> Consumer advice  > Buying a car  > Before you buy  > Vehicle inspection checklist

On this page

• Bodywork
• Windows and Doors
• Steering
• Electrics
• Interior
• Tyres
• Transmission
• Engine
• Suspension
• Test Drive

Following this basic checklist will help you determine a car's condition and whether or not it is worth proceeding to a professional independent inspection.

Bodywork

Check bodywork in good light. Daytime in natural light is best.

Can you see ripples or unevenness in the car's paintwork? Can you see gaps between panels? It may mean the car has been in an accident.

Check for holes drilled in the car's roof or instrument panel. The car may have been a taxi or police car and subject to heavy wear and tear.

Check the doors, doorsills, body and boot for signs of rust. Be sure to lift the floor mats and carpet.

Windows and Doors

Wind windows up and down to ensure they work.

Check that all the locks work.

Check whether doors sag or drop on opening.

Make sure you don't have to slam the doors to close them. Doors that don't close properly can mean the car has been in an accident.

Steering

When you perform a test drive, can you hear knocking sounds? This could be a sign of bad wear in the steering components.

Electrics

Check the following to make sure they
work properly:

• parking lights

• indicators

• tail lights

• hazard lights

• dashboard light

• brake lights

• headlights on both low and high beam

• windscreen wipers.

Interior

Are all seats bolted down securely? Are there broken or sagging seat springs?

Are the seatbelts in good condition and do the retractors work correctly?

Do all the accessories work? e.g. radio/cassette/CD, air-conditioning, alarm.

Tyres

Are the tyres worn unevenly? This could mean unbalanced wheels, uneven brake action or incorrect wheel alignment.

Is the spare tyre in good condition?

Does the car have a wheel jack and associated tools?

Transmission

Make sure the gears engage smoothly.

Listen for whining noises when you change into a lower gear. This could mean the gearbox is worn.

If you notice that the gears seem to grind, this is a sign of bad wear.

Check that the clutch takes up gradually and smoothly without slipping.

Engine

Check the oil on the dipstick before starting the car. If the oil is thick or contains water, there may be engine problems.

After starting the engine, accelerate moderately a few times. Blue exhaust smoke indicates engine wear.

Oily scum in the radiator may indicate a faulty cylinder head gasket.

Take note if there are pools of oil or water under the car after it has been run. These may indicate costly repairs.

Suspension

Loud thumps over bumps on a rough road usually mean worn suspension.

Test Drive

Take the car for a 20-minute or 10 kilometre test drive. (Make sure it's insured before you drive it!)

If there are two regular drivers, let both test drive the car.

Do an emergency stop to check the brakes – checking if it is slow to stop or veers.

Check the gears. If you need to use excessive force to put the car in first gear or reverse there could be serious problems.

Listen for any bumps, squeaks or knocking.

Stop and start on a hill, checking for shudders – this may indicate clutch or gearbox problems.

Check for coloured smoke from the exhaust – this can be a sign of future problems.

When finished, check the engine for oil leaks.

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