A pre-purchase inspection checklist should include these items

A pre-purchase inspection from a shop can find issues with a car that you can’t see

No matter how much you know about cars, if you don’t get the vehicle up on a lift to perform a pre-purchase inspection to check for rust, structural damage, and computer/sensor issue, you’re really not doing an inspection. Using a pre-purchase inspection checklist shops will also use a professional grade scan tool inspection to check for previously erased trouble codes, pending trouble codes, and proper data from the engine and transmission.

Under car visual inspection for suspension and steering systems

• Inspect struts for leaks and dust boot condition
• Inspect CV joint boots for leaks
• Inspect upper/lower ball joints for wear and boot condition
• Inspect stabilizer bar bushings and end links for wear and boot condition
• Inspect control arm bushings for wear
• Check for wheel bearing play
• Check for steering play in tie rod and tie rod ends

Under car visual inspection for structural integrity

• Check for rust on frame/unibody components
• Check for signs of previous repairs/body damage

Visual checklist for brakes

• Remove wheels and check brake pad wear on inboard and outboard pads, checking for even wear and  proper caliper operation/leaks.
• Check condition of brake dust shields and rotor condition (deep grooving, rust in cooling vanes, rotor cracks, excessive wear)
• Check condition of brake pads, checking for any signs of rust jacking on backing plates or friction material degradation.
• Check condition of caliper piston dust boot, caliper slide pins and boots, anti-rattle clips and noise reduction shims
• Check condition of all brake lines, looking for leaks rust and flexible brake line deterioration

Underhood visual inspection

• Check coolant using test strips for pH balance, freeze protection level and electrolysis
• Check brake fluid for moisture, copper content and pH balance
• Check engine for oil leaks
• Check vacuum hoses and air duct for integrity
• Check for signs of rodent damage: chewed wires
• Check belts and tensioner for signs of wear
• Check water pump for early signs of leakage
• Check condition of engine air filter and any signs of oil on filter

Visual inspection of trunk

• Check for presence of spare tire and jack
• Check condition and age of spare tire and presence of lug nuts if different from lugs on alloy wheels.
• Check for signs of water leakage

Visual check of power steering and transmission fluid levels and condition

• Perform a battery test for state of charge and state of health
• Check battery for signs of bulging or leaking
• Check radiator and AC condenser for signs of clogs/bent fins/leaks
• Check hood and fender fit for signs of previous damage
• Computer check at idle and during road test
• Check all readiness monitors to see if any systems are not “ready.” (Not ready can often be a sign of recently erased trouble codes)
• Check scan tool for history and pending codes
• Check scan tool for proper short and long-term fuel trim values, as well as proper O2 sensor operation and MAF data.

Pre-purchase checklist visual inspection of body components

• Check for signs of previous accidents/repair. Fit of body components. Signs of rust formation
• Visual inspection of all lighting systems
• Check for proper operation of headlights (high, low and fog lights) and headlight assembly/lens condition.
• Check for proper operation of parking, marker, license plate lights and tail and stop lights (including high mount stop light

Interior inspection

• Check for proper operation of all warning lights on dash prior to starting engine and proper “lights out” after engine start
• Check operation of accessories like wipers, heat, AC, blower, seat heater, power windows, door locks (including remote keyless entry operation), power mirrors, power seats
• Check condition of upholstery, dash and door trim components
• Check condition of cabin air filter

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for test drive

• Engine starts and idles smoothly
• Engine accelerates smoothly with no hesitation
• Temperature gauge shows no signs of overheating or temperature fluctuations
• Transmission shifts smoothly with no slipping or hesitation and at proper speeds
• Steering is responsive with no play or wobble
• Braking is responsive and noise-free with no pedal pulsation
• Vehicle does not exhibit excessive nose dive in hard stops (sign of strut/shock wear)
• Vehicle does not vibrate at 55-65-MPH (sign of tire imbalance or bent wheel)
• Vehicle stays in own lane without excessive driver input. Does not wander, especially on bumpy roads and in curves

Pre-purchase checklist for safety features

Check for proper operation of blind spot indicators, lane centering, cruise control and vehicle following distance, automatic emergency braking (if equipped with these safety features.

©, 2022 Rick Muscoplat