Pre-Purchase Inspections

Below is an example of what we go through during a general pre-purchase inspection (PPI), with slight variations for specific makes/models.

EXTERIOR

  • [] Body Panel Colors Match.

  • [] Seams at Trunk/Hood Aligned.

  • [] Free of Body Dents.

  • [] Free of Scratches/Paint Chips.

  • [] Lights (headlights, tail lights, brake, high beams, reverse, fog, sidemarker, hazard, license plate, interior, signals).

  • [] No Frame Damage/Crumpling.

  • [] Engine Mounts.

  • [] Transmission Mounts.

  • [] Doors Open/Close/Locks/Trunk.

  • [] Windows Operated Properly/Sunroof.

  • [] Mirrors.

  • [] Windshield Free of Cracks.

INTERIOR

  • [] Air Conditioning.

  • [] Heater.

  • [] Blower Motor (all speeds).

  • [] Horn.

  • [] CEL/Pending Codes.

  • [] CEL functioning properly.

  • [] Keyless Entry/Alarm.

  • [] Interior Free of Holes/Rips/Tears/Excessive Wear/Fading.

  • [] Seatbelts.

  • [] Radio/Stereo/Speakers Work Properly.

BRAKES

  • [] Brake Pads.

  • [] Brake Rotors.

  • [] Brake Fluid.

  • [] Brake Lines.

SUSPENSION/STEERING

  • [] Bushings Not Torn.

  • [] Ball Joints Not Torn/No Play.

  • [] Strut Mounts.

  • [] Upper Control Arms.

  • [] Lower Control Arms.

  • [] Sway Bar Bushings/Links.

  • [] Vehicle Rests Levelly.

  • [] Steering Column.

  • [] Tie Rods.

  • [] Wheel Bearings.

  • [] CV Boots Not Torn.

ENGINE/UNDER HOOD

  • [] Oil Level/Oil Filter.

  • [] Radiator Free of Leaks.

  • [] Coolant Level.

  • [] Transmission Fluid.

  • [] Transfer Case Fluid.

  • [] Power Steering Fluid.

  • [] Drive Belt.

  • [] Battery Terminals Free of Corrosion.

  • [] Air Filter.

  • [] Fuel Lines.

  • [] Exhaust Clamp.

  • [] Free of Smoke When Running.

  • [] Free of Fluid Leaks.

  • [] Free of Odors When Running.

TIRES/WHEELS

  • [] Wheels Have No Cracks/Dents.

  • [] Wheel Nuts.

  • [] Tire Tread/Wear.

  • [] Tire Pressure.

  • [] Valve Stems.

  • [] TPMS.

  • [] Spare Tire/Inflated.

TEST DRIVE

  • [] Windshield Wiper (front & back).

  • [] Engine Operates Properly.

  • [] Throttle Cable.

  • [] Transmission Shifts Normally.

  • [] Transmission Synchros.

  • [] High Cam Function.

  • [] Alignment/Steering Wheel is Straight.

  • [] Power Steering System.

  • [] No Unusual Noises While Turning.

  • [] No Abnormal Tire Vibration/Steering Wheel Shimmy.

  • [] No Abnormal Noise/Vibration/Shaking on Freeway.

  • [] No Abnormal Noise/Vibration During Braking.

  • [] No Clicks/Clunks While Turning.

  • [] Brake Pedal Free Play and Travel.

  • [] Anti-lock Brakes Work (Wheels dont lock).

  • [] Parking Brake Engages and Disengages Freely.

  • [] Gauges Work.