Used car checklist

Bring the following items with you for inspecting the vehicle:

• A notebook and pen for taking notes and recording the vehicle identification number, mileage and asking price
• A rag or paper towels for checking the engine oil
• A bright LED flashlight for looking under the car for leaks and corrosion
• A refrigerator magnet for detecting body work (bondo)
• A CD and/or phone + aux cord for testing the car stereo
• Inspection checklist (detailed below)
• If possible, an auto history report. Plug in the VIN at https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck and also at http://motosnoop.com/

With these tools in hand, run down the following checklist. To make sure you hit everything, print this page and take it with you when conducting your inspection.

Exterior

? 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

? 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

? 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

? Vehicle rests levelly
? When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made
? All corners respond the same when bouncing

Interior

? 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

? 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

? Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal transmission problem)
? Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving

Manual or Standard Transmission

? Each gear shifts smoothly
? No grinding noises when in reverse

Brakes

? 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

? 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

? Car manual located in the glove compartment
? Instructions included for any accessories
? Service and repair records available
? Owner has title
? Owner's license matches title (not a dealer pretending to be a private seller)

Other Insights

• 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

Related

• https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0055-buying-used-car