Why You Need a Checklist
Buying a used car is exciting, but without a systematic approach, it's easy to miss warning signs.
Exterior (7 Points)
- Panel gaps: uneven gaps often indicate accident repair
- Paint consistency: mismatched paint on panels is a red flag
- Rust: check wheel arches, door bottoms, undercarriage
- Tire condition: uneven wear indicates alignment issues
- Glass: check for chips in windshield and windows
- Lights: verify all lights including turn signals and brakes
- Suspension: push down on each corner - should rebound once
Interior (5 Points)
- Odor: musty smells indicate water leaks or flood damage
- Seat wear: excessive wear relative to odometer is suspicious
- Electronics: test every button, switch, and infotainment feature
- Climate control: run both heat and AC at full blast
- Warning lights: all should illuminate briefly then turn off
Paperwork (3 Points)
- Service history: well-documented history is worth its weight in gold
- Vehicle history report: get one, look for accidents and title issues
- Pre-purchase inspection: pay an independent mechanic $100-200