U ed Ca P e P cha e In pec ion Checkli

Note: Only inspect cars during broad daylight, and bring the following items when inspecting cars...

Flashlight
OBD handheld diagnostic tool
Paint thickness gauge
A C thermometer
Tire tread depth gauge
Paper towels
Latex gloves
Wet Wipes Hand Cleaner
Pen & Paper

Exterior
Does the car sit straight and symmetrically when parked on level ground?
Windshield free of cracks; chips; deep scratches; dry wiper scoring
Windshield wiper arms and blades: condition and fully functional
Windshield inspection sticker may be only on license plate is current and valid
Windows and glass
Windshield, all side windows, rear window, and sunroof: condition
Windshield scoring from swiping dirty wiper blades on a dry windscreen?
Rock chips, cracks, or scratches?
Damage to in glass radio antenna; rear window defroster element
Scrutinize any DECALS or STICKERS which may be intentionally hiding damage
After market tinting? color; condition; legal darkness?
Body panel colors match; paint condition and no rust
Scratches, dings, dents, or other damage to panels?
Door handles: proper functioning and surface condition
Lock mechanisms: proper and smooth functioning
Body alignment:even gaps & proper fitment of fenders, doors, hood, trunk, and all body panels tire to fender finger
test . All hood, door, fender, and trunk seams should be uniform.
Front end: mostly highway miles vs. mostly city miles, clues:
Front fascia grille; hood leading edge; bumper : small chips and minor dings impact damage from road debris while
driving at high speed
Radiator fins: minor deformation, creasing, or crushing from kicked up road debris and bug impacts at high speed
Paint condition
Evidence of re painting:
color mis matches on any panels?
Rubber or plastic trim overspray, especially around windows?
Inside trunk lid, hood, door jams, and fender bots under hood
Fresh paint job if yes, it could be to conceal rust, damage repair, etc.
Magnet adheres to all steel body panels
Paint thickness gauge test:
4 6 mils 100 150 microns is normal. Door jams tend to be very thinly painted very little clear coat , and can
easily be 2 mils thinner than the exterior body panels. Differences between exterior body panels up to 1.5 mils 37
microns is generally typical of normal variation.
All lights fully and properly working:
Headlights, incl. high beams and flash to pass
Lenses covers clear and undamaged
Turn signals, incl. side mirror mounted signals if installed
Hazard lights
Brake lights including third brake light
Backup reverse lights
License plate white lights legally required in all 50 states for all on road vehicles
Fog lights if installed
Parking lights
 Entry courtesy lights if installed
Rubber trim doors, windows, windshield, rear window; sunroof : undamaged and no paint overspray
cracked from age; weather rot; sun damage; abuse?
properly fitting and sealing?
Radio antenna: condition, function
Gas filler door and gas cap
Remote gas door release works properly?
OEM gas cap?
paint damage from careless refueling over filling?
Shocks struts suspension: manual bounce test
No creaking noises are heard
All 4 corners respond the same rebound, but no bouncing
Trunk opens and closes freely including remote operation

Frame Unibody chassis

Check plug welds in the seams with the hood and tailgate trunk lid open look for factory welds and paint; no repairs;
bolt heads not scratched signs of fender and or trunk lid tailgate having been removed replaced
No signs of crumpling, straightening, or welding inside the trunk walls , including spare tire well
Rocker panel condition undamaged unbent

Tires Wheels
Tires are a reputable brand name Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear
Tires are all the same make, model, and size
Tires and wheels: correct OEM size s ?
Tires are free of any cuts, bubbles, cracks, or other damage
Tire tread depth: 10 32 or more good; 5 32 7 32 replace soon; 4 32 or less illegal tires need replacement
Tire age: e.g. DOT xxxx xxxx 2219 tires made during 22nd week of 2019; Typical tire life is 5 years.
Tread worn evenly uneven wear indicates alignment and suspension problems
Observe disc brake pad wear, if able
Valve core stem caps: present or missing?
Spare tire, jack and lug wrench in car and fully functional
Spare tire inflated?

Engine
Hood release: proper function
Hood struts: condition
Belts and hoses: condition
Air filter: condition
Battery terminals free of corrosion and overall condition
Fluid Checks: all fluids should be clean and clear, not dark or cloudy
Fluid leaks: none of any kind check under hood, but especially underneath car
Oil filler neck cap: not coated with thick, black deposits; no milky or foamy residue around cap or filler neck
Oil quantity and color: full or normal range indicated on dipstick; golden light brown, not dark brown or black
Oil dip stick: free of dark, black oil, and no shellacking note: brand new, fresh oil may be hiding problems
Radiator coolant quantity and color: DANGER: only check when engine is cool!
normal: pink; green; orange; or blue; depending on car make coolant brand ;
no rust corrosion in radiator, coolant fluid, or cap
Radiator cap seals properly tightly
Brake fluid reservoir:
Quantity low quantity indicates brakes are worn and will soon need replacement
Color clear amber color; not dark, cloudy, or thick
Automatic Transmission Power Steering fluid reservoir quantity and color: normal: pink or red; no burnt odor
smell the dipstick, not your fingers
Windshield wiper fluid quantity
Free of odors while engine is running
Exhaust pipe emissions are neither blue indicates engine burns oil or black indicates excessive oil consumption :
observe during startup and idling: no smoke at all should be visible
Tailpipe finger check: no greasy oily residue. Ensure engine tailpipe is not hot!!
Interior
Always run full OBD2 scan with electronic OBD tool! A good scanner will detect if any warning alerts have been reset by
owner, in an attempt to hide faults e.g. scanned systems showing incomplete .
Active fault codes?
Pending fault codes?
System Readiness Monitors?
Warning: INC or Incomplete system status MAY indicate seller has manually RESET a fault code using an
OBD2 tool! Only the MIL status should read OFF. All other systems should read OK or N A
Odors:
mold or mildew odors? Maybe signs of flooding water damage!
Tobacco smoking?
Heavy scent of air freshener may indicate something is being concealed
Cigarette lighter if equipped : check clean never used
Brake pedal: check for heavy wear, indicating heavy city mileage not good , versus light wear, indicating mostly highway
mileage good
Seats:
Wear and tear; leather fabric condition
Check all manual and or powered functions, including lumbar support if equipped
Heated cooled seats work properly
Headrest, adjustment and functioning
Seat belts:
Scrutinize driver's lap belt section for signs of heavy wear or wear commensurate with mileage heavy wear fraying
may indicate high city miles driving
Inertial reel works?
Headliner: condition not sagging; stained; or damaged
Sunroof
Opens and closes smoothly and quietly
Manual sun shade works smoothly
Sun visors L R work in FWD and SIDE positions
Vanity mirror and light working
Clips undamaged
Rear view mirror: installed and working normally, including dimmer function
Doors ALL
Open and close freely
Door panels, condition check door pockets storage, too
Door seals
Door Jam: condition; rust? paint overspray non uniformity?
Power door locks all functioning properly
Power windows function smoothly and quietly check all windows
Power mirrors work properly
Steering wheel: condition
Horn works
Cruise Control works
Steering Wheel mounted Radio controls work
Dashboard and center console: check for cracks or other damage
Instrument Panel:
Transparent plastic window is clear and undamaged
Stereo and Infotainment Center
Check that all speakers work balance and fader
Check CD player if applicable
Check Bluetooth connection if applicable
Navigation works if installed
Heater Defroster incl. rear window defroster works, including blower fan all speeds
Air conditioner works test and measure with A C thermometer!
Interior lights:
Instrument lights
dimmer rheostat works properly
Dome light, Front L R
Sub panel lights:
 Center pedestal
Door mounted switches
Main Aft roof dome light
Trunk Cargo Area light sidewall, if installed
Accessory outlets and covers
Carpeting and matts: condition: stains; damage?
Brake pedal: wear pattern indicative of city or highway mileage
Water Flood damage: scrutinize...
Seat rails, for rust
Underneath carpeting if able , for corrosion rust mold mildew damage
It may be easier to examine underneath carpeting at the top of the footwell, below the accelerator and brake
pedals, or, in the trunk, especially in under the spare tire well
Inside glove box, for any debris, dirt, etc.
Carpeting, seats, or seat belts are damp
Car alarm works if applicable
Trunk Tailgate automatic open close works smoothly & properly
Trunk Cargo Area Light works if installed
Trunk lid seals
Cockpit button lever and FOB remote trunk release s work properly

Undercarriage
No LEAKS oil; gas; brakes; coolant; power steering; transmission; transfer case; etc.
Oil pan and drain plug:
dry
seeping
leaking
No RUST light, superficial rust may be okay, but none compromising integrity of frame or subassemblies
Frame chassis is not bent, cracked, nor rusted examine undercarriage thoroughly and with flashlight
Brake lines hoses not cracked or rust welded by corrosion
CV Joints not torn or cracked and axles condition
Suspension components: bushings; ball joints; connections and fasteners, etc.
Exhaust system muffler condition no rust

Suspension
Ball joint test: grasp wheel firmly with both hands and attempt to torque it from side to side. No slippage or play should
be present.

Miscellaneous
Keys:
2 keys electronic keyless fobs should be minimum, if not 3.
Test all keys electronic keyless fob s on all locks, including trunk, and all fob functions
Car Owner s Manual located in the glove compartment?
Instructions included for any accessories?
Service and repair records available?
If not, the previous owner is either trying to hide something; is very careless; or both. CAVEAT EMPTOR!
The more records available, the better: a 2 year old car with only a few service records available may be more
reasonable than an 8 year old car with only a few service records available.
Consider calling the workshop indicated on the service record s and speaking with a mechanic or service advisor
about the car you're considering and that they've been servicing : ask them what they think of the car and what they
can remember of its service history. You may be surprised by what you can learn!
Owner has signed title
Check VIN numbers match engine bay; windshield; door jam; all paperwork; etc.
Run a Carfax VIN check of your own even if the seller tries to show you one they provide, and even if it appears to be
current and legit!
Cross reference the VIN on the TITLE with the actual VIN s observed on the car driver's door jam; windshield; sometimes
under hood ;
Make sure there are no liens listed on the title car is fully paid off and actually owned by owner !
Verify with car TITLE that the person you're negotiating with is actually the legal OWNER of the car: Check seller's ID.
Make sure the owner signs the title.
 g
Ask a LOT of questions
Why are you selling?
What small issues have you had?
Where have you had the car serviced?
Have a professional mechanic thoroughly examine the car i.e. pre purchase inspection . This will require time and
money! there are several professional organizations offering nationwide mobile used car inspections by qualified auto
mechanics
If when you purchase ANY car new or used , make SURE it's fully INSURED before you pay, sign, and drive it away!

Road Test
Before engine start always check a cold engine
Instrument Panel and annunciator lights: all working as per normal:
Check Engine light should illuminate with engine OFF and key in ACC position
Odometer: matches advertised mileage
After engine start
Normal, strong start? Battery or starter troubles?
Unusual noises during or after start?
No smoke of any color from exhaust
Engine idles smoothly and quietly
Always run full OBD2 scan with electronic OBD tool! A good scanner will detect if any warning alerts have been
reset by owner, to hide faults see Interior, above .
Car does not pull or track to left or right during acceleration, cruise, or braking release steering wheel and observe
Acceleration and braking are normal, without unusual noise or vibration
Squeaks, rattles, or annoying sounds from vibration
Automatic Transmission:
Up shifts and down shifts smoothly and quietly under light and under heavy acceleration decleration
Reverse gear engages smoothly and works properly also: check backup camera function
Shifter moves smoothly and positively from one gear mode to the next; no clunking or jerking movements
Manual Transmission:
Each gear shifts smoothly
No grinding noises when in reverse
Clutch is firm and positive: no slippage
Cruise control and all safety features work properly
Adaptive Cruise Control
Blind Spot Monitoring System BSMS
Lane Departure Warning and Intervention System LD
Collision Warning System and Automatic Emergency Braking System
Parking Assist Proximity Warning System, Front and Rear
Braking
Smooth, positive, and quiet
No pulling to one side or the other
Check anti lock brakes on slippery surface, if able
Suspension performance test on smooth and bumpy roads
no noise
no bouncing; minimum body roll
bumps and road irregularities absorbed appropriately
Steering
Smooth and quiet with good feel
Vehicle does not drift or pull to either side during driving
Vehicle is stable; no shaking or vibration
No resistance in the steering wheel when turning
No clicking or clunking when turning
Check steering from stop to stop in a parking lot: ensure no noises or unusual performance
Check steering wheel electronic mode control functions e.g. cruise control , if able
Backup camera works properly all functions working
Aural parking alerts work properly if installed
Parking brake
engages disengages properly, with associated annunciator light on instrument panel
If manual style: properly adjusted
Monitor engine temp gauge while driving beware if you observe new radiator fans in engine bay: they may be a sign that
the car has an overheating problem
Windshield wipers work test all modes
Windshield wiper fluid dispenses properly