Used Car Inspection Checklist: What to Check

Model weak points

Problems that model is known for, tagged HIGH or CHECK, each with a typical fix cost.

Open recalls

NHTSA recalls with campaign numbers. Recall fixes are free at the dealer, so ask if they were done.

Questions for the seller

Maintenance to ask about and anything in the listing or photos that needs explaining.

Tick it off as you go

Check items off on your phone during the walk-around and test drive.

15-point used car walk-around

Do these on every car you look at, in person, before you talk price.

Start the engine coldListen for knocking or a rough idle

Check all 4 tiresEven tread, no bubbles or cracks

Inspect under the carLook for leaks, rust, a sagging exhaust

Open every door, the hood and the trunkUneven gaps can mean prior body work

Test all windows and locksOperate every one

Test the AC and heatAC should blow cold in 1–2 minutes

Check the interior electronicsRadio, camera, seats, USB ports

Verify the VIN matches everywhereDash, door jamb and title must match

Inspect headlights and tail lightsCheck for moisture and dead bulbs

Test drive at highway speedVibration, pulling, shifting, brakes

Check the oil on the dipstickMilky can mean a head gasket; gritty means overdue

Inspect body panel gapsUneven gaps can mean accident repair

Look for paint oversprayCheck door seals and trim edges

See the title in handThe name must match the seller

Run the VIN on a free serviceCheck for flood, salvage or lemon history

What AutoGauge adds for the car you’re seeing

Every scan builds a checklist in six parts, in the order you’ll use them.

Must verify in personAnything the scan couldn’t confirm from the listing.

Model-specific weak pointsKnown problems for that model, with typical fix costs.

Open recallsRecalls to ask the seller about. The fix is free at the dealer.

Maintenance to ask aboutServices that should be done by this mileage.

Questions for the sellerRisks and title questions to clear up before you pay.

Standard walk-aroundThe 15 checks above, ready to tick off.

How it works

Scanning a Facebook Marketplace listing in AutoGauge — 1Share or paste the listingShare a Marketplace car to AutoGauge or paste its link.

AutoGauge results with deal score and private-party value — 2See the value and deal scoreFair price, how far the asking price is off, and a 0–10 score.

AutoGauge inspection checklist with model-specific weak points and repair costs — 3Know what to checkWeak points for that exact model, with typical repair costs.

FAQ

What should I check when buying a used car?

Start it cold, check the tires, look underneath for leaks and rust, check panel gaps and paint for accident repair, test every electrical feature, match the VIN to the title, and test drive at highway speed. Then check the problems that model is known for.

What questions should I ask a private seller?

Ask for the title in their name, maintenance records, why they’re selling, whether recalls were done, and about anything in the photos or listing that looks off.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection?

Yes, for any car you’re serious about. A mechanic can put the car on a lift and scan for codes. Use the checklist to decide which cars are worth paying to inspect.

How does AutoGauge know a model’s weak points?

It looks up the common problems reported for that year, make and model, the mileage they tend to show up, and typical repair costs, and adds NHTSA recall data.

Is AutoGauge free?

AutoGauge is free to download, and the Unlimited plan starts with a 3-day free trial. You can also buy a scan pack instead of subscribing. The Chrome extension gives new users one free scan.

AutoGauge is a research tool, not a replacement for a pre-purchase inspection. AutoGauge is not affiliated with Facebook or Meta.

What to check before you buy a used car

A checklist built for the exact car