Used Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Before you purchase any used car or truck, you should have it inspected by a reputable mechanic. At Kraken Automotive we have seen drivers settle for a 45-second test drive in a parking lot before deciding the vehicle is right for them.

We put together this short guide just for you to help you go over what you should look at before buying any used vehicle, even classics.

What’s A Pre Purchase Vehicle Inspection?

A pre-purchase vehicle inspection is a professional opinion of the vehicle’s overall condition. It is thoroughly looked over for evidence of mechanical, cosmetic and structural damage before it is purchased. Your licensed mechanic will help you in determining whether the chosen vehicle is suitable for purchase and save you a lot of money by helping avoid purchasing a possible lemon. 

Having a pre-purchase vehicle inspection done is a great small investment that pays off well for most. Any problems the mechanic identifies can be used as points of negotiation if you decide to make an offer.

Having a pre-purchase vehicle inspection offers the buyer peace of mind. If you are not an automotive expert, chances are you may miss something. So by having a professional mechanic provide you with a second opinion, you can find out whether the vehicle you’re buying is worth purchasing.

Where Do You Get A Pre Purchase Vehicle Inspection?

Just hop onto Google through your computer or phone and search “pre-purchase inspection near me” to sort through the various mechanic shops. 

If you’re purchasing the vehicle from a dealer, they have usually already conducted an inspection. However, a dealership can be a conflict of interest having provide this service for you, as they may not be completely upfront with any problems about the overall condition of the vehicle. So we always recommend a third-party do such inspections.

Therefore, if you are buying from an owner or dealer, have a trusted mechanic check it out. Buyers that may be unsure how to get a pre-purchase inspection can also request a pre purchase inspection from Kraken Automotive.

What Does A Pre Purchase Vehicle Inspection Entail?

Investigate the Car’s History to see if there has been any previous damage. A CARFAX report is a good starting point, but they only include information that was reported. Previous owners may not have reported their maintenance or certain damages made to the car. For those that have however, you’ll know which areas you need to pay attention to. 

Pre Purchase Used Vehicle Checklist

A pre-purchase inspection should check for the following: 

• Body Panels:
  • Check exterior and note any scratches, dents, blemishes or rust
  • Look for gaps between body panels, this could indicate possible frame damage.  Uneven gaps may indicate prior accident repair
  • Look at the undercarriage including frame for overall condition
  • Look at the under body including floor pans, rocker panels, trunk etc. for possible problems
  • Examine for rust, flood or collision damage
  • Ensure fit as well as condition of body panels and paint
• Condition:
  • Evaluate condition of door panels, carpets, console, seats, headliner and dash
  • Evaluate condition of trim, stainless steel, plastic, chrome, lenses, glass, and emblems
  • Confirm if their is a spare wheel, tools and accessories
• Tires:
  • Note condition of tires, whether they are same brand, if they are bubbling or cracking on the sidewalls. DOT date code will help determine age
  • Observe the tread. There should be a minimum of 1/3″ of tire tread left. If the tread wear is uneven, there may be a possible suspension or alignment issues,
• Engine Compartment & Mechanicals:
  • Pop the hood and conduct a thorough inspection of the engine and engine compartment 
  • Look for signs of leaks, grease, coolant, and ensure that fluid levels are normal and look ok.
  • Squeeze rubber hoses to confirm that they don’t feel too hard (ex. coolant hoses)
  • Inspect & evaluate the overall condition of engine, drive-train, and brakes
  • Check the condition of suspension by noting whether vehicle sits level and bounce corners to identify possible suspension issues
  • Verify proper operation and functionality of mechanical or electrical levers, lights, switches, controls and accessories
  • Test drive the vehicle if possible to help identify possible steering, shifting, suspension, braking, engine operation, or exhaust issues. Listen for any strange sounds, vibrations. 
  • Car diagnostic scanners for used are important to read error codes. If you have the better, more expensive ones, they can tell you if error codes have been recently reset. 
• Smell:
  • Check the interior for mold or mildew smell. If an older vehicle hasn’t been well kept, it can show signs of water damage that are easily sniffed out
  • Make sure you double-check carpets for evidence of water damage, mold or mildew

Before you have the vehicle looked over by a certified mechanic for a second opinion, learn how to inspect a used car yourself using our provided checklist. It never hurts to have a second opinion, including your own. 

How Much Does A Pre Purchase Vehicle Inspection Run?

A pre-purchase vehicle inspection costs between $100-$200, but can save you in the long-run. Knowing what to check when buying a used car, and conducting your own pre-purchase vehicle inspection, as well as having an on-the-spot mobile pre-purchase inspection can save you money by detecting a potential lemon early on.