Home Made "Check List" for a Pre-Purchase Car Inspection

[EB#]

Hi there FF members,

I have drafted a simple two page "Car Inspection Guide" that I would use to review
purchase options for a second hand car. The list would generally be consulted if I
was at the stage of being fairly keen on a particular car, after a good first look.

The list is not meant to be a mechanics grade type schedule, but rather one for
an enthusiast such as myself with a general or rudimentary knowledge of cars and car components.

The following is the check point list, thus far.

I'd greatly appreciate any comments, corrections or additional suggestions for the list.

Many thanks.


CAR INSPECTION GUIDE

Car:
Location:
Owner/Car Yard Contact:
Date:

Check Items

Info From Ad/Enquiries Over the Phone
Build Date ?
General condition/description of car
Ask if car is encumbered/money owing ?
All service/repair records and up-to-date stamped log books are preferred
Original ‘Owner Manual’ available ?
Car ownership history ?
Has vehicle been crashed ?
Registration, how much ?
Reason for sale ?
Pink slip or RWC available ?
Existing faults or repairs required ?

Exterior
Check compliance plate, confirm build date
Check registration sticker, confirm details
Paint & panel, panel junctions, dings, scratches, crash evidence ?
Doors and boot alignment, hanging well, good junctions ?
Check under doors, inside guards
Check windscreen and all glass seals and moulds
All door handles working ?
Check wheels & tyres generally (check tread wear, depth and alignment)
Glass/mirrors
Check all headlights, taillights, blinkers
Check under car generally
Exhaust
Check door trims & seals, including boot seal
Check generally for rust
Check shocks, bounce test

Interior
Odometer working ?
Gauges & dash
Check all power windows, other switches
Seats & trim
Floor carpets
Seat belts, quality, retraction
Ash tray, centre console, stereo
Light stalk and blinkers
Steering wheel and wheel switches
Head lining
Check interior lights
Check boot carpet
Check for spare wheel & jack
Boot and fuel flap release working ?
Test air-con
Check central locking

Engine
Check general condition of engine, does it appear well maintained ?
Check engine bay sides, firewall and strut towers generally
Check oil, dipstick and under fill cap (clean preferred, not milky or smoky after running)
Check coolant, clear bottle ? (clean green preferred not milky, not red, check for evidence of trans fluid)
Check transmission fluid (clean & red preferred, not milky, check for evidence of water)
Check radiator hoses, clamps and spigots
Check all belts
Check block and head gasket(s), signs of blown gasket ? Any coolant residue ?
Check for oil leaks, on engine, on pavement under ?
Check power steering pump and hoses
Check rocker cover seal(s), front timing case seal, welsh plugs
Check air filter
Check plug leads and belts
Noises/rattles when running, under load and revving ?

Test Drive
Check odometer (must be working for accurate mileage/age)
Transmission/gears, check for smooth/good changes, (auto change down 4, 3, 2, 1 whilst driving)
Check auto trans kick down under acceleration
Clutch wear/slip ?
Check synchromesh
Steering, pulls left or right ?
Brakes, test under hard braking, test pedal height & pump pressure
Any black/blue/white smoke from exhaust ?
Check all lights & blinkers
Door seals, wind noises ?
Check temp gauge whilst running
Noises/rattles when running ?
Check air con, cold and hot

Keys
2 sets of keys/fobs preferred

Warranty
Warranty details (if available/offered):

REVS Check (Ph. 133 220)
Money owing on car finance, car statutory write-off, status ?

Sellers Details (must match rego papers)
Name:
Address:
Drivers Lic. No:
Obtain signed over registration papers
Obtain an additional written/signed receipt

Insurance (Ph. NRMA 132 132)
Obtain cover note

List complete.