Inspection Checklist
February 11, 2010
When looking at a used car for sale by owner or even a car lot make sure you do a good inspection. The following list should help you.
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? (Be sure to test fenders, the lower corners of doors, and rocker panels—the areas below doors. If a magnet doesn’t cling, suspect body filler was used to repair rust or accident damage.)
- Are all body panels the same color?
- Has the car been recently repainted? (Look for signs of spray paint on moldings; also check the edges of the doors, hood, and trunk to be sure they are all the same color. Fresh paint may cover rust that will continue to rust out the area.)
Tires
- Do all tires have the same amount of tread?
- Are all tires the same size? (Check tire size markings on tire sidewalls.)
- Are all tires the same brand?
- Is there a spare tire, jack, and lug wrench? If the used car has locking hubcaps, is there a key to remove them?
- Is the spare tire inflated (Press hard against the side with your thumb; the tire should be firm.)
Suspension
- Does the vehicle sit level?
- Bounce each corner of the vehicle. Do all corners respond the same? (Corners should only bounce once or twice before stopping.)
- Do you hear a creaking noise when bouncing the vehicle’s corners?
Frame
- Examine inside trunk, wheel wells, and under hood. Do you see areas that look like they have been crumpled and straightened maybe frame cut and welded carpet or something else covering it?
- Look underneath each side of the vehicle for a row of holes in the frame just inside the vehicle’s outer edge. Do holes appear scratched or recently cleaned? (If so, suspect the frame has been straightened after a crash.)
Gas Cap and Filler Neck
- Is there a gas cap?
- Does it fit correctly? (If the cap locks, is there a key?)
- Remove the gas cap and check inside the filler neck. Is there a fuel-nozzle restrictor to prevent adding leaded fuel? (Most states require them.)
Interior
- Is upholstery in good condition? (Look for tears, stains, and burns.)
- Are the dashboard and headliner in good condition?
- Do seats adjust easily?
- Are any window cranks, door locks, handles, dash controls or similar items missing?
- Do all interior lights and dash bulbs work?
- Does carpet condition match the age of the vehicle?
- Does carpeting smell of mildew or stale water, suggesting moisture underneath (or worse, flood damage)?
- Check under the dash at the top of the carpet. Are there stains suggesting heater core or air conditioner leakage?
Accessories
- Do all accessories, such as the heater, air conditioner, audio system, and alarm system, operate fully? Test all functions of each.
Engine Compartment
- Are there signs of oil or fluid leaks?
- Run the engine at full operating temperature. Are there abnormal smells that might be due to leaking fluids on hot engine parts?
- Are there unusual noises, such as clattering or metallic sounds, or sharp hissing, in the engine compartment when the engine is running? (Normal sound is smooth whirring of belts and fan.)
- Does anything appear to be missing? (Look for shiny or clean areas where parts may have been removed.
Under the Vehicle
- Are there fluid leaks on the underside of the engine and transmission, at axle ends, at brake line connections, or on the ground beneath the vehicle? Green fluid is usually antifreeze; reddish fluid is usually power steering or transmission fluid; dark brown or black fluid is usually oil or brake fluid.
- Are any parts loose, with the exception of exhaust parts slung from flexible rubber “donuts”?
- Does anything appear missing, such as bolts, clamps, brackets or cables?
- Are exhaust system parts rusty?
- Are there marks from scrapes, indicating the car has bottomed out on rocks or pavement?
- Examine exhaust when the car is operating at normal temperature. Do you see white or blue smoke? (Both can indicate an engine problem, especially if the smoke burns your eyes. A small amount of steam is normal, especially in cold weather.
Performance
- Engine
- Does the engine start easily?
- Does the engine stall at any time?
- Does the engine idle smoothly?
- Does the idle speed seem too slow or fast?
- Does the engine hesitate or stumble on acceleration?
- Does the engine run smoothly during operation?
- Does the engine seem to lack power?
- If the vehicle has cruise control, do all features work correctly?
- Does engine or other system warning lights appear?
- Does the engine diesel (continue running) when shut off?
Transmission and Clutch
- Is automatic shifting smooth?
- On a manual-shift vehicle, is take-off smooth, without grabbing or jerking?
- On a manual-shift vehicle, accelerate hard in a higher gear (third or fourth) or while going uphill. If engine rpm’s rise without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed, the clutch could be slipping. It may need to be adjusted or replaced.
- On a manual-shift vehicle, try shifting to a lower gear when going slowly. Does the transmission shift easily, without grinding?
4-Wheel Drive
- Engage 4-wheel drive only on soft surfaces unless the owner’s manual specifically says the feature can be used on hard-surfaced roads. Test-drive the vehicle in forward and reverse with 4-wheel drive engaged. Does the vehicle shift smoothly in both directions?
- Turn tight corners to the right and left. Are there clunking sounds or other noises?
- Do the wheels bind or pull, whether turning or going straight? ( clunking noises could mean bad u-joints )
Brakes
- Apply the brakes several times at different speeds. Also try a sudden stop. Does the vehicle pull to one side when brakes are applied?
- Do brakes stop the vehicle adequately?
- If the vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), try stopping suddenly. Do wheels lock? (A pulsing brake pedal is normal.)
- Does the parking brake hold firmly and release completely?
Steering
- Does the vehicle pull to one side during normal operation?
- Is steering difficult at any speed?
- Turn sharply in both directions. Do you hear clunking or other noises, or feel rubbing or binding?
- Does the vehicle shake or vibrate while moving? (Take the vehicle up to freeway speed for this test.)
- Is the steering wheel centered when the vehicle is traveling straight ahead?
Other Concerns
- Is there evidence of flood damage? By law, this information should be on the title. Signs of upholstery and carpet stains, odor, and rust in normally dry areas such as beneath the dashboard and inside the glove compartment, powdery green or white residue inside lowest electrical connectors.
- Is the owners’ manual in the vehicle? How about the operating instructions for any accessories, and any warranty information that still applies to items like tires and exhaust?
- Are previous repair and service records available? (Complete records are a sign that the owner has taken good care of the used car.)
Does seller have clear title to vehicle?
[...] Used Car Inspection [...]
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This is a great checklist of things to look for in a vehicle inspection. When I was purchasing my first car I didn’t even think about it because I was so young. Good thing my dad was there to show me the ropes. I ended up taking it to a nearby shop to get everything checked. Totally worth it. You HAVE to do this.