Used Car Buyers’ Checklist

Things to remember

  1. Don’t fall in love with the car before you’ve done your homework.
  2. Let someone else take the depreciation hit (2-3 yrs old best).
  3. Walk around the car and check paint, body panel gaps for evenness, chips, dents, etc.
  4. Check maintenance history (any records).
  5. Contact the previous owner (get the name from the title).
  6. Check fluid condition (oil and transmission fluid should be clean and clear).
  7. Test drive the car and listen to and feel for noises, vibration, and handling problems.
  8. Check the price — go to www.nada.com and check the retail price.
  9. Check the title history using the VIN number at www.carfax.com.
  10. If all of the above check out, have a complete mechanical inspection of the vehicle done by an independent shop. Use the items that need attention on the car to bargain with the dealer/seller.

Mechanical Inspection Checklist

  • ENGINE

    • Compression Test
    • Lower end noise
    • Valve train noise
  • BRAKES

    • Front linings ______ /32nds remaining
    • Rear linings ______ /32nds remaining
    • Fluid level and condition
    • Master cylinder
    • Calipers
    • Wheel cylinders
    • Rotors
    • Drums
    • Hoses
    • Wheel bearings
    • Axle seals
    • Emergency brake
  • COOLING SYSTEM

    • Radiator
    • Water pump
    • Fan/fan clutch
    • Belts
    • Hoses
    • Coolant
    • Radiator cap
  • STARTING/CHARGING SYSTEM

    • Battery
    • Alternator
    • Starter
    • Cables
  • TUNE/IGNITION

    • Passed Emission test
    • Spark plugs
    • Plug wires
    • Distributor
    • Distributor cap and rotor
    • Carburetor
    • Fuel Injection
    • Air Filter
    • Fuel filter
  • EXHAUST SYSTEM

    • Header pipe
    • Pipes
    • Muffler
    • Catalytic converter
  • BODY EXTERIOR

    • Wipers
    • Headlamps
    • Signals
    • Brake lights
    • Tail lights
    • Park lights
  • BODY INTERIOR

    • Heater
    • A/C
    • Blower speeds
    • Electric/windows
    • Locks
    • Interior lights
    • Seats
    • All power controls/accessories
    • Radio/stereo
    • Horn
  • DRIVE TRAIN

    • Transmission
    • Clutch
    • U joints
    • C/V joints
    • 4X4 operation
    • Leaks
  • SUSPENSION

    • Shocks/struts
    • Front
    • Rear
    • Ball joints
    • Steering linkage
    • Alignment
  • BODY/PAINT

    • Hidden collision damage
    • Body panel fit and alignment
    • Paint condition
  • MILEAGE/NORMAL WEAR

    • Average miles – 15,000 miles per year
    • General condition for age
  • COMMENTS

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