2026-09-15

Used car buying checklist

A viewing is easier when your questions are written down. Review these 20 items, keep the unanswered ones in your notes, and take the checklist to an independent mechanic.

Reviewed does not mean passed. A tick records that you considered an item. This is not a safety certificate, a mechanical diagnosis or a substitute for an independent inspection. Local ownership, finance and consumer rules differ; check the official services where the vehicle is registered.

Vehicle or viewing reference (optional, no VIN needed)

0 / 20 items reviewed

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Before arranging a viewing Set a total ownership budgetInclude insurance, registration, routine servicing and a repair reserve, not just the purchase price. Try the car cost calculator. Ask who is selling and whyClarify whether you are buying from an owner, a dealer or an intermediary, and what documents they can provide. Request the complete price in writingList fees and optional extras separately. Keep the advert and messages so you can compare the eventual agreement. Arrange access for an independent inspectionAsk before travelling. If access is refused, pause the purchase rather than treating a tidy advert as evidence of condition.

Identity and records Match the vehicle to its official documentsCompare the VIN and registration on the vehicle and paperwork. Verify ownership or selling authority through the relevant local process. Review the available vehicle historyUse reputable local title, mileage, damage and outstanding-finance sources. A clean report does not prove the absence of mechanical problems. Check outstanding safety recallsUse the manufacturer's or your national authority's lookup. For US vehicles, NHTSA's recall checker is a free starting point. Read the service timeline and supporting invoicesCompare dates, odometer readings and the exact work to the model's schedule. Ask about gaps instead of assuming they prove neglect.

At the viewing Record visible condition and your questionsIn daylight, note damage, corrosion, unusual smells or dampness. Ask the mechanic to assess anything you do not understand. Ask for tyres, brakes and suspension to be assessedVisible wear is a reason for a closer inspection, not a reliable do-it-yourself verdict about roadworthiness. Try ordinary controls with the sellerCheck lights, windows, locks, heating and air conditioning where fitted. Write down faults and anything you could not test. Record warning lights and unusual behaviourDo not accept a dashboard explanation as a diagnosis. Ask the independent mechanic to investigate; avoid driving if there is a safety concern.

Drive and independent inspection Confirm permission, licence and insurance before a driveOnly drive when legally permitted and appropriately covered. If that is not possible, ask the qualified inspector to handle the assessment. Note what happens during a normal, safe driveRecord noises, vibration, pulling or gear-selection problems. Do not perform emergency manoeuvres or risky tests to reproduce a fault. Get an independent mechanic's written reportAsk for the identified vehicle, findings, untested areas and estimated repairs. A dealer's inspection or a history report is not the same thing. Recalculate the cost with required work includedSeparate work needed now from future routine maintenance. Decide whether the total still fits your budget before negotiating.

Before payment and handover Read the agreement and put promises in writingClarify warranty, return terms, included equipment and any repairs the seller has agreed to complete. Do not assume a cancellation period. Confirm the official transfer and payment processUse local registration and consumer guidance. Resolve identity, ownership, finance or paperwork questions before handing over money. Collect keys, manuals and the agreed recordsMake an inventory with the seller: spare keys, service invoices, inspection paperwork and any included accessories. Start your own ownership recordRecord the date and odometer at handover, preserve received documents and plan any outstanding work. Use the free maintenance log.

Unanswered questions and notes (optional, up to 1,500 characters)

How to use the review

Tick an item after reviewing it, even if the answer is “not yet”. Put that answer and the next action in your notes. A completed checklist can still contain reasons not to buy; the progress bar measures your review, not the car's quality.

This tool keeps one review per browser, shared between language versions. Starting a new review replaces it. Browser data clearing removes it, and progress does not follow you to another device. Print or save to PDF from your browser if you need a durable copy.

When to pause

Pause if identity, ownership or payment details do not make sense, promised documents are missing, an independent inspection is refused, or a safety concern remains unanswered. You do not need to diagnose the problem yourself to decide that you need more information.

Sources and regional limits

The FTC's used-car buying guide recommends an independent inspection and written terms; its legal details concern US dealer sales. The NHTSA recall lookup concerns US vehicles and has coverage limits. For purchases elsewhere, use your local authority and manufacturer's services. This guide organizes questions; it does not give legal advice.

Related tools

Maintenance schedule planner — turn the manufacturer's intervals into your next service targets.
Car maintenance log — keep dates, mileage and evidence from your first day of ownership.
Fuel log and economy calculator — track real consumption after you buy.