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
• 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