Checklist for Used Car Buyers

It is easy to forget to ask a question or to fail to conduct a thorough inspection when shopping for a used car. The following check list can help you remember to inspect the most important parts of the car and to look for signs of accident or other damage. This is list is not meant to be exhaustive, but to cover the most basic point of shopping for a used car.

Examine the Exterior

Are the exterior body lines straight with consistent width of gaps between body parts?

Does the paint contain bubbles, ripples or a different color?

Do the doors open and close properly without making noises?

Are there dents, rust, or corrosion visible on the body?

Are the mirrors firmly attached and not broken?

Are the windows or windshield cracked, scratched, or broken?

Are the wipers in good condition?

Does the VIN number on the doors match the VIN number in the dash?

Check the Engine
Are there any fluids pooled underneath the car?

Is the engine dirty?

Is the oil low, black in color or gritty?

Is the dipstick burned or otherwise damaged?

Are the battery terminals and battery box corroded?

Is the radiator cap rusted or corroded?

Does the engine ping, rattle or make other noises when running?

Does it grind or start slowly?

Do warning lights come on when the engine is started (i.e., check engine)?

Is there any smoke from the exhaust or from underneath the hood?

Do the gauges indicate proper levels for oil pressure, temperature, and voltage?

Do you smell unusual odors such as burning oil?

Does the engine misfire or hesitate when idling or when you test drive it?

Check the Automatic Transmission

Is the transmission fluid dark, or gritty?

Does the transmission fluid smell burned?

Does the transmission change smoothly between gears when parked?

Is there any hesitation in the transmission before it engages the gear?

Does the transmission change smoothly when driving the car?

Does the transmission clunk, bang, grind or make other noise?

Does it slip when you drive the car? The shifting seems to be delayed?

If the transmission is manual, does the clutch engage properly without slipping?

Other issues and problems

Do the wheels respond quickly to the steering?

Does the steering wheel return quickly and smoothly after taking a corner?

Does the steering wheel shake or vibrate?

Does the car sit level on the ground and all the lines appear straight?

At freeway speeds, does the car drift or pull to one side or vibrate?

Does the car feel stable and roll smoothly on the freeway?

Do the brakes stop the car smoothly without squeaking or grinding?

Are the brakes too hard or too soft?

Do you have to push the brakes hard to stop?

Does the brake pedal go close to the floor before the car will stop?

Does the ABS light come on briefly or does it stay on (if it stays on there is a problem)?

Do the tires show uneven wear?

Are the rims damaged (a bent or cracked rim can be expensive and cause other problems)?

Are all the fluids at proper levels and clean?

Do all the power locks, power windows, and power seats work properly?

Do the seat belts function properly?

Do the heater, air conditioner, rear defrost, and radio work?

Does the car make any unusual noise when driving?

Is there a spare tire with the jack and wrench in the trunk?

Before You Buy Get the History

Obtain a vehicle history report and look for major repairs and accidents.

Obtain a title report. Several owners over a short period can indicate serious issues.

Check the maintenance records to verify that the car has been properly maintained.

Get a copy of the emission test. Has the car been emission tested and did it pass?

Car loan guide here 

Test drive the car before you buy it