Skip to content
motorwick
22 checks ยท ticks are saved on this device

Used car checklist: what to look for

Go through it in order, from the paperwork to the test drive. Tick each item on your phone as you go, or print the page.

0 of 22 checked
Before you go
Outside, engine off
Under the hood
Inside
Test drive
Before you pay

Where owners report problems

To decide where to look hardest, here are the systems named most often in the 818,830 system mentions in NHTSA complaints for the models we track. Engine, electrical and power train problems lead for most models; each model page shows its own order.

  • Engine135,280
  • Electrical103,461
  • Transmission99,000
  • Steering69,719
  • Airbags67,425
  • Brakes63,586
  • Visibility, lights and locks58,868
  • Fuel system49,128

Questions

What is the most important thing to check on a used car?

The vehicle's own history: service records, accident and title history, and open recalls by VIN. After that, the parts owners complain about most. In NHTSA complaints for the models we track, engine (17% of system mentions), electrical and transmission lead.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection?

An independent mechanic can put the car on a lift and read stored trouble codes, which you cannot do in a driveway. It usually costs far less than one major repair.

How long should a test drive be?

Long enough for the engine and transmission to reach full temperature and to cover city and highway speeds, usually 20 to 30 minutes.

Systems: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaints, data through October 2026. NHTSA does not verify complaints. This checklist is general information and does not replace an inspection by a qualified mechanic.