Buying a used car requires a thorough inspection of the vehicle itself and a review of all its documentation.
Here is a comprehensive checklist of things to check:
I. Documentation & History
This is the first and most critical step before even inspecting the car.
- Vehicle History Report (VIN Check): Obtain a report (like CarFax or AutoCheck) using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check for:
- Previous accidents or major damage.
- Title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt, flood damage, etc.).
- Odometer inconsistencies (potential rollback).
- The number of previous owners.
- Service & Maintenance Records: Look for a clear record of regular oil changes and scheduled maintenance (e.g., timing belt, transmission fluid changes).
- Title/Registration (V5C): Ensure the seller’s name matches the registered owner and the VIN on the paperwork matches the one on the car’s chassis.
- Recalls: Check if there are any open safety recalls that have not been fixed.
II. Exterior & Body Inspection
Inspect the car in broad daylight while it is clean and dry.
- Paint & Panels: Look for mismatched paint, rust, large dents, or deep scratches. Check the gaps between all the panels (doors, hood, trunk); uneven gaps can indicate poor quality accident repair.
- Frame/Chassis: Look underneath for signs of damage, welding, or excessive rust on the frame rails.
- Lights & Glass: Test all exterior lights (headlights, high beams, brake lights, turn signals). Check the windshield, windows, and mirrors for large cracks or chips.
- Tires: Check the tread depth (must be above the legal minimum) and look for uneven wear across the tire’s surface, which can signal alignment or suspension problems. Ensure all four tires are the same size and type.
III. Under the Hood (Engine)
Have the seller start the engine from cold to hear how it runs.
- Fluids: Check the level and color of the oil (should not be milky or sludgy) and coolant (should be clean). Look for leaks (oil, coolant, or transmission fluid) on the ground or around the engine.
- Belts & Hoses: Check all belts for cracks or fraying and hoses for bulges or extreme softness.
- Battery: Look for excessive corrosion around the terminals.
- Sound: Listen for any knocking, ticking, tapping, or grinding noises.
IV. Interior & Electronics
- Warning Lights: Turn the ignition on and ensure all dash warning lights (Check Engine, ABS, Airbag) illuminate briefly and then turn off once the engine is started.
- Upholstery: Look for stains, rips, tears, or excessive wear that doesn’t match the odometer reading.
- Smell: Check for musty, moldy, or chemical smells, which can indicate flood damage.
- Test All Features: Check the AC and heat, radio, power windows, power locks, sunroof, windshield wipers, and all interior lights.
V. Test Drive
Drive the car for at least 15-20 minutes, including city streets and highway speeds.
- Starting: The engine should start quickly and easily.
- Braking: Brakes should feel firm and stop the car straight without squealing or grinding.
- Steering & Suspension: The steering wheel should not vibrate or pull significantly to one side. Listen for any clunks or strange noises when driving over bumps or turning sharply (which may indicate bad suspension components).
- Acceleration/Transmission: The car should accelerate smoothly. If it’s an automatic, the gears should shift without hesitation or clunking. If it’s a manual, check that the clutch engages smoothly and not too high.
⚠️ The Golden Rule: Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)
If you are serious about buying the car, the most important step is to arrange for a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) by an independent, trusted mechanic of your choice.
They can put the car on a lift and check critical systems that you cannot see, such as the undercarriage, brake pads, and complex diagnostics. It is a small investment that can save you from a major financial mistake.
