Used Car Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Buying

Used Car Inspection Checklist (Before You Buy)

A careful inspection catches problems that a listing photo hides. Use this checklist when you view a used car, and pair it with a VIN history check and, for anything expensive, a professional pre-purchase inspection.

Exterior

Panel gaps that line up evenly, and paint that matches, which can reveal past accident repairs.
Rust around wheel arches, sills and under the car.
Tires: even tread wear and a matching set. Uneven wear points to alignment or suspension issues.
All lights and the windshield for chips or cracks.

Interior

Wear on the seat, pedals and steering wheel that matches the mileage.
Electronics: windows, locks, AC, infotainment and warning lights.
Signs of water damage or a musty smell, which can mean flood history.

Under the hood and the test drive

Oil and coolant condition, and no obvious leaks.
Cold start: listen for knocks and watch for smoke.
Test drive: brakes, steering, transmission shifts, and any vibration or pulling.

Paperwork

Title in the seller's name with a matching VIN and no unexpected lien.
Service records and a VIN history report clear of major title brands.
Open recalls, which you can check free at the NHTSA.

Before you buy: run a free VIN check to see the specs, open recalls and safety ratings for the exact vehicle, then decide whether a full history report is worth it. Check a VIN.

Checking a specific car?

Run its VIN free to see title brands, salvage and flood history, an odometer check, and open recalls before you buy.

Check a VIN free

Check any car before you buy

Run a VIN free: specs, safety ratings, recalls and running costs in seconds.

The VIN is on the dashboard, door jamb, or title.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check when buying a used car?+

Inspect the exterior for accident and rust signs, the interior for wear and water damage, the engine and a test drive for mechanical issues, and the paperwork including title, VIN history and open recalls.

Should I get a used car inspected by a mechanic?+

For anything expensive or complex, yes. A pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic catches mechanical problems that a history report and a test drive can miss, and often pays for itself.