EstimateProof Buyer's Guide
Used Car Inspection Checklist Before Buying
27 things to check before you hand over money for a used car. Print this or save it to your phone.
Before you go (5 min from home)
- Run the VIN through NHTSA for open recalls (free at nhtsa.gov)
- Check title history for salvage, flood, or lien records
- Look up NHTSA complaints for the make/model/year at the listed mileage
- Research fair market value (KBB, Edmunds) — know the ceiling before negotiating
- Get an EstimateProof report ($25) for repair estimates and negotiation leverage
Exterior (walk around slowly)
- Check panel gaps — uneven gaps suggest accident repair or frame damage
- Look for paint overspray on trim, rubber seals, and inside door jambs
- Check all four tires for uneven wear (alignment or suspension issues)
- Look under the car for fluid leaks (dark spots on pavement)
- Check headlights and taillights for moisture or cracks
- Open and close all doors — they should swing freely without sagging
Interior
- Check the odometer against the listing — discrepancies are a red flag
- Smell for mold, mildew, or chemical air freshener (may hide flood damage)
- Test every power window, lock, mirror, and seat adjustment
- Check under floor mats and in the trunk for water stains or rust
- Turn on the A/C — it should blow cold within 30 seconds
Under the hood
- Check oil — milky color means coolant leak (head gasket), low level means consumption
- Look at coolant in the reservoir — should be clean, not rusty
- Check the drive belt for cracks or glazing
- Look for corrosion on battery terminals
- Start the engine cold — listen for ticking, knocking, or rattling
Test drive (at least 15 minutes)
- Drive at 15-25 mph — check for transmission shudder or hesitation
- Get on the highway — check for vibrations at 60+ mph (wheel balance, alignment)
- Brake hard from 40 mph — car should stop straight with no pulsing
- Turn the wheel fully in both directions at low speed — listen for clicking (CV joints)
- Drive over bumps — listen for clunking (worn suspension bushings or struts)
After the test drive
- Never buy the same day you see the car (pressure = bad deal)
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
- Subtract estimated repair costs from the asking price — that's your offer
- If the seller won't allow an inspection, walk away
Do steps 1-5 in 60 seconds
EstimateProof runs the VIN check, title history, recall search, complaint lookup, and repair cost estimate in one report. Know what you're walking into before you leave the house.
Run a Report — $25