Learn 05
Pre-purchase inspection checklist
Print this and bring it to the test drive. Don’t skip anything.
Exterior
- Walk all four sides — look for paint mismatches, ripples, panel gaps
- Hood, doors, trunk close cleanly without slamming
- Check seam sealer in door jambs for repaint signs
- Look at tire wear pattern — uneven = alignment problem
- Check tread depth (penny test minimum)
- Inspect glass for chips and the windshield for cracks
Interior
- All seat adjustments work
- AC blows cold from every vent
- Heat works on every setting
- All buttons, switches, knobs respond
- Infotainment boots, pairs to your phone, GPS works
- No warning lights on the dash after start
- Steering wheel doesn't pull when straight
Under the hood
- Oil dipstick — clean, amber, no metallic flake
- Coolant level + color (no rust, no oil)
- Brake fluid — clean, full
- Power steering fluid (if equipped) — clean
- Belts not cracked or glazed
- No rodent damage in the engine bay
- No oil leaks visible from above
Under the car
- No active oil drips on the ground
- No transmission fluid leaks
- Suspension components look intact
- Rust check on frame and exhaust
- CV boots not torn
Test drive
- Cold start — listen for knock or rough idle
- Light acceleration — smooth shifts
- Hard acceleration — no hesitation, no flare
- Highway cruise — no vibration, tracks straight
- Hard brake test — no pulling, no pulsing
- Reverse and parallel park feel normal
- Listen for clunks over bumps
Documentation
- Title — clean, in seller's name, matches ID
- Service records — at least the last 3 years
- Smog certification (CA)
- Registration current or recently expired (not lapsed years)
- Two keys, manual, head unit code if applicable