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Pre-Purchase Car Inspection Checklist

A pre-purchase car inspection checklist helps you separate cosmetic issues from mechanical red flags before you commit. This layout groups exterior panels, under-hood fluids and leaks, interior wear, and test-drive behavior into checkbox sections you can carry on a clipboard.

It is a planning aid, not a substitute for a professional inspection when you are unsure. Controls below let you hide sections, add blank lines, or download on A4 paper.

Document and negotiation steps live on the buying checklist variant if you need them on the same day.

Planning aid only — inspect professionally when unsure.

Used Car ChecklistExterior and bodyPanel gaps even; no fresh oversprayRust, dents, and scratches notedWindshield free of cracks in the line of sightAll lights and turn signals workTire tread even; matching sizesSpare tire and jack presentEngine and under the hoodOil level and color on dipstickCoolant level in reservoirNo obvious leaks under the carBattery terminals clean and tightBelts and hoses look intactCheck engine light off at idleInterior and electronicsSeats, carpets, and headliner conditionMusty or smoke odor notedHeat and air conditioning blowWindows and locks operateInfotainment and backup camera workOdometer matches paperworkTest driveStarts easily when coldBrakes straight and quietSteering centered on highwayNo pulling or vibrationTransmission shifts smoothlyCruise control and wipers checkedThe Handy Pages · thehandypages.com
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Print at 100% scale with "Fit to page" turned off. The preview above matches the downloaded PDF — checkbox positions and section headers stay aligned when you choose actual size in the print dialog.