How to Check a Used Car Before Buying: The Ultimate Checklist

Be Your Own Detective

While a professional mechanic's inspection is highly recommended, perform your own initial evaluation to weed out obvious lemons first.

1. Exterior Inspection

• Paint and Body Panels: Uneven gaps or mismatched paint indicate a past accident.
• Tires: Check tread depth with the penny test. Uneven wear means alignment or suspension issues.
• Under the Car: Look for fluid leaks — black is oil, green/pink is coolant.

2. Under the Hood

• Oil: Milky or foamy oil means a blown head gasket. Walk away immediately.
• Belts and Hoses: They should be firm but supple, not cracked or mushy.

3. Interior Inspection

• Smell: Musty smells indicate water leaks or flood damage.
• Dashboard Lights: All warning lights should turn off after starting the engine.

4. The Test Drive

Start the engine cold. Listen for ticking. Ensure the transmission shifts smoothly and the car brakes straight.