Used Car Check List Welcome






1. Check vehicle kilometrage against service records for accuracy 

Engine Compartment 
2. Hood release, hinges, prop rod or gas struts provide proper operation 
3. Check finish (rust, corrosion) 
4. Check factory instruction stickers 

Engine Condition 
5. Verify original equipment and displacement 
6. Valve covers and head gaskets in good condition 
7. Condition of engine belts, automatic belt tensioner, hoses and wires 
8. Condition of hose clamps, retainer clips and wire casings 
9. Look for areas of concentrated dirt or grime 

Engine Oil Level/Condition 
10. Check oil level, verify oil clarity and viscosity 

Engine Coolant Level/Condition 
11. Check radiator for leaks and damage and ensure fan shroud is securely in place 
12. Verify blades of cooling fans are not broken or bent 
13. Check coolant level, freeze protection rating 

Air Filter Inspection 
14. Inspect air filter/filter housing for debris (leaves, bugs) 

Battery Load Test 
15. Inspect battery for cracks. Clean and inspect battery top, posts and cables 
16. Measure battery voltage/conduct load test 

Ignition System 
17. Inspect system for loose, cracked or burned wires. Check wire for short-circuits and arcing 

Power Steering Fluid Level 
18. Inspect power steering fluid level 

Brake Fluid Level 
19. Locate and inspect master cylinder reservoir, check brake fluid level 

Automatic Transmission Fluid Level and Condition 
20. Check all ranges from "Park" to "1st" for proper engagement 
21. Fluid level meets manufacturer's specified level, clarity and viscosity 

Fuel System 
22. Inspect fuel injection system for proper operation 
23. Check fuel system for leaks or loose wires and lines 
24. Inspect evaporative emissions system for proper operation 

Manual Transmission Fluid Level 
25. Measure fluid level, clarity and viscosity (if equipped) 

Manual Transmission Hydraulic Clutch Fluid Level 
26. Check clutch fluid reservoir for proper level 

Washer Fluid Level 
27. Inspect/fill washer fluid reservoir (front)/(rear, if equipped) 

Starter Performance (Automatic Transmission) 
28. Check that starter only operates in "Park" or "Neutral" 

Starter Performance (Manual Transmission) 
29. Starts only when Clutch pedal is pressed all the way down (GM vehicles) 

Engine Running, Noise, Vibration and Hardness 
30. Check for fluid leaks or valvetrain noise 
31. Vacuum system condition 
32. Fuel delivery system 
33. Valve cover/cylinder head/exhaust manifold gasket soundness 
34. Radiator/heater hoses condition 
35. Power steering pump/hose condition 
36. No squeaking belts 

Instrumentation and Interior Component Inspection 
37. SRS system warning light/self test 
38. ABS system warning light/self test 

Instrument Panel 
39. Instrument panel/gauge lights and operation 
40. Electronic instrument cluster, Head-Up Display operational (if equipped) 

Climate Control 
41. HVAC/Front and Rear Electronic Climate Control (if equipped) 
42. All climate control directional functions/vents working properly 

Audio System 
43. Audio controls, speakers, steering wheel controls (if equipped) 
44. Power antenna (if equipped) 

Windshield Wiper/Washer Operation 
45. Wiper/Washer Multifunction Switch 
46. Hi/Lo/Delay wiper arm speed 
47. Wiper arms cycle properly/Washer fluid spray operational 
48. Wiper blades 

Rear Windshield Wiper/Washer Operation 
49. Wiper arm cycles properly/Washer fluid spray operational 
50. Delay wipe feature operational (if equipped) 
51. Wiper blade 

Electric Rear Window Defroster Operation 
52. Defroster switch/heating grid operation 

Horn Operation 
53. Horn operation/sound quality 

Lighter/PowerPoint Outlets 
54. Cigarette lighter operational, auxiliary powerpoints operational 

Tilt Steering Wheel (if equipped) 
55. Steering wheel locks in each tilt position 

Inside Rearview Mirror 
56. Rearview mirror adjusts, range of movement, Auto dim (if equipped) 
57. Map/Reading lights (if equipped) 

Window Regulators/Power Window/Motors/Vent Windows 
58. All power window switches operational (if equipped) 
59. Manual/power (if equipped) windows operate smoothly 
60. Window Regulators/Motors work correctly (if equipped) 
61. Sliding rear window/vent windows (if equipped) 

Outside Mirror Controls 
62. Check mirrors for full movement in all directions 
63. Check that mirrors have good clarity and no scratches or cracks 
64. Heated Mirrors/Personal Memory systems function (if equipped) 

Power Sunroof Operation (If Equipped) 
65. Sunroof opens, tilts and closes properly 
66. Check sunroof track for any obstructions or damage 
67. Check sunroof seals for any cracks or damage 

Removable Roof Panels (If Equipped) 
68. Roof panel latches 
69. Check roof panel weather stripping for cracks or damage 

Convertible Top Operation (If Equipped) 
70. Headliner condition (if equipped) 
71. Check roof structure for bent rods or damage 
72. Top opens and closes fully 
73. Rear window, glass or plastic condition 
74. Convertible top seals and clamps 

Interior Trim Inspection

Seat Fabric and Trim Condition 
75. Vehicle seats are free from wear, stains or tears 
76. Passenger compartment trim panels fit and finish 
77. Headliner fit and condition 

Seat Adjustment 
78. Driver and Passenger seat tracks are operational 
79. Adjustable head restraints (if equipped) 
80. Folding rear seatback/Valet Lockout feature (if equipped) 
81. Driver/passenger seat controls are operational 

Safety Belt Condition/Integral Child Seat Operation 
82. Driver/front passenger seat belt operation 
83. Front passenger's seat belt works correctly 
84. Rear seat belts operation 
85. Inspect safety belt webbing and buckles at all seating positions 
86. Height adjustable shoulder belts work correctly (if equipped) 
87. Check that integral child seat is operating properly (if equipped) 
88. Inspect all child seat hardware and latches in working order 

Sun Visor Operation and Condition 
89. Inspect the sun visors in their full range of movement 
90. Inspect material and retainer clips 
91. Vanity mirror condition/illumination (if equipped) 


Interior/Courtesy Light Operation 
92. Check that all interior lights/switches are operational 

Remote Decklid/Liftgate Release Operation 
93. Check operation of decklid/liftgate during remote release 
94. Inspect weather seal for damage 
95. Decklid pull down feature (if equipped) 

Remote Fuel Filler Door Release Operation (If Equipped) 
96. Inspect operation of the remote fuel filler door release feature 
97. Interior fuel door switch, release mechanism working properly 

Ashtray 
98. Inspect ashtray for broken, bent or melted components 

Glove Box Operation 
99. Inspect latch, lock, and hinges for proper operation 

Door Trim and Lock Operation 
100. Check that all doors open and close smoothly 
101. Inspect operation manual or power door locks, rear door security lock 
102. Check that doors cannot be opened in the "Locked" position 
103. Check hand held remote transmitter operational (if equipped) 
104. Check all interior/exterior door handles for damage 
105. Inspect fit and finish of each door trim panel, armrest, and assist strap 

Carpet and Floor Mat Condition 
106. Inspect carpet and floor mats for burns, dirt, and excessive wear 

Cargo Area 
107. Inspect cargo area trim panels for fit and finish 
108. Cargo area, door lock switch operation, powerpoint power (if equipped) 

Spare Tire Condition/Jack and Wrench Location 
109. Inspect spare tire and wheel condition 
110. Inspect that all tools needed for spare tire change are intact 


Pre-Test Drive Inspection


Head Lamp/Fog Lamp Operations 
111. Head lamp switch, High/Low beam is functional 
112. Head lamps are aimed properly 
113. Twilight/head lamp delay feature OK (if equipped) 
114. Fog lamps are aimed and functional (if equipped) 

Parking/Brake/Back Up/Turn and Side Marker Lamps 
115. Front and rear parking lamps 
116. Brake and backup lamps 
117. Left/Right turn signal lamps 

Hazard Warning Lights 
118. Hazard warning lights work with vehicle running/not running 

Wheel and Tire Condition (Inspect Pre-Test Drive and In Service Bay) 
119. Wheel covers/wheel centre hubs OK (if equipped) 
120. Tire side walls, valve stems, and wear pattern 
121. Tire size/correct air pressure/lug nuts secured 
122. Inspect wheel rims for damage 

Shock Absorber Test 
123. Front shock absorbers/strut assembly 
124. Rear shock absorbers/strut assembly 


The Test Drive


Brake Shift/Transmission Interlock (Automatic Transmission) 
125. Gear selector cannot be moved out of Park unless brake is applied 

Transmission Operation (Automatic) 
126. Transmission gear engagement/shift points are smooth 

Transmission Operation (Manual) 
127. Clutch pedal/gear shift engagement 
128. No transmission noise 

Engine Performance 
129. Engine driveability/performance 
130. Engine NVH (noise, vibration and hardness) 

Brake Operation 
131. Power assisted braking system is functional 
132. Anti-lock brake system warning/self-test light is functional 
133. Anti-lock brake system functional (if equipped) 
134. Vehicle tracks straight under hard braking conditions 

Suspension/Drivetrain/Noise/Vibration/Hardness 
135. No abnormal vehicle noise, vibrations or harshness identified 

Cornering Ability 
136. Vehicle cornering dynamics 
137. Vehicle has no abnormal body roll 

Cruise Control (If Equipped) 
138. Cruise control holds at a set speed/adjustments work properly 


Service Bay Inspection


Transmission Case Inspection 
139. Transmission case/pan structurally sound 

Manual Transmission Fluid Level and Condition 
140. Fluid level, clarity and condition 

Transfer Case (4-Wheel-Drive Models) 
141. Fluid level, clarity and condition 
142. Transfer case/skid plate structural condition 

Brake System Condition 
143. Brake rotor/drum surfaces 
144. Brake pads/shoes have 40% of usable material remaining 
145. Parking brake operation 

Engine Mounts/Front Suspension Links and Bushings 
146. Inspect all engine mounts, grommets and bushings 
147. Front suspension links/sway bar/mounts 

Struts and Shock Absorber Condition 
148. Shock absorbers/struts free of leaks and damage 

Steering System Condition 
149. Inspect structural condition of all steering system elements 

CV Joint Dust Boot Condition 
150. CV dust cover boot void of rips/damage 

Drive Axle, Axle Fluid Levels 
151. Drive Axle meets manufacturer specifications 
152. Inspect differential case for fluid leaks 
153. Front/Drive axle fluid level 

Fuel Tank System Condition 
154. Fuel tank and delivery lines are sound, no fuel odour 

Vehicle/Structural Damage 
155. Vehicle shows no signs of collision damage 

Exhaust System 
156. Exhaust system hung/routed properly, meets structural integrity, exhaust tone 

Engine Oil and Filter Change, Chassis Lube 
157. Lubricate all chassis points, perform oil and filter change 

Soak Test 
158. Soak test/no leakage found 


Appearance Inspection - Exterior Wear and Tear


Window Glass 
159. Inspect all glass surfaces for chips and cracks 

Hood Condition 
160. Inspect hood for proper alignment with fenders, grille and fascia 
161. Inspect hood's finish for dents and scratches 

Grille, Front Bumper, and Fascia Condition 
162. Check that bumper guards and rubstrips are securely fastened 
163. Check grille, front bumper or fascia alignment/condition 
164. Vehicle is free from road tar and tree sap 

Driver Side Fender, Door(s), Quarter Panel Condition 
165. Inspect for panel alignment, finish quality, previous body work 
166. Weather seals, placement/condition 
167. Bodyside mirrors, mouldings and badging properly secured 

Deck-lid, Liftgate, Tailgate or Rear Cargo Door Condition 
168. Inspect the rear body panel surfaces for dings, dents and scratches 
169. Deck-lid, liftgate or rear panel doors 
170. Weather seals, placement/condition 
171. Pickup Tailgate/Bed/Side Rails (if equipped) 
172. Bedliner OK 

Rear Bumper/Fascia Condition 
173. Inspect all rear trim components for proper fit, no collision damage 
174. Check that all bumper guards and rubstrips are securely fastened 

Passenger Side Fender, Door(s), Quarter Panel Condition 
175. Inspect areas for panel alignment, finish quality and previous body work 
176. Weather seals, placement/condition 
177. Bodyside mirrors, mouldings and badging properly secured 

Radio Antenna 
178. Inspect mast antenna, antenna base secured to body panel 


Final Inspection

179. Engine compartment is clean/degreased 
180. Interior compartment has been cleaned/detailed 
181. Vehicle exterior has been washed/waxed/detailed