Dealer Used Car Checklist
A comprehensive guide for buying a used car from a dealership, covering mechanical inspections, fee verification, warranty reviews, and essential paperwork steps.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Buying from a dealer offers certain protections compared to private sales, but it requires a keen eye for detail to avoid overpaying or inheriting mechanical issues. This checklist ensures you evaluate the vehicle as a professional would.
A thorough DIY inspection and test drive typically take 60 to 90 minutes. If you opt for a professional Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) at a shop, expect it to take 2 to 3 hours including transport and reporting.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIN Match | Required | DIY | 2 min | Dashboard, door jamb, and title match | Walk away; potential fraud |
| Tire Tread & Age | Required | DIY | 5 min | >4/32" depth; DOT code <6 years old | Negotiate replacement cost |
| Oil Color/Level | Required | DIY | 3 min | Amber/Brown; not milky or gritty | Request service or skip car |
| Brake Pad Life | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Visible pad thickness >3mm | Negotiate brake service |
| AC/Heater Function | Required | DIY | 5 min | Blows ice cold and hot quickly | Repair required; high cost |
| Warning Lights | Required | DIY | 2 min | No CEL, ABS, or Airbag lights on | Scan codes or walk away |
| Transmission Shift | Required | DIY | 15 min | Smooth shifts; no slipping/clunking | Major red flag; avoid vehicle |
| Frame/Unibody | Required | DIY | 10 min | No welds, kinks, or fresh spray paint | Walk away; structural damage |
| Window/Lock Ops | Optional | DIY | 5 min | All switches operate smoothly | Note for negotiation |
| Exhaust Smoke | Required | DIY | 5 min | No blue, white, or thick black smoke | Engine/Turbo issues; avoid |
| Spare Tire/Kit | Recommended | DIY | 3 min | Present and properly inflated | Request dealer provide kit |
| Service Records | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | Consistent oil changes on report | Assume maintenance is due |
| Fluid Leaks | Required | DIY | 5 min | Dry pavement under car after idling | Identify source; negotiate |
| Steering Alignment | Required | DIY | 10 min | Car tracks straight on level road | Request alignment or check tires |
| Add-on Fees | Required | DIY | 15 min | No forced nitrogen, etching, or prep fees | Refuse fees or walk away |
| Warranty Terms | Required | DIY | 10 min | Written 'As-Is' vs Limited Warranty | Confirm coverage in writing |
| Key Fobs | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | At least two working fobs present | Request second key ($200+ value) |
| Title Status | Required | DIY | 5 min | Clean title; no salvage/rebuilt marks | Check financing options |
Use this table as your primary guide during the walk-around. Check off each item only when you are 100% satisfied with the condition or have noted the defect for negotiation.
If more than three 'Required' items fail, it is generally advisable to look for another vehicle. Dealerships often 'recondition' cars, but major mechanical or structural issues are rarely fixed properly for resale.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Closing the deal is just as important as the inspection. Ensure all verbal promises are put in writing before any money changes hands.
- Keep a digital folder of all signed documents and the original listing.
- Ensure the 'Buyers Guide' window sticker is present (required by law in many regions).
- Verify the 'Out the Door' (OTD) price before entering the finance office.
- Check that the VIN on the insurance card matches the vehicle exactly.
- Confirm the spare tire and jack are present before leaving the lot.
- Reset the trip odometer to track your first tank's fuel economy.
- Dispose of any shop rags or chemicals used during your DIY check safely.
- If you found this helpful, explore our Inspection and Dealer tags for more tips.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.