walk around vehicle inspection

is it licensed?

ovarall appearance? poor average better than average excellent

windshield cracked?

turn on lights: headlights, brights, tailights, signals, brake lights, flashers, reverse lights, running lights?

tire tread depth, uneven wear?

stand in frant of car do tires point directly ahead and not lean in?

antanne is in proper place

open trunk, good condition, spare tire?

look under vehicle is ther any oil at rear end or wheels (brake cylinder)

walk around vehicle inspect paint

is it a good color?

door dings and or rock chips at lower fender?

waviness in any body lines?

overspray on any trim or moulding, look inside door jambs?

any rust, fading, flaking or bubbling?

Interior inspection

open and close every door, roll up and down every window, lock and unlock every door?

check all interior lights, dash lights?

check wipers? check washer spray?

check horn?

check AC and heater?

check radio/tape /cd?

check seat and mirror adjustments? fold down rear seats.

condition of carpet, seats, dashboard, and headliner?

check all cup holders work?

Power train with engine off

look at engine for any sign of oil leak, or external damage

worn or cracked belts, hoses, etc. no missing belts? any vacume hoses not connected?

check for any wires or hoses melted into the exhaust manifold?

Battery cables clean of corrosion and in good condition? battery is secured?

no sulfur smell from battery?

light under the hood works?

oil level? semi-clear in color, not dark black? wipe the oil in your fingers not gritty?

coolent level? not rusty?

power steering fluid is full, semi-clear and doesn't smell burned?

brake fluid is full?

climb under engine

look for any oil leaks, especially at rear of engine? leaks at transmision?

look for any water leaks at front of engine (water pump), around radiator, at sides(freeze plugs) and at hoses?

any oil at wheels (brake cylinders)

grab hold of steering tie rods, move them back and forth there should be no sloppiness

look for any broken bolts, dents or damage to the frame suspension or engine/transmission

4 wheel and front wheel - check for slop in drive lines, u joints

(disc brakes) how much brake pad is left? has rotor got grooves in it?

Start engine

starter engages proper, no grinding or free spinning?

oil pressure is between 30-60 pnds?

charging 12V-14V?

Tachometer and other gauges all work

Transmission fluid level? semi-clear in color, not dark? smell oil it should not smell burned?

check AC pump turns when AC is turned on?

does engine idle smooth, or rough?

listen for unusual sounds, hissing (vacume or hose leak), tapping (lifters, rockers, push rod, bad oil pump), exhaust leak, squealing (loose belts, power steering), rattle/grinding (water pump, alternator, power steering)

Secure hood for drive test (turn radio off)

(optional manual trans) engage clutch, Shift all gears no grinding in or out

put into drive and reverse and back again, repeat, - listen for a clunk sound, if one is heard there is a possible u-joint problem.

(auto trans) hold brake down put in each gear and put under load, listen for sounds, feel if transmisission has adequate power, do brakes hold well?

turn steering all the way to left and right

drive foward accelerate and brake, should work smooth.

drive straight and level about 25mph - let go of steering wheel , does it pull to any side? continue "hands free" apply brakes does it pull when braking?

if anti-lock brakes, apply brakes very hard - vehicle should not skid?

drive over moderate bumps or swerve back n forth - do shocks work well?

engage cruise control

drive in reverse

if 4x4 go into gravel engage 4x4 in both low and high range?