It is always preferable to inspect any vehicle
during daylight hours. In daylight conditions, it will be
a whole lot easier to see the true body and interior condition
of the vehicle. Take your time and investigate the vehicle
as thoroughly as possible. It's always best to have a knowledgeable
friend or trusted expert with you to point out the things
your emotional buying state might over-look.
Also, it is best to view the vehicle as early
in the day as possible, when it has been sitting over night
- you'll be able to determine how well it starts when it is
cold. Then take it for a spin to determine how it handles.
| Things To Check Out |
Yes/No |
Notes |
| Body Condition: |
| Are Seams Straight? |
|
|
| Body Panels Same Color? |
|
|
| Ripples And Dents? |
|
|
| The Tires: |
| All Tires Have Same Tread? |
|
|
| Uneven Tire Wear? |
|
|
| All Tires Same Size? |
|
|
| All Tires Same Brand? |
|
|
| Jack, And Lug Wrench? |
|
|
| Locking Hubcaps/Wheels? |
|
|
| Is The Key Available? |
|
|
| Good Spare Tire? |
|
|
| Jack and Tools? |
|
|
| Vehicle Suspension: |
| Does Vehicle Sit Level? |
|
|
| Bounce Each Corner. Should Bounce Back
1-2 Times. |
|
|
| Creaking Noise When Bouncing? |
|
|
| The Frame: |
| Look Inside Trunk, Wheel Wells, And Under
Hood. |
|
|
| Look For Crumpled And Straightened Areas
|
|
|
| The Interior: |
| Tears, Stains, And Burns? |
|
|
| Dashboard And Headliner Condition? |
|
|
| Does It Smell? |
|
|
| Seats Adjust Easily? |
|
|
| Window Cranks or Electric Open Easily?
|
|
|
| Door Locks? |
|
|
| Other Controls Operate? |
|
|
| Interior Lights And Dash Bulbs? |
|
|
| Carpeting Smell Of Mildew Or Stale Water?
|
|
|
| Accessories: |
| Operable? - Try Them |
|
|
| Heater, Air Conditioner? |
|
|
| Radio? |
|
|
| Alarm Operation? |
|
|
| Tape/CD Player? |
|
|
| Under the Hood - Engine: |
| Oil Or Fluid Leaks? |
|
|
| Unusual Noises? |
|
|
| Anything Appear To Be Missing? |
|
|
| Air Filter/Cleaner? |
|
|
| Pollution Control Equipment? |
|
|
| Beneath the Vehicle: |
| Fluid Leaks? What Color? |
|
|
| Parts Loose? |
|
|
| Parts Rusty? |
|
|
| Marks From Scrapes? |
|
|
| The Engine: |
| White Or Blue Smoke From Exhaust? |
|
|
| Engine Start Easily? |
|
|
| Engine Stall? |
|
|
| Engine Idle? |
|
|
| Engine Hesitate Or Stumble? |
|
|
| Engine Lacks Power? |
|
|
| Warning Lights Appear When Engine Off?
|
|
|
| Engine Continues Running When Shut Off?
|
|
|
| Transmission / Clutch:
|
| Automatic Shifting Smooth? |
|
|
| Manual-Shift Smooth? |
|
|
| Clutch Slip? |
|
|
| 4-Wheel Drive: |
| Shift Smoothly In And Out? |
|
|
| Clunking Sounds While Turning? |
|
|
| Wheels Bind Or Pull? |
|
|
| The Brakes: |
| Vehicle Pull To One Side? |
|
|
| Brakes Stop Adequately? |
|
|
| ABS - Wheels Lock? |
|
|
| Parking Brake Holds Firmly? |
|
|
| The Steering: |
| Vehicle Drift To One Side? Which? |
|
|
| Steering Difficult? |
|
|
| Shaking Or Vibration? |
|
|
| Steering Wheel Centered? |
|
|
| Airbags: |
| Driver? |
|
|
| Front Passenger? |
|
|
| Side Impact ? |
|
|
| Cutoff Switch? |
|
|
| Ever Deployed? |
|
|
| Repaired Where? |
|
|
| Other Considerations:
|
| Flood Damage? |
|
|
| Salvaged? |
|
|
| Corrosion On Electric Connectors? |
|
|
| Owners' Manual? |
|
|
| Repair And Service Records? |
|
|
| Is There A Clear Title? |
|
|
| Gas Cap? |
|
|
| Gas Cap Key? |
|
|
