View source for Used car checklist


Bring the following items with you for inspecting the vehicle:

<ul>
<li>A notebook and pen for taking notes and recording the vehicle identification number, mileage and asking price</li>
<li>A rag or paper towels for checking the engine oil</li>
<li>A bright LED flashlight for looking under the car for leaks and corrosion</li>
<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 below)</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 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.

== Exterior ==

&#x2610; Windshield free of cracks <br>
&#x2610; Body panel colors match <br>
&#x2610; Magnet adheres to all steel body panels <br>
&#x2610; Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust) <br>
&#x2610; Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned <br>
&#x2610; Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned <br>
&#x2610; Free of body scratches <br>
&#x2610; Free of body dents <br>
&#x2610; Windshields wipers and blades fully functional <br>
&#x2610; Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional <br>

== Tires ==

&#x2610; Tires are a reputable brand name (Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear) <br>
&#x2610; Tires are all of the same make <br>
&#x2610; Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks <br>
&#x2610; Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems) <br>
&#x2610; Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional <br>
&#x2610; Spare tire inflated

== Engine ==

&#x2610; Free of fluid or oil leaks <br>
&#x2610; Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits <br>
&#x2610; Battery terminals free of corrosion <br>
&#x2610; Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil <br>
&#x2610; Free of odors while engine is running <br>
&#x2610; Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black (indicate excessive oil consumption)

== Suspension ==

&#x2610; Vehicle rests levelly <br>
&#x2610; When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made <br>
&#x2610; All corners respond the same when bouncing

== Interior ==

&#x2610; Seats unworn and free of cracks <br>
&#x2610; All doors open and close freely <br>
&#x2610; Trunk opens and closes freely <br>
&#x2610; Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed) <br>
&#x2610; All gauges work <br>
&#x2610; No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated <br>
&#x2610; Stereo works <br>
&#x2610; Heater works <br>
&#x2610; Air conditioner works <br>
&#x2610; Windshield wipers work <br>
&#x2610; Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly <br>
&#x2610; All seats equipped with functional seat belts <br>
&#x2610; All seats adjust properly <br>
&#x2610; Power windows operate properly <br>
&#x2610; Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable) <br>
&#x2610; Car alarm works (if applicable) <br>
&#x2610; Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key <br>
&#x2610; Hazard lights function properly <br>
&#x2610; Headlights, including brights, work properly

== Frame ==

&#x2610; Chassis is neither bent nor cracked <br>
&#x2610; No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk <br>
&#x2610; Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches

== Automatic Transmission ==

&#x2610; Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal transmission problem) <br>
&#x2610; Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving

== Manual or Standard Transmission ==

&#x2610; Each gear shifts smoothly <br>
&#x2610; No grinding noises when in reverse

== Brakes ==

&#x2610; Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes <br>
&#x2610; Parking brake engages and disengages freely <br>
&#x2610; No grinding noises when applying <br>
&#x2610; Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable) 

== Steering ==

&#x2610; Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding <br>
&#x2610; Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating <br>
&#x2610; No resistance in the steering wheel when turning <br>
&#x2610; No clicking or clunking when turning

== Miscellaneous ==

&#x2610; Car manual located in the glove compartment <br>
&#x2610; Instructions included for any accessories <br>
&#x2610; Service and repair records available <br>
&#x2610; Owner has title <br>
&#x2610; Owner's license matches title (not a dealer pretending to be a private seller)

== Other Insights ==

<ul>
<li>Walk away if the seller objects to your inspection</li>
<li>Don't feel rushed while inspecting</li>
<li>Share your checklist results with your mechanic and have them inspect it for you</li>
<li>Get ballpark estimates on any 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]]