Used Car Checklist
Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: A used car checklist covers paperwork, history and the car itself. Check the title and VIN, service records and open recalls; inspect tires, fluids, bodywork and warning lights; test-drive on varied roads; and get an independent pre-purchase inspection before paying. The FTC also advises reading the dealer's Buyers Guide window sticker.
TL;DR
- Check documents, VIN, history and recalls first.
- Walk round, test-drive, then get an independent inspection.
- Walk away from missing paperwork or pressure to rush.
Use this used car checklist on your phone when you go to see a car. It's in the order you'll need it: before you go, at the car, on the test drive, and before you pay.
Before you go
- Ask for the VIN and check it with NICB's VINCheck for theft and salvage records.
- Check open recalls on NHTSA's recall lookup.
- In the UK, check the MOT history online.
- Ask for service records (car service history).
- Compare the price with similar listings and estimate running costs with the cost of car ownership calculator.
At the car
- VIN on the dashboard and door matches the paperwork.
- Tires: even wear, tread depth, age (when to replace tires).
- Panel gaps and paint mismatches (accident repairs).
- Under the hood: oil level and colour, coolant, leaks, belts.
- Inside: all warning lights come on then go out at start-up (warning lights).
- Every switch, window, AC and heater works.
On the test drive
Start from cold if you can. Drive in town and at highway speed. Listen for knocks and whines, feel for vibration or pulling, test the brakes firmly, check the gearbox shifts smoothly, and watch the temperature gauge.
Before you pay
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection. From a dealer in the US, read the Buyers Guide, which says whether the car comes with a warranty or 'as is'. Then plan the first service with the maintenance schedule tool and log it in CarO from day one; the car inspection checklist covers what inspectors look at.
Download CarO free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional in-app purchases.
Sources
- FTC Consumer Advice: Buying a Used Car From a Dealer: consumer.ftc.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NICB: VINCheck: www.nicb.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHTSA: Check for safety recalls: www.nhtsa.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Check the MOT history of a vehicle: www.gov.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHTSA: Tire Safety (TireWise): www.nhtsa.gov (accessed 21 October 2026)
Disclaimer: CarO and this website give general car-care information, not professional advice. Maintenance intervals and specifications vary by vehicle, so always follow your owner's manual and a qualified mechanic. Mileage and cost figures are estimates; check local tax rules before using any log for deductions.
FAQ
What should I check when buying a used car?
Documents and VIN, history and recalls, service records, tires, fluids, bodywork, warning lights, a test drive and an independent inspection.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it?
Usually yes. An independent mechanic can spot problems you can't, and the cost is small compared with a bad purchase.
How do I check if a used car has a recall?
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup in the US, or the manufacturer's recall site.
What mileage is too high for a used car?
Condition and maintenance history matter more than the number. A well-kept car with 120,000 miles can be a better buy than a neglected one with 60,000.
What is a Buyers Guide?
In the US, dealers must display an FTC Buyers Guide on used cars saying whether the car comes with a warranty or is sold as is.
Related guides
Track this in CarO
CarO is a free car maintenance tracker app for iPhone and Android that keeps a full service history, reminds you about oil changes and inspections by mileage or date, and logs fuel fill-ups with MPG, odometer readings and car expenses for every vehicle you own. Logs are stored in the cloud and can be exported as CSV.
