Below is a used car inspection checklist, it can be cut and pasted or just download the attachment.

Used Car inspection checklist: Vehicle Exterior
Any evidence of an accident, or flood, fire or other major damage to the body panels? Yes___ No____
Has the car been repainted or ‘touched up’? Yes___ No____
Any visible damage to the bumper? Yes___ No____
Are the doors, tailgate or hood damaged or misaligned? Yes___ No____
Any mismatched paint (a sign of possible replacement of damaged parts)? Yes___ No____
Are the grill, trim and roof rack all attached and undamaged? Yes___ No____
Are the windshield and side and rear windows free from cracks, pits or wiper marks? Yes___ No____
Have the wiper blades been replaced? Yes___ No____
Are the mirrors attached and working without cracks? Yes___ No____
Is the sunroof (or convertible top) undamaged and operating in all modes? Yes___ No____
Consider driving into a dark garage to check exterior lights. Are all lights, including headlights, parking, turning and fog lights, brake lights and hazards, operating? Are the lenses undamaged? Yes___ No____
Used Car inspection checklist: Vehicle Interior
Are the safety belts functional, and free from cuts or wear? Yes___ No____
Check the airbag if possible. Does the steering wheel has abnormal wear, which may indicate it was replaced with a junkyard wheel or air bag. Yes___ No____
Audio and alarm: do the radio, cassette, CP, MP3, speakers and satellite radio all work? Is the antenna present and working? Yes___ No____
Is there a working navigation system? Yes___ No____
Test the alarm and theft system if possible. Yes___ No____
Do the heater, defroster and air conditioning work? All vents functional?
Yes___ No____
Used Vehicle inspection checklist: Gauges and Controls
Steering wheel tilt, lock and controls (audio, speed control, etc.) work? Yes___ No____
Yes, sound the horn! Yes___ No____
Windshield wipers (and washers) work at all speed? Yes___ No____
Rear camera or backup alarm? Yes___ No____
Mirrors all present and working? Yes___ No____
Interior lights (dome lights, courtesy lights, trunk light, map lights) working?
Yes___ No____
How about the gas gauge, RPM gauge, clock, cigarette lighter/power outlet, and odometer? Yes___ No____
Used Vehicle inspection checklist: Seats and interior
Is the upholstery clean, not stained, worn, or cut? Yes___ No____
If it bothers you, ask (and smell) to see if the previous owner was a smoker?
Yes___ No____
Are carpet, floor mats and headliner in good shape (check under carpets for flood damage)? How about the door panels? Yes___ No____
Do the head restraints move? Yes___ No____
Do the seats fold properly? Yes___ No____

Heated/cooled seats functional? Yes___ No____
Do the door locks and child safety locks work? Yes___ No____
How about the remote entry systems? Yes___ No____
Window controls work on all four windows?. Yes___ No____
Remote gas lid and trunk lid releases work? Yes___ No____
Used Vehicle inspection checklist: Luggage compartment
Are the carpet, trim and cargo net in good shape? Yes___ No____
Does the light operate? Yes___ No____
Spare tire and tire tools and jack present? Yes___ No____
Used Vehicle inspection checklist: Under the Hood
Raise the hood and check the fluids, including:
• Coolant expansion tank
• Washer fluid reservoir
• Power steering fluid
• Oil level—pull out the dipstick, clean it off, and put it back in and check.
• Brake fluid
• Radiator
• Air conditioning system charge
Are there fluid leaks? Yes___ No____
Are the hoses and lines (like the fuel line, steering line, steering, etc) in good shape or worn and cracked? Yes___ No____
Are any of the belts worn, cracked or frayed? Yes___ No____
Does the wiring look in good condition? Yes___ No____
Are the engine mounts in good shape (not broken or separated?) Yes___ No____
Does it start right up, or does the starter ‘grind’? Yes___ No____
Any smoke from the engine or exhaust system? Yes___ No____
Check the radiator for leaks and general condition. Yes___ No____
Do the cooling fans and motors work when you run the engine? Yes___ No____
Is the radiator full of fluid? Yes___ No____
Used Vehicle inspection checklist: Underbody
Break out those old clothes and crawl along with your flashlight.
Is there rust? Yes___ No____
Any holes or bent metal? Yes___ No____
Does the frame appear straight? Yes___ No____
Any visible dents or damage, signs of repair? Yes___ No____

Are the radiator and the exhaust system attached and undamaged? Yes___ No____
Any leaks from the transmission casing? Yes___ No____
Are the transmission mounts cracked, broken or soaked with oil? Yes___ No____
Used Vehicle inspection checklist: Tires, Wheels and Steering
Do all tires and wheels match? Yes___ No____
Do the tires (including spare) have at least 50% tread? Yes___ No____
Is the tire pressure correct (use tire gauge). Yes___ No____
Are the tire caps and wheel covers free from damage? Yes___ No____
Does the wheel alignment seem correct, or does the car ‘pull’ to one side or another when driving? Yes___ No____
Do the springs give the car the right ride height? Yes___ No____
Any leaks from struts, shocks or power steering pump or hoses? Yes___ No____
Do the control arms or other steering pieces look worn? Yes___ No____

Does the brake pedal match the odometer?