Essential Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Checklist

A thorough pre-purchase inspection can save you thousands of pounds and years of frustration. This comprehensive 47-point checklist covers everything you need to evaluate before buying any used vehicle in the UK.

Before You Begin

Exterior Inspection (Points 1-15)

Body and Paint

1. Panel alignment: Check doors, bonnet, and boot align properly when closed
2. Paint consistency: Look for colour variations that indicate repairs
3. Rust spots: Check wheel arches, door frames, and sills for corrosion
4. Dents and scratches: Document all visible damage for negotiation
5. Body filler test: Use magnet on suspected repair areas (won't stick to filler)

Glass and Lights

6. Windscreen condition: Check for chips or cracks (MOT failure if over 40mm)
7. All lights functional: Test headlights, indicators, brake lights, hazards
8. Lens condition: Cracked or cloudy lenses may need expensive replacement
9. Window operation: Test all electric windows for smooth operation
10. Mirror adjustment: Ensure all mirrors adjust properly

Tyres and Wheels

11. Tread depth: Minimum 1.6mm across central ¾ of tyre (use 20p coin test)
12. Even wear patterns: Uneven wear indicates alignment, suspension, or driving issues
13. Sidewall damage: Look for bulges, cuts, or cracking
14. Wheel condition: Check for kerb damage, cracks, or corrosion
15. Matching tyres: Ideally, tyres should match in pairs on each axle

Interior Inspection (Points 16-25)

Cabin and Controls

16. Seat condition: Check for excessive wear, tears, or sagging
17. Electrical systems: Test radio, air conditioning, heating, charging ports
18. Dashboard warning lights: Only relevant warnings should illuminate when engine off
19. Steering wheel wear: Excessive wear may indicate high mileage or poor maintenance
20. Pedal wear: Should be consistent with recorded mileage
21. Interior odours: Persistent smells may indicate water damage or smoking
22. Boot space: Check for water damage, proper carpet fitting
23. Spare tyre/repair kit: Ensure present and in good condition
24. All storage compartments: Check glove box, centre console, door pockets
25. Safety equipment: Locate first aid kit, warning triangle, fire extinguisher if required

Engine Bay Inspection (Points 26-35)

26. Engine cleanliness: Excessively clean engines may hide leaks; very dirty ones suggest poor maintenance
27. Fluid levels: Check oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid
28. Fluid condition: Oil should be relatively clean; coolant should be clear, not rusty
29. Belt condition: Check for fraying, cracking, or glazing on drive belts
30. Hose inspection: Look for swelling, cracking, or loose connections
31. Battery condition: Check for corrosion, secure mounting, and clean terminals
32. Air filter: Should be relatively clean; dirty filter suggests poor maintenance
33. Visible leaks: Look for oil, coolant, or other fluid stains under the car
34. Exhaust system: Check for rust, damage, or loose connections
35. Engine mounting: Excessive movement when revving indicates worn mounts

Test Drive Evaluation (Points 36-47)

Starting and Initial Checks

36. Cold start behaviour: Engine should start easily and settle to smooth idle
37. Warning lights: All should extinguish within 10 seconds of starting
38. Unusual noises: Listen for knocking, rattling, or squealing sounds
39. Idle quality: Engine should run smoothly without hunting or stalling

Driving Performance

40. Steering feel: Should be responsive without excessive play or vibration
41. Brake operation: Brakes should feel firm and stop vehicle in straight line
42. Transmission operation: Smooth gear changes (manual or automatic)
43. Clutch operation: (Manual only) Should engage smoothly without slipping or juddering
44. Acceleration: Engine should pull cleanly without hesitation or misfiring
45. Temperature gauge: Should reach normal operating temperature and remain stable
46. Electrical systems: Test lights, indicators, wipers, heating during drive
47. Overall impression: Car should feel stable, quiet, and confidence-inspiring

Documentation Review

Red Flags: Walk Away Indicators

• Seller refuses to allow proper inspection
• Engine runs roughly or produces white/blue smoke
• Major rust in structural areas
• Multiple warning lights remain illuminated
• Gearbox problems (slipping, difficult changes)
• Steering pulls severely to one side
• Brake pedal feels spongy or goes to floor
• Missing or suspicious documentation

Final Recommendations

Remember that no used car is perfect. Use this checklist to identify issues and factor repair costs into your negotiations. For expensive purchases or complex vehicles, consider hiring a professional inspector from organisations like the AA or RAC.

Document any issues you find with photos and notes. This information becomes valuable for price negotiations and helps you make an informed decision about whether the vehicle represents good value.