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[[File:Used car checklist.pdf|thumb|right|200px|2-page pdf version]]

Bring the following items with you for inspecting the vehicle:

<li>A refrigerator magnet for detecting body work (bondo)</li>

<li>A CD and/or phone + aux cord for testing the car stereo</li>

<li>Inspection checklist (~~detailed~~ Detailed below. Hit Ctrl+P to print, or use the pdf)</li><li>If possible, an auto history report. Plug in the VIN at https://www.nicb.org/theft_and_fraud_awareness/vincheck and also at https://vindecoded.com/FreeVinCheck or http://motosnoop.com/</li>

</ul>

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.

</div>

== 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 & Exhaust ==

? ☐ 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) ☐ No leaks in the exhaust. Check by listening to the exhaust sound.

== 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 (be sure to check gauge lighting, and dimmer switch) ☐ All Interior Lighting (map lights, glove box light, overhead dome light, trunk light, rear seat reading or courtesy lights, door-activated switch, etc) ? ☐ 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 ☐ No excessive rust of frame or suspension components ☐ No rust in the floor pans (Easily checked when dark out. Remove floor mats. Shine a bright light under the car and look for light infiltration.)

== 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 ==

<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

* https://vindecoded.com/get-a-free-vin-check.html

* Always search the Internet for common issues related to the Make and Model BEFORE you inspect it, so you know what to look out for.

* When you're ready to buy or sell, you'll need a Bill of Sale [[File:Bill-of-sale.pdf|thumb|right|Bill of Sale]]

</div>

[[Category:Consumer]]

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Revision as of 11:35, 17 June 2019