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Know before you buy

Used Car Buying Checklist

Before you buy a previously owned car, use this free comprehensive checklist to ensure the vehicle makes the grade.

Mother buckling her child into a car seat

How to use the used car checklist

As you inspect your prospective purchase, take advantage of our free quality-control checklists to ensure the vehicle is in an acceptable condition.

  • For a quick assessment of the car, truck or SUV, use the simple checklist.
  • For a more thorough inspection, use the detailed checklist.

Select the green checkmark if the answer is Yes, and choose the red X if the answer is No. The more green checkmarks you end up with, the more likely the car is in good shape.

close up of concrete

Choose your experience

Detailed

86-point inspection

Use this checklist to determine whether a car is a good buy.

Before you drive

Inside the car

VIN matches as advertised.
information
Mileage matches as advertised.
information
No accidents on the vehicle history report (AutoCheck, CARFAX, etc.).
Car smells smoke free.
No signs of cigarette use in the ash tray.
It does not smell moldy or musty.
information

Engine bay

Oil levels are okay.
information
Oil is free of water and metal.
information
Coolant levels are okay.
Coolant looks clean and is green/orange in color.
information
Brake fluid levels are okay.
Power steering fluid levels are okay.
There aren’t any visible leaks anywhere in the engine compartment or below the car.
Serpentine belt looks okay.
information
The battery is less than four years old.
information

Test drive

Make sure to get the car warmed up, and drive with the radio off so you can hear any possible strange noises.

Engine starts quickly and easily.
There are no warning lights after the car is started.
information
It drives straight.
It drives straight while accelerating.
It brakes straight.
The brakes feel firm when braking.
The wheel doesn’t shake while braking.
information
No clunking or knocking sounds when driving on a bumpy road.
The transmission shifts smoothly.
No clicking, popping or whining sounds while making sharp turns.
information
The steering feels smooth when turning the wheels from lock-to-lock.
The cruise control works.
The AWD/4WD works.
information
The speedometer is accurate.
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No strange noises or vibrations at highway speeds.

After the test drive

Consider driving to a nearby park or vacant parking lot. This will get you away from the pressure of a sales rep.

Outside the car

There aren’t any dents.
There isn’t any visible rust.
No visible leaks in the engine compartment or below the car.
information
The high and low beams work
License plate lights work.
All turn signals work.
All brake lights work.
Hazard lights work.
Reverse lights work.
The rear window defrost works.
information
No abrasions on the tires or rims.
Tire pressure for all tires is at specifications.
Tire wear is acceptable.
information
The tires are the same brand and size (most cars).
The front tires don’t have more or less wear than the rear tires.
Each of the tires are wearing evenly from inside to outside.
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There aren’t any missing lug nuts or lug studs.
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There is a spare tire and it looks functional.
There is a jack for the spare tire.
There aren’t any cracks or rock chips in the windshield.
Key fob works.
information

Inside the car

The heater blows hot.
information
The A/C blows cold.
information
The heated seats work.
information
Check all HVAC positions (defrost, dashboard, feet).
Check all fan speeds.
There aren’t any tears or stains on any seats.
information
The driver’s seat adjusts properly.
The passenger’s seat adjusts properly.
No headrests are missing (front and back).
Both side mirrors are adjustable.
Door lock and window switches work on all doors.
The back-up camera works.
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The parking brake works.
information
The windshield wipers work.
The windshield sprayers work.
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The back wiper works.
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The sunroof works.
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There are floor mats.
The radio works correctly.
The radio controls on the steering wheel work.
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The horn works.
There is an owner’s manual.

Check for accidents

Let the buyer beware! Don’t rely on a vehicle history report to tell you everything. If you know what to look for, you may be able to spot a car that has been in an accident.

It’s best to go through this checklist during the day. Many flaws are difficult to spot in low light.

There are stickers are still present on the inside of the hood and door jambs.
information
There an insulation panel on the underside of the hood.
information
The vehicle history report doesn’t show the title as salvaged/branded.
information
The door and fender gaps look straight and consistent.
information
No visible paint overspray on glass, tires or engine bay.
information
The paint color is consistent.
information
The clear coat texture is consistent.
information
The side windows and back glass are on-brand.
information

Check for flood damage

Do not rely on a vehicle history report to tell you if the vehicle has been in a flood. If you know what to look for, you may be able to spot signs of flood damage. We would strongly discourage anyone from buying a car that has been involved in a flood.

Pull back the carpet in the trunk. There isn’t any discoloration on the underside of the carpet.
If the spare tire is in the trunk, there is no sediment or rust underneath it.
Pull the seat belts all the way out. There are no water stains on the belt.
There isn’t any sediment or water in the headlamps or tail lamps.
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There isn’t any sediment in the glove box.

Additional questions

Questions for the dealer

  • Dealers will usually provide a vehicle history report (CARFAX, AutoCheck, etc.) free of charge. Make sure to ask for one. Verify the VIN on the report with the VIN of the car.
  • Where did the dealer get the car?
  • How much are the doc fees?
  • Is there a dealer provided warranty? If so, how much is it and what does it cover?

Questions for a private seller

  • How long have you had the car?
  • Why are you selling it?
  • Are you aware of any problems with the car?
  • Do you have maintenance records?
  • Do you have the title in hand?
  • Was it kept in a garage?

A+

Every car starts with an "A+" grade, but check the boxes that apply and we'll see if it makes the grade.

Simple

20-point inspection

Use this checklist to determine whether a car is a good buy.

The car has a clean title.
information
No accidents on the vehicle history report (AutoCheck, CARFAX, etc.).
Fluid levels are okay. Check the oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
information
There aren’t any visible leaks anywhere in the engine compartment or below the car.
Tire wear is acceptable and evenly worn from inside to outside.
information
The battery is less than four years old.
information
Engine starts quickly and easily.
There are no warning lights after the car is started.
information
It drives straight while accelerating, braking and cruising.
No clunking or knocking sounds when driving on a bumpy road.
No strange noises or vibrations at highway speeds.
The transmission shifts smoothly.
There aren’t any dents or visible rust spots.
All the lights work, including turn signals, headlights, reverse lights, etc.
Interior is clean, and does not smell like smoke or mold.
information
The heater, air conditioning, and heated seats all work.
information
Door locks, sunroof, and window switches work on all doors.
information
The paint color and texture are consistent.
information
The door and fender gaps look straight and consistent.
information
No visible paint overspray on glass, tires or engine bay.
information

Bonus tips

Woman in her car relaxing

Get a vehicle history report

Double check the results of your personal inspection by examining the car’s accident, service and ownership history. Mountain America members have access to special pricing on AutoCheck reports.

Learn more
Woman negotiating car sale

Negotiate the price

Discover the four essential tips for securing the lowest price possible.

Read on
Man standing by his car

Finalize the purchase

If you’re not paying with cash, you’ll want to explore financing options. Mountain America is here to help with low-rate auto loans for both new and used vehicles.

Find out more

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