of body dents <br>? ☐ Windshields wipers and blades fully functional <br>? ☐ Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional <br>
== Tires ==
? ☐ Tires are a reputable brand name (Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear) <br>? ☐ Tires are all of the same make <br>? ☐ Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks <br>? ☐ Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems) <br>? ☐ Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional <br>? ☐ Spare tire inflated
== Engine ==
? ☐ Free of fluid or oil leaks <br>? ☐ Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits <br>? ☐ Battery terminals free of corrosion <br>? ☐ Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil <br>? ☐ Free of odors while engine is running <br>? ☐ Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black (indicate excessive oil consumption)
== Suspension ==
? ☐ Vehicle rests levelly <br>? ☐ When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made <br>? ☐ All corners respond the same when bouncing
== Interior ==
? ☐ Seats unworn and free of cracks <br>? ☐ All doors open and close freely <br>? ☐ Trunk opens and closes freely <br>? ☐ Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed) <br>? ☐ All gauges work <br>? ☐ No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated <br>? ☐ Stereo works <br>? ☐ Heater works <br>? ☐ Air conditioner works <br>? ☐ Windshield wipers work <br>? ☐ Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly <br>? ☐ All seats equipped with functional seat belts <br>? ☐ All seats adjust properly <br>? ☐ Power windows operate properly <br>? ☐ Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable) <br>? ☐ Car alarm works (if applicable) <br>? ☐ Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key <br>? ☐ Hazard lights function properly <br>? ☐ Headlights, including brights, work properly
== Frame ==
? ☐ Chassis is neither bent nor cracked <br>? ☐ No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk <br>? ☐ Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches
== Automatic Transmission ==
? ☐ Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal transmission problem) <br>? ☐ Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving
== Manual or Standard Transmission ==
? ☐ Each gear shifts smoothly <br>? ☐ No grinding noises when in reverse
== Brakes ==
? ☐ Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes <br>? ☐ Parking brake engages and disengages freely? ☐ No grinding noises when applying<br>? ☐ Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)
== Steering ==
? ☐ Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding <br>? ☐ Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating <br>? ☐ No resistance in the steering wheel when turning <br>? ☐ No clicking or clunking when turning
== Miscellaneous ==
? ☐ Car manual located in the glove compartment <br>? ☐ Instructions included for any accessories <br>? ☐ Service and repair records available <br>? ☐ Owner has title <br>? ☐ Owner's license matches title (not a dealer pretending to be a private seller)
== Other Insights ==
<li>Walk away if the seller objects to your inspection</li>
<li>Don't feel rushed while inspecting</li>
<li>Try to get a mechanic to assess Share your checklist resultswith your mechanic and have them inspect it for you</li><li>Use Get ballpark estimates on any flaws against repairs/defects and take that off the asking price</li>
</ul>
== Related ==
* https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0055-buying-used-car
* http://www.nadaguides.com/ http://kbb.com http://edmunds.com pricing
[[Category:Consumer]]