If you’re considering buying a pre-owned car, the following used vehicle inspection check sheet will help ensure you don’t end up buying a car with serious flaws. A visual inspection and even a test drive can hide serious issues, like engine and transmission problems. A quality used vehicle inspection can catch these problems and help ensure that the car you’re considering doesn’t become a nightmare.
Used Vehicle Inspection Check Sheet
BODY AND FRAME
☐ Paint condition (appearance and finish)
☐ Dings or Dents
☐ Rust concerns
☐ Body panels (alignment and fit)
☐ The condition of the carpeting in the trunk
☐ Appears to have been in an accident
☐ Exterior modifications adherence to factory specifications
☐ Frame damage
☐ Window, mirror or windshield damage
FLUID LEVELS
Check for fluid leaks, including the following:
☐ Engine oil (and confirm the last date it was changed)
☐ Power steering fluid
☐ Transmission fluid
☐ Brake fluid
☐ Coolant
☐ Differential fluid
OPERATIONAL ACCESSORIES
☐ Heating system
☐ Air conditioning system
☐ Condition of battery
☐ Door locks
☐ All windows are operational
☐ All power options work
☐ Check for delays between the speed of the vehicle and engine speed
☐ Automatic transmission shifts properly
Check All Lights
☐ Headlights
☐ Taillights
☐ Turn signals
☐ Brake lights
☐ Back-up lights
☐ Hazard/Emergency lights
☐ Interior lights
☐ System failure warning lights
Alignment/Suspension/Steering
☐ Problems with alignment
☐ Problems with suspension
☐ Shocks/Struts
☐ Wear on ball joints
☐ CV Boots/Joints
☐ U-Joints
☐ Link pins
☐ Bushings
☐ Rack and pinion
☐ Idler/Pitman arm
Brake Systems Check
☐ Do the brakes make noise, grab and/or lock-up?
☐ Does the vehicle shudder when braking?
☐ Are brake linings within the advised thickness?
☐ Problems with hydraulic systems
☐ Does the parking brake work?
☐ Condition of brake pads
☐ Does the brake pedal pressure feel right?
☐ The drums and discs
☐ The master cylinder
☐ Drum brakes – wheel cylinders
☐ Calipers/ disc brake assembly
Engine Performance
☐ Compression for each cylinder
☐ All hoses and belts appear undamaged
☐ Exhaust system complete and operating
☐ Emissions control intact and operating
☐ Condition of spark plugs
Tread/Wheel Wear
☐ Condition of the tires
☐ Remaining tread depth, front, and back (minimum 5/32″)
☐ Condition of valve stems
☐ Tire pressure accurate on all tires
☐ Camber, caster, and toe-in of the wheels fall within the manufacturer’s specifications
TEST DRIVE
☐ Starts without hesitating
☐ Cold engine idle
☐ Warm engine idle
☐ No irregular engine sounds
☐ Throttle performance
☐ No unusual exhaust noises
☐ Shift interlock and transmission performance
☐ Clutch performance (if applicable), shifts correctly without slipping
☐ No unusual noises
☐ Steering alignment is correct
☐ Vehicle tracks correctly when driving
☐ The ABS system operates properly
☐ Dash lights and gauges are operational
☐ Cruise control (set, cancel and resume functions) are working right
☐ The parking brake is operational (sets/holds/releases)
☐ Listen for excess body/suspension noise
Don’t let the seller or used car dealership provide the inspection because, in most cases, third parties typically don’t have your best interests at heart. When looking for a reputable auto care center to perform a used vehicle inspection, compare prices, but keep in mind that a thorough vehicle inspection isn’t going to be the cheapest. Look for a shop that does more than a visual inspection, which is basically a waste of time (and money).
Print out this used vehicle inspection check sheet and use it before you buy your car. Or better yet, let us do a thorough inspection of the car you’re buying. Contact us today.
