Used Car Inspection Checklist: 15 Things to Check Before You Buy

A careful look at a used car can save you from expensive surprises. You do not need to be a mechanic to spot many common problems. Use this 15-point checklist when you look at any used vehicle, and consider having an independent mechanic inspect it before you buy.

Outside the car

1. Body panels and paint. Look for mismatched colors, uneven gaps between panels, or overspray, which can point to past repairs.
2. Rust. Check wheel wells, door bottoms, the trunk floor and underneath. Coastal air can speed up corrosion in the Lowcountry.
3. Tires. Look for even tread wear. Uneven wear can mean alignment or suspension trouble. Check the tire age marked on the sidewall.
4. Glass and lights. Look for cracks, chips and fogged headlight lenses, and check that every light works.
5. Leaks. Look at the ground where the car has been parked for oil, coolant or other fluid stains.

Under the hood

6. Fluids. Oil should be a clean amber to brown, not milky or gritty. Coolant should be clean and at the right level.
7. Belts and hoses. Look for cracks, fraying or bulging.
8. Battery. Check for corrosion on the terminals and the battery’s age.
9. Cold start. Ask to start the engine cold. Listen for knocking, ticking or rough idling, and watch for smoke from the exhaust.

Inside the car

10. Warning lights. All dashboard lights should come on briefly and then turn off. A check engine light that stays on needs an explanation.
11. Air conditioning and heat. Make sure both work well. In a Charleston summer, A/C is not optional.
12. Electronics. Test windows, locks, mirrors, the radio, and any screens or cameras.
13. Seats and upholstery. Look for heavy wear, stains and any musty smell, which can be a sign of water getting in.

On the test drive

14. Brakes. The car should stop in a straight line without pulsing or grinding.
15. Steering and suspension. It should track straight without pulling, and you should not hear clunks over bumps.

Ask for paperwork

Request the vehicle history report, any service records, and confirm that the title is clean. Make sure the VIN on the car matches the VIN on the paperwork.

Get an independent inspection

If you like a car, ask whether you can have your own mechanic look at it. A reputable seller should be comfortable with that. An inspection typically costs far less than a single major repair.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an inspection take?

A careful walk-around and test drive take about 30 to 45 minutes. An independent mechanic’s pre-purchase inspection usually takes an hour or two.

Can I bring my own mechanic?

Yes, and it is a good idea. Ask the seller in advance whether you can arrange an inspection before you commit.

What are deal-breakers?

Signs of flood damage, frame damage, a branded title, heavy rust on structural parts, or problems the seller will not explain are all reasons to walk away.

See our inventory in person

We are happy to let you look over any vehicle on our lot. Visit Lamar Auto Sales at 4380 Dorchester Road in North Charleston, SC 29405, call us at (843) 800-0306, or browse our current inventory. We’re open Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and closed on Sunday.