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Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection Checklist

This document provides a comprehensive checklist for inspecting a used vehicle, including examining the exterior, tires, engine, suspension, interior, frame, transmission, brakes, steering, and other features. The checklist covers over 50 individual points to check for issues like body damage, fluid leaks, tire wear, mechanical noises, gauge and system functionality, and title paperwork. It advises walking away if the seller objects to the inspection, taking time to thoroughly inspect without feeling rushed, having a mechanic assess results, and using any flaws found to negotiate the asking price down.

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Laurelle Rayners
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165 views2 pages

Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection Checklist

This document provides a comprehensive checklist for inspecting a used vehicle, including examining the exterior, tires, engine, suspension, interior, frame, transmission, brakes, steering, and other features. The checklist covers over 50 individual points to check for issues like body damage, fluid leaks, tire wear, mechanical noises, gauge and system functionality, and title paperwork. It advises walking away if the seller objects to the inspection, taking time to thoroughly inspect without feeling rushed, having a mechanic assess results, and using any flaws found to negotiate the asking price down.

Uploaded by

Laurelle Rayners
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Exterior
□ Windshield free of cracks
□ Body panel colors match
□ Magnet adheres to all steel body panels
□ Fresh paint job (if yes, it could be to conceal rust)
□ Seams where the trunk and hood close are properly aligned
□ Seams where doors and fenders meet are properly aligned
□ Free of body scratches
□ Free of body dents
□ Windshields wipers and blades fully functional
□ Headlights and directional lights intact and fully functional
Tires
□ Tires are a reputable brand name (Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear)
□ Tires are all of the same make
□ Tires are of free of any cuts, bubbles or cracks
□ Tread worn evenly (uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems)
□ Spare tire, jack and lug wrench on car and fully functional
□ Spare tire inflated
Engine
□ Free of fluid or oil leaks
□ Oil filler neck not coated with thick, black deposits
□ Battery terminals free of corrosion
□ Oil dip stick free of dark, black oil
□ Free of odors while engine is running
□ Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue (indicates engine burns oil) or black
(indicate excessive oil consumption)
Suspension
□ Vehicle rests levelly
□ When bouncing the vehicle's corners, no creaking noises are made
□ All corners respond the same when bouncing
Interior
□ Seats unworn and free of cracks
□ All doors open and close freely
□ Trunk opens and closes freely
□ Lacks a heavy scent of air freshener (may indicate something is being concealed)
□ All gauges work
□ No dashboard warning lights remain illuminated
□ Stereo works
□ Heater works
□ Air conditioner works
□ Windshield wipers work
□ Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly

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Vehicle Inspection Checklist

□ All seats equipped with functional seat belts


□ All seats adjust properly
□ Power windows operate properly
□ Sunroof opens and closes properly (if applicable)
□ Car alarm works (if applicable)
□ Trunk and driver-side door lock and unlock with key
□ Hazard lights function properly
□ Headlights, including brights, work properly
Frame
□ Chassis is neither bent nor cracked
□ No signs of crumpling or straightening inside the trunk
□ Frame holes just inside outer edge clean and free of scratches
Automatic Transmission
□ Transmission fluid looks clean, not dirty or gritty (no indicates possible internal
transmission problem)
□ Transmission neither slips nor delays when driving
Manual or Standard Transmission
□ Each gear shifts smoothly
□ No grinding noises when in reverse
Brakes
□ Vehicle steers straight and does not pull to one side when applying brakes
□ Parking brake engages and disengages freely
□ No grinding noises when applying
□ Wheels do not lock when applying antilock brakes (if applicable)
Steering
□ Vehicle does not drift to one side without prodding
□ Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibrating
□ No resistance in the steering wheel when turning
□ No clicking or clunking when turning
Miscellaneous
□ Car manual located in the glove compartment
□ Instructions included for any accessories
□ Service and repair records available
□ Owner has title
Other Insights
 Walk away if the seller objects to your inspection
 Don't feel rushed while inspecting
 Try to get a mechanic to assess checklist results
 Use any flaws against the asking price

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