Used Car Seller's Checklist

Seller’s Checklist

__ Inspection/mechanic’s check
__ Dust all surfaces
__ Vacuum
__ Empty ashtrays
__ Clean trunk
__ Clean glove box
__ Clean storage compartments
__ Wash floormats
__ Spot-clean upholstery
__ Polish chrome
__ Wash tire sidewalls
__ Wax exterior
__ Wipe engine with degreaser
__ Check oil (top off or replace)
__ Check coolants (top off or replace)
__ Check transmission fluid (top off or replace)
__ Check power-steering and brake fluids (top off or replace)
__ Gather service records and receipts
__ Obtain title (or find out how much is still owed on loan)
__ Place ads

General questions to ask yourself:

Any maintenance records?
Where the car had been serviced?
Why do I want to sale a car?
Any car accidents?
Any major engine or transmission repairs?

Checking the engine and how it runs:

Any oil, coolant or fuel leaks from the engine?
Is the engine oily?
Is the oil level low?
Is the oil on the dipstick too black?
Any evidence of badly made repair?
Does it work uneven?
Any knocking, pinging, whistling?
Any smoke?
Any warning lights go on while the engine running?
Is the engine oil pressure too low at idle?
Any acceleration delay after heating up?

Checking the automatic transmission:

Does the transmission fluid smell burnt?
Is the fluid on the dipstick too dirty?
Start the engine and try to switch from P to D and from P to R holding the brakes - Is the time between switching the lever and the transmission being engaged too long?
Any noises or jerks during shiftings?
During driving test - Any delays or troubles on changing gears?
Does the transmission slip?
Is any speed missing (for example, the transmission shifts from 1-st to 3-rd speed)?Is any speed getting stuck?
Any shifting problems on the cold engine?

Checking the manual transmission:

Any leaks?
Any noises while moving?
Any troubles to change gearsIs the clutch slipping?
Any leaks from clutch master- or slave cylinder?

Checking the suspension:

Is any of shock absorbers oily?
Is any of shock boots torn?
Too large steering free play?
Has any of tires irregular wear?

What to checking during a driving test:

Any knocking noises coming out from the suspension?
Does the car pull aside of straight moving?
Does the car seat level?

Checking the brakes:

Is the brake fluid container oily?
Is the brake fluid level too low?
Is the free play of the brake pedal too large?
Any brake fluid leaks under the car?
During the driving test for cars without ABS:Does any of wheels not provide effective brake?
Do you feel any vibrations or noises stopping the car?
For cars with ABS:Does the warning light "antilock" go on while driving?

Checking the car exterior:

Are the body lines straight?
Are the gaps between panels uneven along their length?
Has been the car repainted?
Mismatched colors?
Painting over spray, or any other traces of a body repair job?
Are the doors' and hood' fastenings readjusted from original position?

Checking the car interior:

Is the driver seat worn through?
Does the stereo works?
Has the odometer any evidences of being tampered?
Does the air conditioner provide really cold air?
Are the power locks, windows, etc. working?
Are the heater, rear window defogger working?
Any of warning lights go on while driving?
Spare tire, jack, wheel wrench?