100 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Car

100 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Car

No. Item Definition
1. Any ABS issues? Ask about anti-lock brakes.
2. Any clunks over bumps? Check suspension noise.
3. Any coolant loss? Check cooling system leaks.
4. Any cracks in the windshield? Check windshield damage.
5. Any delay going into gear? Check transmission engagement delay.
6. Any differential noise? Ask about axle or diff noise.
7. Any exhaust smoke? Check for engine smoke.
8. Any hail damage? Ask about hail dents.
9. Any oil consumption? Ask if it burns oil.
10. Any play in the wheel? Check steering looseness.
11. Any rust underneath? Ask about underbody rust.
12. Any signs of mold? Check for moisture damage.
13. Any strange noises? Ask about unusual sounds.
14. Any tears in the seats? Check seat upholstery condition.
15. Any vibration at highway speed? Check for speed-related vibration.
16. Any warning messages? Check electronic alerts.
17. Are both key fobs included? Check included remote keys.
18. Are the brakes in good shape? Check brake condition.
19. Are the manuals included? Check owner manual availability.
20. Are the rotors smooth? Check brake rotor condition.
21. Are the tires evenly worn? Check alignment and tire wear.
22. Are there any liens on it? Confirm no money is owed.
23. Are there any recalls open? Check unresolved recall notices.
24. Are there any warning lights? Check dashboard problem indicators.
25. Can I inspect underneath? Request undercarriage inspection.
26. Can I scan for codes? Request diagnostic code check.
27. Can I see a vehicle report? Request history report.
28. Can I see it on a lift? Request elevated inspection.
29. Can I see the maintenance log? Request service history log.
30. Can I see the tire date? Check tire manufacturing age.
31. Can I see the VIN? Request vehicle identification number.
32. Can I take a test drive? Request to drive it first.
33. Can my mechanic inspect it? Ask for independent inspection.
34. Do all doors open properly? Check door operation.
35. Do all gauges work? Check instrument cluster operation.
36. Do the lights all work? Check exterior light operation.
37. Do the locks all work? Check door lock operation.
38. Do the mirrors work? Check mirror adjustment operation.
39. Do the seat belts retract? Check seat belt function.
40. Do the seats adjust properly? Check seat adjustment function.
41. Do the windows all work? Check window operation.
42. Do the wipers work well? Check wiper performance.
43. Do you have service records? Ask for maintenance documentation.
44. Do you have the title? Confirm legal ownership document.
45. Does 4WD engage properly? Check four-wheel-drive operation.
46. Does cruise control work? Check cruise control function.
47. Does everything work? Check all features and systems.
48. Does it have a spare key? Ask about extra key.
49. Does it idle smoothly? Check engine idle quality.
50. Does it leak any fluids? Ask about fluid leaks.
51. Does it pull when braking? Check braking alignment issues.
52. Does it shift smoothly? Check transmission shifting quality.
53. Does it start easily cold? Check cold-start behavior.
54. Does it track straight? Check steering alignment.
55. Does the AC blow cold? Check air conditioning performance.
56. Does the backup camera work? Check rear camera function.
57. Does the heat work well? Check heater performance.
58. Does the hood latch securely? Check hood latch safety.
59. Does the horn work? Check horn operation.
60. Does the parking brake hold? Check parking brake function.
61. Does the radio work? Check audio system function.
62. Does the sunroof work? Check sunroof operation.
63. Does the trunk open smoothly? Check trunk or hatch function.
64. Has it been in any accidents? Ask about crash history.
65. Has it been smoked in? Ask about smoke exposure.
66. Has it ever been flooded? Check for water damage history.
67. Has it ever overheated? Ask about overheating history.
68. Has it failed inspection? Ask about inspection failures.
69. Has it had frame damage? Ask about structural damage.
70. Has it had major repairs? Ask about significant past work.
71. Has it had paintwork? Ask about repainting or repairs.
72. Has it passed emissions? Check emissions test status.
73. Has it seen road salt? Ask about salt exposure.
74. Has recall work been done? Ask about completed recall repairs.
75. Has the odometer been replaced? Ask about odometer changes.
76. Has the radiator been replaced? Ask about radiator service.
77. Has the transmission slipped? Check transmission performance history.
78. How long have you owned it? Ask seller ownership length.
79. How many miles per year? Estimate annual driving use.
80. How many owners has it had? Ask about previous ownership count.
81. How old is the battery? Ask battery age.
82. Is the airbag light off? Check airbag system status.
83. Is the check engine light on? Check engine fault indicator.
84. Is the jack included? Check emergency tool kit.
85. Is the registration current? Check current registration status.
86. Is the spare tire usable? Check spare tire condition.
87. Is the steering tight? Check steering feel.
88. Is the title clean? Check for salvage or liens.
89. Is there a warranty left? Check remaining warranty coverage.
90. Was it a fleet vehicle? Ask about fleet use.
91. Was it a rental car? Ask about rental history.
92. Was it garage kept? Ask about storage conditions.
93. Was it used for towing? Ask about towing use.
94. What is the mileage? Ask how far it has traveled.
95. When was the oil changed? Ask last oil service date.
96. When were spark plugs done? Ask last spark plug service.
97. When were the brakes done? Ask last brake service.
98. When were the tires replaced? Ask tire age and condition.
99. Where was it serviced? Ask service location history.
100. Why are you selling it? Ask the reason for sale.