Used Car Inspection Checklist

Mismatched paint indicates previous accident damage

Uneven gaps suggest body work or frame damage

Check wheel wells, rocker panels, and door bottoms

Minor cosmetic issues can be negotiated

Yellowed headlights can cost $200+ to replace

Cracked lights can fail inspection

Chips can spread and are expensive to fix

Power mirrors can be costly to repair

Test from both inside and outside

Check hinges and latches

Dirty oil = poor maintenance; milky = head gasket issue

Milky oil indicates coolant leak into engine

Low coolant can indicate leak or overheating

Rusty coolant indicates neglected maintenance

Low fluid can indicate worn pads or leak

Burnt smell = transmission problems

Belt failure can cause major engine damage

Squeeze hoses - should be firm, not soft

Corrosion indicates age or charging issues

Look for wet spots or stains on engine

Freshly cleaned engine may hide leaks

Use penny test - if you see Lincoln's head, tread is low

Uneven wear indicates alignment or suspension issues

Check DOT code on sidewall for manufacture date

Mismatched tires can affect handling

Check condition of spare and tools

Bent wheels cause vibration and uneven wear

Check for rips, stains, and wear

Power seats can be expensive to repair

Dashboard replacement is very expensive

Watch for warning lights that stay on

A/C repair can cost $500-$2000

Test all windows up and down

Test from fob, button, and key

Check all speakers and Bluetooth

Musty smell = water damage; burnt = electrical

Wet carpet indicates water leak or flooding

Check for water damage or rust

Hard starting indicates problems

Rough idle = tune-up needed or worse

Hesitation can indicate fuel or ignition issues

Pulsing = warped rotors; spongy = air in lines

Pulling indicates alignment or tire issues

Slipping or hard shifts = expensive repairs

Clunking indicates worn suspension parts

Ticking, knocking = potential engine issues

Vibration indicates wheel/tire or drivetrain issues

Let go of wheel briefly on straight road

Salvage titles have much lower resale value

Title jumping is illegal in most states

Check VIN on dash, door jamb, and title

Odometer fraud is more common than you think

Good sign if seller has maintenance history

Use Carfax, AutoCheck, or NMVTIS

Check NHTSA.gov for open recalls

Expired registration may indicate issues