Mechanic Checklist

01Exterior & Body

0 / 6

Inconsistent panel gapsUneven gaps between panels can indicate prior accident repair.Serious
Paint color or texture mismatch / oversprayA sign of prior bodywork not disclosed in the listing.Serious
Rust on rocker panels, wheel wells, or frame edgesSurface rust is cosmetic; rust with flaking or holes is structural and expensive.Serious
Cracked or chipped glassCheap and fast to fix, but factor it into your recon budget.Minor
Any light not functioningHeadlights, tail lights, turn signals, brake lights.Minor
Uneven or mismatched tire wearCan indicate alignment, suspension, or rotation neglect.Minor

02Frame & Undercarriage

0 / 5

Bent frame rails, kinks, or fresh weld marksThis is often a walk-away issue for a retail flip. Get a frame shop opinion if unsure.Deal breaker
Fresh undercoating with no maintenance reasonSometimes used to mask rust or frame repair. Ask why it was recently done.Serious
Corrosion on subframe or mounting pointsAffects structural integrity and suspension mounting over time.Serious
Visible fluid leaks (oil, transmission, coolant, power steering)Identify the fluid. Leaks range from a $20 fix to a $2,000 one.Serious
Exhaust system heavily rusted or hanging looseUsually a moderate-cost fix, but budget for it.Minor

03Engine Bay

0 / 6

Oil looks milky or has a coolant smellClassic sign of a blown head gasket or cracked block. Serious money.Deal breaker
Coolant low, rusty, or oilyCheap to flush if caught early; expensive if it's a symptom of something else.Serious
Cracked, glazed, or loose belts and hosesPreventive maintenance item. Inexpensive now, expensive if it fails on the road.Minor
Corroded battery terminalsQuick fix, but can cause intermittent electrical gremlins if ignored.Minor
Aftermarket wiring splices or non-factory harnessesCan indicate a prior electrical repair, alarm install gone wrong, or theft recovery.Serious
VIN sticker under hood doesn't match the title/dash VINStop. This needs to be resolved before you go any further with this car.Deal breaker

04Interior & Electronics

0 / 6

Airbag / SRS light stays on after startupCould mean a prior deployment, disconnected sensor, or aftermarket seat covers interfering.Serious
Power windows, locks, or mirrors not workingUsually a switch or motor. Moderate cost, not usually structural.Minor
AC doesn't blow coldRecharge is cheap; a compressor or evaporator replacement is not.Minor
Gauges or infotainment malfunctioningCheck odometer display works correctly. You need this to confirm mileage.Minor
Interior wear doesn't match claimed mileageHeavily worn pedals/seat/steering wheel on a low-mileage claim is an odometer rollback red flag.Serious
Musty smell, water stains, or damp carpetPossible undisclosed flood damage. Treat as a serious risk until ruled out.Deal breaker

05Test Drive

0 / 6

Hard to start or rough idleCould be simple (battery, sensor) or a sign of deeper engine issues. Diagnose before assuming.Serious
Unusual noise while accelerating or brakingGet specific about when it happens. It narrows the diagnosis a lot.Serious
Transmission hesitates, slips, or shifts hardThe single biggest cost swing on a used car. Don't skip this check.Serious
Steering pulls or feels looseAlignment is cheap; worn suspension or steering components are not.Minor
Brakes grind, pulse, or feel softDirectly affects safety. Budget for this before anything cosmetic.Serious
Any warning light appears during the driveNote exactly which light. Get it scanned before you finalize a price.Serious

06Paperwork & Title

0 / 5

Seller's name doesn't match the titleAsk for an explanation and documentation (e.g. inherited, business sale) before proceeding.Deal breaker
VIN on the title doesn't match the VIN on the carDo not proceed with this purchase until resolved.Deal breaker
Lien listed on the titleConfirm the payoff process with the seller's lender before handing over money.Serious
No maintenance records availableNot disqualifying, but it means you're budgeting on assumptions, not history.Minor
Odometer disclosure doesn't match the dash readingA federal disclosure requirement. Any mismatch needs a clear explanation.Deal breaker

Turn this into a flip plan Run the numbers

This is a general checklist, not a model-specific one. Some vehicles have known failure points beyond this list. Your checks are saved in this browser only.

Walk around the car with this open.

01Exterior & Body

02Frame & Undercarriage

03Engine Bay

04Interior & Electronics

05Test Drive

06Paperwork & Title

Run the numbers before your next offer.