Used car inspection checklist
This is the actual checklist an Autoquiry inspector works through, not a generic example: 28 points across 7 categories. Every point gets a severity rating and, where it matters, an inspector note and photographs. Use it yourself when you look at a car, or have an inspector do it and read the result.
01Exterior & Body
Panel-by-panel walkaround for accident repair, mismatched paint, and corrosion the seller may not mention.
- Paint condition and finish
- Panel gaps and alignment
- Glass, lights, and mirrors
- Rust or corrosion
02Interior & Electronics
Wear that reveals real-world use, plus every warning light and comfort system that costs money to fix.
- Seats and upholstery
- Dashboard warning lights
- Infotainment and controls
- Climate control (heat and A/C)
03Under the Hood
Cold-start behaviour, fluids, and the leaks and perished parts that predict the next repair bill.
- Engine start and idle quality
- Fluid levels and condition
- Leaks (oil, coolant, fuel)
- Belts, hoses, and battery
04Undercarriage & Suspension
The part of a used car a buyer can never see in a parking lot, and where structural damage hides.
- Frame and structural integrity
- Suspension components
- Exhaust system
- Steering and drivetrain
05Brakes & Tires
Remaining life on the two wear items most likely to need spending in the first months of ownership.
- Brake pad and rotor life
- Tire tread depth and wear pattern
- Wheels and rims
- Spare tire and tools
06Road Test
How the car actually drives — the faults that only appear under load, braking, and at speed.
- Acceleration and shifting
- Braking performance
- Steering, tracking, and alignment
- Noise, vibration, and harshness
07Diagnostics & History
Stored fault codes, paperwork, open recalls, and whether the odometer reading stands up.
- OBD-II scan results
- Service records reviewed
- Recall check
- Odometer verification
Doing it yourself has limits
Several of these points — frame and structural integrity, suspension components, exhaust, and OBD-II fault codes — need the car on a lift and a scan tool. A walkaround in a parking lot cannot answer them, and they are the ones that cost the most to get wrong.