Used Car Inspection Checklist

A used vehicle can look great in the lot and still have problems you only find by checking carefully. This checklist walks you through what to look at, in the order that makes sense: the history report, the exterior, under the hood, the interior, the test drive, and the questions to ask. It is written for High Desert shoppers, so it includes the wear that heat, sun and dust can cause.

Before You Go: Do Your Homework

A little preparation makes the visit faster and the decision easier.

• Review the vehicle history report. A CARFAX vehicle history report is included with every used vehicle at all four Valley Hi stores. Look for accident records, title notes, the number of owners and reported service.
• Know your needs. Think about daily mileage, passengers, cargo and whether you tow or head off pavement, so you can judge whether the vehicle fits.
• Bring what you need. A driver’s license, proof of insurance, a notes app or printed copy of this list, and a flashlight if you want a closer look underneath.
• Plan to see it in daylight. Paint flaws, dents and uneven panels are much easier to spot in good light.

Walk Around the Exterior

Take your time and walk around the vehicle twice, once up close and once from a few steps back.

• Panels and gaps. Look for uneven gaps between doors, hood and trunk, and for paint that does not match from panel to panel. These can point to prior bodywork, so compare them with the history report.
• Paint and sun wear. Check the roof, hood and trunk lid for fading, peeling clear coat or a chalky finish, which are common after years of desert sun.
• Glass. Look for chips and cracks in the windshield and check that every window moves smoothly.
• Tires. Check tread depth and look for uneven wear, which can signal alignment or suspension issues. Look at the sidewalls for cracking, and find the four digit date code on the sidewall to see how old the tires are. Heat ages tires, so age matters as well as tread.
• Lights. Test headlights, brake lights, turn signals and hazards, and look for cloudy or yellowed headlight lenses.
• Underneath. Use a flashlight to look for visible leaks, rust or damage below the vehicle.

Look Under the Hood

You do not have to be a mechanic. You are looking for anything that seems off.

• Fluids. Check that oil, coolant and other fluids look clean and sit at the right levels, and look for signs of leaks or residue.
• Battery. Heat is hard on batteries. Look for corrosion on the terminals and ask how old the battery is.
• Belts and hoses. Look for cracking, fraying or soft spots.
• Cold start. If you can, hear the engine start from cold. Listen for rough idling, knocking or unusual sounds, and watch the dashboard for warning lights.

Check the Interior and Features

Sit in every seat you expect to use and test everything that has a switch or a screen.

• Air conditioning and heat. In the High Desert, strong air conditioning matters. Run it on cold and on heat, and check that the fan works on every speed.
• Dashboard and upholstery. Look for cracks or fading from sun exposure, and for stains, tears or worn spots on the seats and steering wheel.
• Electronics. Test the touchscreen, speakers, Bluetooth, USB ports, backup camera and driver assistance features.
• Windows, locks and mirrors. Try every switch, including the sunroof if equipped.
• Smell. A musty or smoky smell can be hard to remove.
• Keys and extras. Ask how many keys come with the vehicle and whether the owner’s manual is included.
• Warning lights. Turn the ignition on and make sure the lights come on and then go off as expected.

Take a Real Test Drive

Do not settle for a lap around the lot. Drive the vehicle the way you would use it.

• Mix the roads. Try city streets such as Amargosa Road and Hook Boulevard and a stretch of I-15, so you can feel how the vehicle handles stop and go driving and highway speeds.
• Braking. Brake firmly in a safe spot. The vehicle should stop in a straight line without pulsing, pulling or grinding.
• Steering and alignment. On a straight, flat road the vehicle should track straight. Notice any vibration in the steering wheel.
• Transmission and acceleration. Shifts should be smooth, with no slipping, jerking or long delays.
• Suspension. Listen for clunks or rattles over bumps and rough pavement.
• Noise. Turn the radio off for part of the drive and listen for whining, humming or wind noise.
• Parking. Check visibility, parking sensors and the camera, and make sure the vehicle fits your garage and your daily routine.

Questions to Ask Before You Decide

1. Can I see the vehicle history report and any service records you have?
2. What reconditioning or inspection work was done on this vehicle before sale?
3. How old are the tires and the battery?
4. Is any warranty coverage included, and what does it cover? Valley Hi used vehicles come with the Valley Hi Guarantee, a limited warranty of 30 days or 3,000 miles. It is a limited warranty and not complete coverage, so ask what is and is not included.
5. If I want a second opinion on the vehicle, what are my options?
6. Can I walk through the total cost of the vehicle, including taxes and fees, before I decide?

If You Are Considering a Certified Vehicle

Certified pre-owned vehicles go through a manufacturer’s inspection and come with manufacturer backed coverage. If you are looking at one, use the questions in our certified pre-owned guide, including asking to see the completed inspection checklist for that exact vehicle. Coverage and inspection points vary by brand.

What to Do Next

When you find a vehicle you like, take your time, ask every question, and compare it with other options. If you are replacing a vehicle you already own, value your trade to see where you stand, and learn about financing options. For help planning your whole purchase locally, read our guide to buying a used car in the High Desert, and for your rights as a California buyer, see the California CARS Act guide.

Common Questions