The Body:

Scratches, Dents, Windshield, Headlights(foggy?), Inspection Sticker (current?), Brake Rotors (Rusty?)

The Wheels:
Tire Tread (penny test), Run finger across width of tire to see even wearing of grooves, All 4 tires/wheels the
same (check brand & rims)? Wheel damage?
Under the Car:
Leaks (near engine and rear diff) VIN#
Rust (exhaust, frame, body, etc) from F,S,R Any service records?
Suspension (tie rods, ball joints,shocks, Known Issues with the car?
axle, etc)- leaks & rust
Frame Damage (from collision)- under Any Spare keys?
Spare tire metal
Engine (start cold, let warm up, go for ride)
Before Startup
Frame (straight, no kinks)- fender, front support & front Clean vs Dirty (was the engine detailed)
cross member (behind front bumper)
Inspect for leaks (oil, coolant, tranny)- top & bottom Brake fluid- level & leaks
(stains)
Oil level and oil condition (no metal, not frothy) Oil Cap (no froth under cap)
Check Coolant – should be bright colored, check level Hoses, belts, battery post, wires, etc
(make sure it’s not hot when you check).

Power Steering Reservoir- see inside (no dark fluid or
specs of black)
Cold Startup & again Warm Startup after test drive (Make someone else do it BOTH TIMES)
Any strange noises/smoke? (ticking, grinding, etc)
Does the motor move a lot (bad motor mounts)
Idle (does the idle drop and smooth out)
CHECK LEAKS IN HOOD & UNDER CAR AGAIN
DURING RUNNING CONDITION
Pump connected to power sterring- check for leaks
Shut-off while looking at hood to see if delay in engine
shutting down?
Check under oil cap (strong pulses/smoke)
Check exhaust for smoke upon startup. Also do a few
revs & check for Blue/White smoke (Both Bad)

Interior

Seats: Front and rear (Damage, rips, Adjust properly (forward, back, tilt), not woobly
Carpet: Front, rear, and trunk - Check Under Carpets (rust, water), dampeness? (especially under passenger side)
Hit front foot area with hand
Trunk: Spare (holds air, not rusty), Spare tire carrier round (no indents) , Water marks, damp carpet?, Jack with lug
wrench, Lug nut key (locking lug-nuts)
Power Windows (roll up/down, scratches), Power Power Locks, AC/Heat, Sunroof, Parking Sensor,
Mirrors (heat and movement) , Radio, Navigation, Hand Brake, Wipers & Fluid, All Gauges work?
Lights, Check for Owner’s Manual
Headliner: Sagging? Wear and Tear: (Gas/Brake Pedal, Steering
Wheel
 Exterior: Lights (High/Low Beams, Front Fog Lights, Turn Signals, Brake lights, (3rd brake light)

Bodywork
Panel Gaps (run with fingers Paint Seams on edge of panels (after opening
door)
Check Suspension from all four corners by bouncing

Tires
Turn lock to lock Inspect tread-wear (across width)

See spring and rod free from oil & rust Axel free from rust and oil

Axel boot good and free from grease & oil Ball joint free from leaks/grease+ Also look at
brake caliper & Brake rotor

Test Drive (go for a regular drive city and

highway)
Acceleration Test: smooth, no knocks or hesitation,
Regular Acceleration Hard Acceleration

Turning Test
Stationary- turn lock to lock (noise/feel)
Turn back and forth in motion to sway
car (controlled, squeaks, knocks)
Brake Test -smooth, no pulls, no noises, no vibrations
Regular Braking
ABS Light on dash?
Moving- turn 360 (noise/feel both ways)
Hard turn while moving (controlled,squeaks,
knocks)
Hard Braking (try to activate abs)
Noise/pulling?

Highway: stop and go, bumps, turns, slower

RPM (top gear/overdrive) Smooth/controlled/comfortable/solid

Noises (thuds, squeaks, whines) Downshift at cruising speed

Cruise Control

City: stop and go, bumps, turns, slower

Noises (thuds, squeaks, whines) Vibrations

Does the car feel good to drive? Shifting (smooth, crisp, no slipping)
Scan Engine after Test Drive