Used Car Inspection Checklist

Panel gaps are even

Uneven gaps between doors, bonnet and boot can mean accident repair.

Result: Not checked

Paint colour and finish match on every panel

Look in daylight for patches, orange peel or overspray on rubber seals.

Result: Not checked

No rust or bubbling paint

Check wheel arches, door bottoms, sills and the boot lip.

Result: Not checked

Glass is free of cracks and chips

A chip can spread and fail a check.

Result: Not checked

Lamps are clear, with no moisture inside

Water lines inside a lamp can point to water ingress.

Result: Not checked

No fresh drips underneath

Look for oil, coolant or fluid on the ground and under the engine.

Result: Not checked

No musty smell, damp carpets or silt

Lift the mats and check under the seats and in the boot for flood damage.

Result: Not checked

Seats, trim and pedals wear matches the odometer

Heavy wear on a low-kilometre car is a warning.

Result: Not checked

Seat rails and seat-belt mounts are free of rust

Rust in odd places can mean the car stood in water.

Result: Not checked

Windows, locks, mirrors and wipers all work

Operate every switch.

Result: Not checked

Horn, indicators and all lights work

Check front, rear, brake and reversing lights.

Result: Not checked

Dashboard warning lights come on, then go out

A light that never comes on may have been disabled.

Result: Not checked

Starts easily from cold

Ask for the engine to be cold when you arrive.

Result: Not checked

Idles smoothly with no knocking or ticking

Listen with the bonnet open.

Result: Not checked

Engine oil is clean and at the right level

Milky or very dark oil needs a question.

Result: Not checked

Coolant is clear and at the right level

Rusty or oily coolant is a warning.

Result: Not checked

Belts and hoses have no cracks or leaks

Look and press gently.

Result: Not checked

Battery terminals are clean; note the battery age

Corroded terminals or an old battery means a near-term cost.

Result: Not checked

Exhaust smoke is normal

Blue smoke: burning oil. White that does not clear: coolant. Black: rich mixture.

Result: Not checked

Clutch bites at a sensible point and does not slip

Pull away from a standstill, and uphill.

Result: Not checked

Gears engage without crunching (manual)

Try every gear and reverse.

Result: Not checked

Shifts are smooth, with no jerks or flaring (automatic)

Check drive and reverse from a standstill.

Result: Not checked

No whining or grinding in gear

Listen in each gear.

Result: Not checked

Car sits level and settles after pressing each corner

Press down firmly; it should rise once and settle.

Result: Not checked

No knocks over bumps or speed breakers

Drive over a few slowly.

Result: Not checked

Steering has little play and returns to centre

Check at low speed and in a straight line.

Result: Not checked

Car tracks straight with light hands on the wheel

A pull to one side can mean alignment or damage.

Result: Not checked

Tread depth is adequate on all four tyres and the spare

Uneven wear points to alignment or suspension problems.

Result: Not checked

Tyre date codes are not old

Four digits: week and year of manufacture.

Result: Not checked

No cracks, bulges or cuts in the sidewalls

Run your hand over the sidewall.

Result: Not checked

Wheels are straight, with no deep kerb damage

Check for wobble on the test drive.

Result: Not checked

Pedal feels firm, not soft or sinking

Press with the engine running.

Result: Not checked

Car stops in a straight line without pulling

Brake firmly when it is safe.

Result: Not checked

No squealing, grinding or pulsing

These point to worn pads or discs.

Result: Not checked

Handbrake holds the car on a slope

It should not need to be pulled very high.

Result: Not checked

Music system, screen and sockets work

Test each one.

Result: Not checked

Reversing sensors or camera work (if fitted)

Check the display and the beeps.

Result: Not checked

Central locking, remote and spare key work

Ask for both keys.

Result: Not checked

Power windows and mirrors work on every door

Use each switch.

Result: Not checked

Cools quickly on the coldest setting

Run it for several minutes. In Kolkata this is not optional.

Result: Not checked

Blower works on every speed with no odd noise

Listen for rattles.

Result: Not checked

No sour smell from the vents

A sour smell can mean a dirty evaporator or filter.

Result: Not checked

Engine does not struggle or overheat with the AC on

Check in slow traffic.

Result: Not checked

Drove at least twenty minutes on mixed roads

Slow traffic, tight turns, speed breakers and steady speed.

Result: Not checked

No unusual noises, vibrations or smells

Hum, clunk, squeal, burning or sweet smells all need a question.

Result: Not checked

Temperature gauge stayed normal

Watch it in slow traffic.

Result: Not checked

No warning lights during the drive

Note anything that appears.

Result: Not checked

Checked under the car after the drive for fresh drips

Park, wait a minute, then look.

Result: Not checked

Original RC seen; owner's name matches the seller's ID

The seller must be the registered owner or hold written authority.

Result: Not checked

Engine and chassis numbers match the RC

Compare every digit.

Result: Not checked

Number of owners on the RC matches what I was told

Each transfer should be recorded.

Result: Not checked

Loan: none on the RC, or closed with the entry removed

Hypothecation must be cleared before the sale.

Result: Not checked

Insurance is valid; dates and policyholder noted

Move it to my name straight after the sale.

Result: Not checked

PUC certificate is valid

Check the date.

Result: Not checked

Service book and invoices seen

Regular servicing matters more than the number of stamps.

Result: Not checked

Seller has signed Form 29; I know when Form 30 is filed

The Motor Vehicles Act sets time limits for both.

Result: Not checked