Vehicle Checklist

• Is the owner's manual missing?

• Any maintenance records for the vehicle? Are there large gaps in the service history?

• Do you suspect the mileage isn't legitimate? Does the title include the word salvage?

• Where has the car been serviced? Why do they want to sell the car?

• Any accidents, engine, transmission repair?

• Any oil, coolant or fuel leaks from the engine? Is there oil on the engine?

• Is the oil level low?

• Is the oil on the dipstick too black? Any evidence of badly made repairs?

• Does it sound rough?

• Any knocking, pinging, and whistling? Any smoke?

• Any warning lights go on while the engine is running? Is the engine oil pressure too low at idle?

• Any acceleration delay after heating up?

• Is there sustained visible smoke coming from the exhaust?

• Does the transmission fluid smell burnt? Is the fluid on the dipstick too dirty?

• Start the engine and switch from Park to Drive and from Park to Reverse while holding the brakes. Any problems?

• Is the time between switching the lever and the transmission being engaged too long?

• Any noises or jerks during shifting?

• Any leaks?

• Any noises while shifting gears? Any trouble shifting gears?

• Does the transmission jump out of gear? Is the clutch slipping?

• Is there play in the clutch (very loose)?

• Any leaks from the clutch master - or slave cylinder?

Any delays, clunks, or other troubles when the transmission is changing gears? Does the transmission slip?

Is any gear/speed missing (i.e. shifts from 1st to 3rd, reverse doesn't work)?

Is any gear/speed stuck?

Any shifting problems when the engine is cold?

• Are the body lines straight?

• Are the gaps between body panels uneven along their length? Has the car been repainted?

• Are there mismatched colors or different shades?

• Is there painting over, spray, or any traces of body repair?

• Are the doors, hood, or trunk fastenings readjusted from their original position? Are trim pieces missing?

• Are the shock absorbers oily? Are the shock boots torn?

• Is there too much "free play" in the steering? Do the tires have irregular wear?

• Do you detect any movement in the tie rods and suspension mounts? Is there any bent or dented metal along frame mounts?

• Jack the vehicle up and support it safely. Tug and push on the wheels. Is there any lateral play?

• Any knocking noises coming out of the suspension?

• Does the vehicle pull to one side while driving?

• Is the brake fluid reservoir oily or sweaty on the outside?

• Is the brake fluid level too low?

• Is there too much "free play" in the brake pedal?

• Any brake fluid leaks under the vehicle?

• Are the brake lines weather cracked or not secured properly?

• Brake firmly. Does the brake pedal feel soft or mushy?

• Does the vehicle veer to one side while braking?

• Do any of the wheels not brake properly?

• Do you feel any vibrations or noises while stopping the vehicle?

• Does the brake or antilock warning light come on while braking?

• Are there tears or worn areas on the seats? Are the seatbelts working properly?

• Are there cracks, blemishes or broken trim? Do the climate controls work?

• Do the audio controls work? Are the locks working?

• Are the windows working?

• Do all power accessories work (i.e. wipers, power mirrors)? Are the spare tire, jack and tools damaged or missing?