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.