Checklist4 min read
Used Car Pre-Purchase Checklist
A systematic checklist for evaluating any used car before you buy. Items marked
Critical
are the ones that have caused buyers the most expensive surprises.📊 Before You Go
- Run the VIN through NHTSA recalls lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls)Critical
- Check the car on DBB for recall history, complaints, and reliability scoreCritical
- Look up market price range on Autotrader / CarGurus / Cars.com
- Get a vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck)Critical
👀 Exterior
- Panel gaps are even and consistent around doors, hood, trunkCritical
- Paint colour is consistent across all panels (no mismatches or overspray)
- No visible rust on body panels, wheel arches, or undercarriage
- All glass intact — no cracks or chips in windscreen
- Tyres: even tread wear, matching brand/type across axle, no sidewall bubblingCritical
- All lights work: headlights, tail lights, indicators, brake lights
🔧 Engine Bay
- Oil on dipstick: amber to light brown (not black or milky)Critical
- Coolant reservoir full, clear fluid (not brown, rusty, or oily)Critical
- No active fluid leaks around gaskets or hoses
- Hoses and belts are not cracked, frayed, or swollen
- Battery terminals not heavily corroded
🪑 Interior
- All windows, mirrors, locks, and seat adjustments work
- Air conditioning blows cold, heater blows warm
- All seatbelts buckle, release, and lock under sharp pullCritical
- No musty smell (water ingress / flood damage)Critical
- Pedal wear looks appropriate for odometer reading
- Infotainment, Bluetooth, USB, and backup camera work
🚗 Test Drive
- Engine starts easily and idles smoothly (no rough idle or warning lights)Critical
- No persistent ticking, knocking, or rattling once fully warmed upCritical
- Brakes stop straight, no vibration or grindingCritical
- Transmission shifts smoothly — no hesitation, slipping, or clunks
- Steering tracks straight hands-free at 30 mphCritical
- No clunks or creaks over speed bumps (suspension check)
- Handbrake holds car on incline
🔌 OBD Scan
- No active or pending fault codes (especially P03xx, P07xx, P04xx)Critical
- Readiness monitors show 'Complete' — not 'Incomplete' (cleared codes flag)Critical
📋 Paperwork
- Title is clean — no salvage, rebuilt, flood, or lemon brandingCritical
- Odometer readings in history match claimed mileage
- Service records available and consistent
- All open recalls have been fixed (or will be before sale)Critical
🏠 Independent Mechanic
- Seller agreed to an independent pre-purchase inspectionCritical
- Mechanic's written report received and reviewed
- Any findings used in negotiation or as walk-away criteria
Tip: Print this page (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P) before going to see a car. Check each box as you go. If you find 3+ critical items unchecked, either negotiate hard or walk away.
Passed the checklist? Check the numbers.
Enter the year, mileage, and asking price to get a BUY, NEGOTIATE, or WALK verdict with a market price estimate and risk assessment.