Vehicle Inspection Check List

1. VIN matches other VIN's on vehicle and paperwork/Proper attachment (original/no alterations)
2. Vehicle has required state decals (emission, inspection, etc.)
3. Service bulletins and recall updates performed on vehicle
4. Check vehicle for trouble codes
5. Oil Change/Scheduled Maintenance Performed

6. Starting Cold/Hot
7. Engine Idle Quality
8. Engine Performance/Smooth Acceleration
9. Engine Noise (Cold/Hot and High/Low Speeds)
10. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Noise (Cold/Hot)
11. Automatic Transmission Shift Points/Slippage (Operational/Smooth/Proper Shift Points/Check at all shift points)
12. Shift Interlock (Operation)
13. Drive Axle and Transfer Case Bearings or Gear Noise/Vibration (Adjust or Replace)
14. Transfer case (Proper switch between 2WD and 4WD)
15. Clutch Operation (Smooth Engagement/Slippage/Chatter)
16. Steering/Rack and Pinion/Steering Linkage Performance (Steering Wheel Free Play/Center Steering/Response/Smoothness)
17. Brakes/ABS (Effectiveness/Operation/Noise/No Pulling or Pulsating)
    Note: ABS may pulsate under hard application which indicates proper operation.
18. Cruise control operation (Including Resume)
19. Gauge/Speedometer/Tachometer/Odometer (Operation)
20. Body/Suspension (Performance/Noise/Rough Road Test)

21. Frame Inspection (check for repairs, damage, abnormal tire wear, inability to obtain proper alignment specifications.)
    Note: Overall vehicle inspection should take place at this point for rust and damage due to some natural disaster. Look under carpet in trunk, interior and under dash for flood damage.
22. Body Panels (check for damage, dings, dents, alignment, mismatched paint and overall paint condition.)
23. Bumpers/Fascia (check for damage, alignment and improper repairs.)
    Note: Slightly mismatched paint is fairly common on some vehicles with plastic bumpers.
24. Doors/Hood/Trunk/Tailgate (check release mechanisms manual/automatic, hinges, alignment and proper attaching devices.)
    Note: Bolts and over spray are indications of damage repairs.
25. Grill/Trim/Molding/Roof Rack (check for bends, dings, parts missing and proper attachment.)

26. Windshield (Damaged, pitted, repaired, wiper marks, cracked)
27. Side/Rear Windows (Damaged, pitted, repaired, cracked)
28. Mirrors (Condition of mirror, hinge, operation)
29. Wipers (Condition of mechanism/blade)
30. Wipers (Operation/Speeds/Delay)
31. Washer (Fluid Level/Spray Pattern)

32. Head Lights, High/Low Beams (Alignment/Lens Condition/Operation)
33. Tail Lights (Lens Condition/Operation)
34. Brake Lights/High Mount Brake Light (Lens Condition/Operation)
35. Parking Lights (Lens Condition/Operation)
36. Hazard Lights (Lens Condition/Operation)
37. Reverse Lights (Lens Condition/Operation)
38. Turn Signal/Side Marker Lights (Lens Condition/Operation)
39. License Plate Lights (Lens Condition/Operation)
40. Fog/Driving Lights (Lens Condition/Operation)

41. Seat Belts (Condition/Operation)
42. Air Bag (Exterior Condition/Intact/No Codes/Dash Light Operation)
    Note: When inspecting the air bag system, look carefully at the steering wheel for abnormal wear (could indicate vehicle has been repaired and a used steering wheel and air bag has been used).

43. Audio System - Radio, Cassette, CD, Speakers (Condition/Operation)
44. Antenna (Condition/Operation)
45. Navigation System (Operation)
46. Alarm/Theft Deterrent System (Condition/Operation)

47. Air Conditioning System/Climate Control System (Condition/Operation/Charge via Sight Glass)
48. Air Cabin Filter (Condition: Change per maintenance schedule)
49. Heating System/Climate Control System (Condition/Operation)
50. Defogger/Defroster (Operation)

51. Clock (Condition/Operation)
52. Horn (Condition/Operation)
53. Lighter/Power Outlet(s) (Condition/Operation)
54. Ashtray (Condition/Operation)
55. Glove Box/Glove Box Light/Center Armrest/Console (Condition/Operation)
56. Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel (Operation)
57. Steering Wheel Lock (Operation)
58. Mirrors/Rear View (Condition/Operation)
59. Instrument Panel/Lights and Warning Lights (Condition/Operation/Bulb Check)
60. Warning Chimes (Operation)
61. Interior Courtesy/Dome/Map Lights (Operation)
62. Fuel Filler Door Release (Operation)
63. Interior Door Handle (Operation)

64. Carpet (Condition/Appearance)
65. Floor Mats (Condition/Appearance)
66. Door Trim/Panels (Condition/Appearance/Attachment)
67. Headliner (Condition/Appearance)
68. Sun Visors (Condition/Appearance/Vanity Mirror and Light)

69. Luggage Compartment Mat/Trim/Carpet/Cargo Net (Condition)
70. Luggage Compartment Light (Operation)
71. Jack/Tools (Condition)

72. Seat Upholstery (Condition/Worn/Ripped/Cracked/Faded)
73. Seat/Headrest Adjustments (Manual/Automatic Operation)
74. Heated Seat (Operation)

75. Sunroof/Moonroof (Condition/Operation)
76. Convertible Top (Condition/Operation/Rear Window and Zipper Operation)
77. Convertible Top Boot (Condition)

78. Door Locks/Controls (Manual/Automatic Operation)
79. Child Safety Locks (Operation)
80. Windows/Controls (Manual/Automatic Operation, Locks)

81. Fluid Leakages (Record where and what is leaking)
82. Oil in Air Cleaner (Can indicate excessive blow by or faulty PCV system)
83. Water in Oil (Check underside of oil filler cap)
84. Inspect Timing Belt (Condition: Change per maintenance schedule)
85. Fluids (Condition/Levels)
86. Belts (Condition)
87. Hoses (Condition)
88. Wiring (Condition)
89. Engine Mounts (Condition)

90. Hoses (Condition)
91. Coolant (Condition/Level/Leaks/Freeze Point/Voltage - Corrosion)
92. Radiator (Condition/Pressure Checked/Tube/Fins)
93. Cooling Fan/Fan Clutch/Fan Motor (Condition/Operation/Auxiliary Fan Operation)
94. Water Pump (Noise/Leaks)
95. Pressure Test Cap/System
96. Recovery Tank (Condition/Fluid Level/Sensor Operation)
97. Belts (Condition/Cracks/Glazed/Frayed/Proper Adjustment)

98. Fuel Pump Noise/External Fuel Pump Leakage
99. Fuel Lines/Hoses/Pressure (Leaks/Record Reading)
100. Fuel Filter (Condition/Replace per Maintenance Schedule)
101. Air Filter (Condition/Replace per Maintenance Schedule)

102. Starter Operation (Record Starter Draw - Amperage)
103. Alternator/Charging (Record Regulated Voltage/Maximum Amperage Output)
104. Ignition System (Operation/Scope)
105. Battery (Condition/Fluid/Level/Load Test - Record Readings)
106. Check Pre-Glow System (Amperage Draw - Diesel)

107. Entire Exhaust System (Condition/Leaks/Damage/Noise)
108. Catalytic Converter and Shielding
109. Perform Emission Control Tests and Record Readings

110. Transmission System (Condition)
111. Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Fluids (Condition/Level/Leaks/Fill or Change Oil and Filters)
112. Manual Transmission/Drive Axle/Transfer Case Fluids (Condition/Level/Leaks/Fill or Change Oil)
113. Transmission Mounts (Condition/Cracked/Oil Soaked/Broken/Replace Worn Mounts)
114. Universal Joints/CV Joints/Boots (Condition)
115. Differential/Drive Axles (Condition/Leaks/Damage)
116. Clutch (Adjustment/Fluid Level)

117. Inverter Coolant (check level and condition)
118. Hybrid Battery (inspect air intake)
119. Hybrid Electronice Control Unit (run diagnostic)
120. Auxiliary Battery (perform charge test)
121. Multi-Information Display (operation)
122. Perform Diagnostic Scan (check for codes and software updates)

123. Correct Size
124. Tread Depth (3 reading per tire)
125. Condition/Abnormal Wear (Sidewalls/Alignment Problems)
126. Pressure (Record reading for each tire)
127. All Tires Match
128. Spare Tire (Condition/Inspected same as other tires)
129. Wheel (Condition/Run out/Curb Damage/Finish)

130. Fluid (Condition/Level/Leaks/Top off as necessary)
131. Rack and Pinion/Steering Linkage (Condition/Leaks/Boots)
132. Power Steering Pump and Hoses (Leaks/Noise/Operation)
133. Suspension System/Control Arms/Ball Joints/Bushings (Condition)
134. Tie Rods and Idler Arm (Operational to Factory Specifications)
135. Sway Bars/Links/Bushings (Operational to Factory Specifications)
136. Springs (Vehicle Ride Height/Check for Spring Sag)
137. Struts/Shocks (Leakage/Bounce Test)

138. Calipers/Cylinders (Operation/Condition/Leaks)
139. Brake Fluid (Level/Condition/Top Off as Necessary)
140. Pads/Shoes (Condition/Wear/% Remaining/Replace Linings if Necessary)
141. Rotors/Drums (Condition/Wear/Resurface or Replace as Required/Measure and Record Readings)
142. Brake System Lines/Hydraulics/Hoses/Fittings (Condition/Wear/Leaks)
143. Parking Brake (Operation/Adjustment/Condition)
144. Master Cylinder and Booster (Operational/Leaks)