- Engine oil and filter
- Air filter (if dirty or at service interval)
- Coolant (replace if dirty or at service interval)
- Automatic transmission fluid – if discolored or at service interval
- Engine noise (cold/hot & high/low speeds)
- Acceleration (power)
- Engine operating temperature
- Alternator (condition, fluid level, load test)
- Water pump (noise/leaks)
- Underhood – Check for unacceptable aftermarket modifications
- Radiator (leaks, road hazard damage)
- Coolant recovery tank (condition, level, sensor operation)
- Cooling fan operation
- Coolant (replace if discolored, insufficient protection)
- Coolant hoses (check condition)
- A/C condenser (corrosion, road hazard damage)
- Power steering (fluid level, belt condition/tension)
- A/C compressor (proper cycling, belt
- Heater valve adjustment
- Timing belt condition
- Brake master cylinder (operation/leaks)
- Transfer case operation (check for leaks and evidence of sludge)
- Airbox (check for evidence of water ingestion)
- Engine – oil leaks, drain plug threads
- Underhood (clean engine compartment)
- VIN Inspection
- Vehicle VIN plates match, door jambs and dash
- Vehicle VIN plates match engine compartment, door jambs, and dash
- VIN/FMVSS label on door jamb
- CV joint noise (full lock turn R/L)
- Braking (noise, vibration, effort)
- Parking brake operation
- Steering effort (drifting right or left)
- Steering wheel free play/steering wheel centered
- Cruise control operation (including resume)
- Horn operation
- Wind noise/squeaks/rattles
- Speedometer/odometer operation
- Heater/defroster operation
- A/C cooling performance/vent outlet temperature
- Tire or steering wheel vibration
- AT shift quality/AT shift points
- MT shifter operation
- MT clutch (smoothness, effort, slippage)
- Transmission/transaxle noise (cold/hot)
- Interior – Check for unacceptable aftermarket modifications
- Water leaks (look for evidence of water intrusion)
- Fuel gauge operation
- Temperature gauge operation
- All warning lights illuminated with ignition “ON”
- Dash light operation
- Audio system – radio/CD, speaker operation (audio steering wheel controls if applicable)
- Rear entertainment system operation (if applicable)
- Navigation operation (if applicable)
- Clock functions
- Steering wheel tilt/lock
- Headliner condition
- Cigarette lighter/power outlets (if equipped)
- Rear view mirror operation (day/night operation)
- Window operation – noise, speed and full travel
- SRS airbags (exterior condition/check warning lamp self-check system)
- Door locks (check manual and/or power operation and child safety functions)
- Seat belts – condition, proper latching and retraction operation
- Seat upholstery/leather condition (front and rear)
- Power seat operation (if equipped)
- Seat heaters (if equipped)
- Headrest movement
- Rear defrost operation
- Inside mirror/vanity light operation
- Interior lights (switch/door operation, warning chimes)
- Glove box/glove box light operation
- Luggage compartment (jack and tool present)
- Appearance Inspection
- Dash and instrument panels, carpet and mats (check for stains or damage)
- Console/center arm rest/cup holders
- Front doors (controls, trim condition)
- Rear doors/quarter trim (controls, trim condition)
- Tires tread depth – minimum 5/32” across tread width
- Tires – correct size
- Tires – proper tire pressure, check uneven wear or sidewall cracking
- Wheel lug nuts (all present and proper torque)
- Valve stem condition
- Brake fluid (if dirty or at service interval)
- Disc brake pads – if wear is greater than 50%
- Brake shoes – if wear is greater than 50%
- Brake pad thickness
- Brake rotor thickness and surface
- Brake calipers (check for leakage)
- Rear lining thickness (if applicable)
- Rear wheel cylinder leakage (if applicable)
- Rear drum thickness and surface
- Vehicle history report (CARFAX, Experian, etc.)
- Copy of completed inspection report
- Unibody Inspection
- Carefully inspect unibody for signs of damage or prior repairs
- Minimum Replacement Items
- Minimum one master key
- Road Test
- Check vehicle for trouble codes
- Drivability (smoothness)
- Transmission mount condition
- Under Vehicle – Check for unacceptable aftermarket modifications
- Transmission leaks
- Coolant leaks
- CV joints/boots/drive-shaft universal joint (cracks, leakage)
- Hydraulic house/line leakage
- Suspension (springs proper ride height)
- Strut/shock absorber leakage
- Bushing condition
- Ball joint tightness and tie rod end tightness
- Power steering rack leakage
- Body/suspension (performance/noise/rough road test)
- Differential fluid – if discolored of at service interval
- Drive axle noise (full lock turn R/L)
- Antenna mast – if bent or sticking
- Fuel system operation and fuel tank cap (connections/leakage)
- Fuel filter (replace per maintenance schedule)