Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 60+ items to check before buying a used car. Built from ASE-certified mechanic inspection sheets covering exterior, interior, mechanical, electrical and road test.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
16-point used-vehicle inspection with auto-scoring and buy/walk recommendation.
How It Works
The checklist is grouped into 8 categories. Tick items as you inspect; the tool flags any “critical fail” items and calculates an overall condition score.
How to Use This Calculator
- Open the checklist and walk around the vehicle in good daylight.
- Tick each item as Pass, Concern, or Fail.
- Critical items (frame damage, blown head gasket signs, etc.) cap the score.
- Print or screenshot the result before negotiating price.
Worked Example
Reference Table
Always combine this checklist with a vehicle history report (Carfax, AutoCheck) and an independent mechanic’s lift inspection.
| Inspection category | Items |
|---|---|
| Body & paint | Panel gaps, repaint signs, rust spots |
| Glass & lights | Chips, cloudy headlights, working signals |
| Tires & wheels | Tread depth, wear pattern, sidewall damage |
| Underbody | Frame rust, leaks, exhaust condition |
| Engine bay | Fluid colors, belt condition, leak signs |
| Interior & electronics | Seat wear, controls, infotainment |
| Road test | Steering pull, brake feel, transmission shifts |
| OBD-II scan | Stored and pending codes (any code = ask why) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I still pay a mechanic if I use this checklist?
Yes — for any vehicle over $5k or with unknown maintenance history. A lift inspection ($100–150) catches frame and suspension issues you can’t see standing.
What’s a critical fail?
Frame damage, head gasket signs (coolant in oil or vice versa), bent unibody, salvage title, mismatched VIN. Any one is a walk-away.
Can I use this for a private-party sale?
Yes — especially useful for private sales where there’s no dealer recon. Bring a flashlight, OBD-II scanner and the printed checklist.
