Used Car Inspection Checklist: What To Check Before You Buy

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Papers and history The name on the registration matches the seller’s ID. The VIN on the papers matches the VIN on the car (windscreen plate and body). Service book or invoices are there and the mileage rises steadily. The periodic inspection is valid; read the last report for defects. Check for open recalls with the VIN and for outstanding finance where your country allows it. Ask how many owners the car had and why it is being sold.

Outside View the car in daylight, dry and clean. Panel gaps are even and the paint colour matches on all panels. No rust on sills, wheel arches, door bottoms and under the boot floor. Glass and lights have no cracks; all lights work. Tyres: same make and size on each axle, enough tread, no cracks; check the date code. Look for oil, coolant or fuel drips under the car.

Inside Wear of the seat, steering wheel and pedals fits the mileage. No damp carpets or musty smell (possible water leak). With the ignition on, all warning lights come on and go out after starting. Air conditioning blows cold and the heater blows hot. Windows, mirrors, locks, wipers, horn and the infotainment work. Seat belts pull out and lock; the airbag light goes out.

Engine bay (engine cold) Ask to start the engine from cold; feel the bonnet before. Oil level is between the marks; no milky residue under the filler cap. Coolant level is correct and the coolant is clean. No fresh leaks, damaged hoses or chafed wiring. Drive belt has no cracks; no rattle or knock at idle. No blue or thick white smoke after the engine has warmed up.

Test drive Drive at least 20 minutes on different roads, including faster roads. Clutch and gearbox engage smoothly with no slipping or harsh shifts. The car brakes straight with no pulling, noise or vibration. Steering is straight, with no knocking over bumps. Engine pulls evenly without hesitation; temperature stays normal. No warning light comes on during the drive.

After the drive Check again for leaks under the car with the engine running. Ask for a fault memory read-out (a scanner shows stored codes). For an expensive car, book an inspection at an independent workshop. Put everything agreed in writing in the sales contract.

Your notes

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How to use it

Work through the sections in order while you view the car and tick each point. Add notes for anything you want to ask about or have checked. Your ticks and notes stay in this browser only.

How it is calculated

The checklist collects the checks inspection guides and workshops commonly recommend for a private viewing. It does not replace an inspection by an independent workshop, which can lift the car and read the control units; for an expensive car it is worth it.