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.
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| 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.