Inspection information
What to check before you buy — a practical walkthrough for any used vehicle.
This is general educational information, not professional advice. When in doubt, hire an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior
Walk around in daylight. Look for paint mismatch between panels, uneven gaps, rust on wheel wells and under doors, and tire wear (uneven wear can signal alignment or suspension issues). Check that all lights work.
Interior
Test every button: windows, locks, AC, heat, wipers, horn, and infotainment. Musty smells can mean water leaks. Check under floor mats for dampness.
Under the hood
Look for oil or coolant leaks, frayed belts, corroded battery terminals, and a milky residue on the oil cap (can indicate coolant mixing with oil — walk away). Fluids should be at proper levels.
The drive
Drive at city and highway speeds. Listen for grinding, whining, or clunks. The car should track straight, brake smoothly without pulling, and shift without jerking or slipping.
Commercial trucks
For semis, dump trucks, and other work trucks: check the fifth wheel, air system (listen for leaks), frame rails for cracks or welds, and ask for maintenance records — fleet history matters more than mileage. Verify GVWR matches your intended use.
Paperwork
Confirm the VIN on the vehicle matches the title, check for liens, and run a vehicle history report. A clean title in the seller's name is the gold standard.