The 53-Point Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Body panels line up evenly — gaps are consistent side to side

No dents, scratches, or paint overspray on any panel

Paint color matches across all panels (no repainted sections)

All doors, hood, and tailgate open and close smoothly

Hood and trunk struts hold open on their own

All headlights, taillights, and turn signals work and are crack-free

Tires are the same brand and have even tread wear (no cupping)

Tire pressure matches the door-jamb sticker on all four

Spare tire / repair kit is present and sealed

No fluid leaks underneath (check the ground where it was parked)

Windshield and windows are free of chips or cracks

Wipers sweep cleanly with no streaks or chattering

Dashboard warning lights all light on start, then turn off

No warning lights stay on after the engine runs

Air conditioning blows cold; heater blows hot

All power windows go up and down fully

Power locks and mirrors work from every switch

Seats adjust in every direction and hold position

Seatbelts retract smoothly and latch securely

Infotainment screen powers on, no dead pixels

Bluetooth / Apple CarPlay / Android Auto pairs to your phone

Every button, knob, and dial works (defrost, vents, sunroof)

No damp or musty smell (sign of water leaks)

No unusual wear on seats, pedals, or steering wheel for the mileage

Engine starts promptly and idles smoothly

No smoke from the exhaust on start-up or acceleration

Transmission shifts smoothly — no clunks, slips, or hesitation

Brakes feel firm, stop straight, with no squeal or grinding

Steering is centered and tracks straight on a flat road (hands off)

No steering wheel vibration at highway speeds

Suspension handles bumps quietly — no clunks or bangs

Cabin is quiet at speed — no wind whistles or rattles

Cruise control engages and holds speed

Reverse camera and all parking sensors work

Test every driving mode (Eco, Sport, EV) if available

Take it on both city streets and the highway for at least 10 minutes

Engine oil is amber to dark brown, not milky or gritty

Coolant is the right color and at the full line (not rusty)

Brake and power-steering fluid are at proper levels

No corrosion on the battery terminals

Belts and hoses are supple, with no cracks or fraying

No visible fluid leaks on the engine or surrounding frame

The battery's age sticker is recent (not near end of life)

VIN on the car matches the VIN on every document

Full Carfax or AutoCheck history report is provided

No accident, flood, salvage, or odometer-rollback flags in the report

Open recalls are disclosed and, ideally, already resolved

Warranty terms (years / miles / what's excluded) are in writing

The out-the-door price is itemized — every fee is listed

No surprise dealer add-ons you didn't agree to

Financing rate and term match what you were quoted before arriving

Trade-in value is written down and matches the offer

You can take the contract home to read before signing