Liste d'inspection avant achat de voiture d'occasion

Are all body panel gaps even and consistent?

Compare gaps on doors, hood, trunk, and fenders. Uneven gaps usually mean a prior collision or poor repair.

Does the paint color and texture match across all panels?

Look at panels in sunlight from multiple angles. Orange-peel texture differences or color shifts indicate respray.

Is the body free of rust on rocker panels, wheel arches, and door bottoms?

Surface rust is fixable; bubbling or flaking paint indicates rust eating from underneath.

Are there no major dents, dings, or hail damage?

Is there no evidence of accident repair (overspray, mismatched bolts, taped seams)?

Look under the hood at the inner fenders and around door jambs for overspray. Check that bolt heads aren't scratched (sign of removal).

Are the headlights clear and free of heavy yellowing or moisture?

Are all 4 tires the same brand, size, and tread depth?

Mismatched tires can indicate uneven wear from suspension/alignment problems, or a cheap owner who never aligned them.

Is the windshield free of cracks, chips, or pitting?

Are all windows free of deep scratches and proper tint (legal where required)?

Is the underside free of fresh oil leaks?

Wet, dark spots near the engine pan or transmission are active leaks. Old, dry residue is less urgent.

Is there no green, orange, or pink coolant residue under the vehicle?

Are there no red transmission fluid leaks?

Is the exhaust free of heavy rust, holes, or loose hangers?

Is the frame/chassis straight, with no obvious bends or kinks?

Is the frame free of fresh welds, cut-and-replaced sections, or bolt-on repair plates?

Factory welds are uniform and spot-welded. Wavy bead welds indicate aftermarket repair.

Are suspension bushings firm and free of cracks?

Are the CV boots intact (no rips or grease slung around)?

Is the drive shaft free of rust, dents, and worn U-joints (RWD/AWD)?

Is the underside of the oil cap free of milky/mayonnaise-colored residue?

A creamy white-tan film under the oil cap usually means coolant is mixing with oil — head gasket failure.

Is the coolant the correct color (green/orange/pink) and free of oil sheen?

Are belts and hoses free of cracks, glazing, or soft spots?

Is the battery less than 4 years old and free of heavy corrosion?

Look for the date sticker on the battery. Most last 4–6 years.

Are all engine bay bolts factory-original (no replaced or scratched bolt heads)?

Replaced bolts on radiator support, fender, or core support indicate prior front-end collision repair.

Is the engine and engine bay free of recent overspray or fresh paint?

Is the oil on the dipstick clean amber-to-brown (not black, gritty, or milky)?

Is the transmission fluid bright red and not burnt-smelling (if applicable)?

Does the odometer reading match the title and service records?

Pull the title and any service receipts. Mileage discrepancies are a federal crime.

Does the seat, pedal, and steering-wheel wear match the stated mileage?

A 40,000-mile car shouldn't have a worn-through driver seat or shiny brake pedal. Wear should match miles.

Is the dashboard free of major cracks or warping?

Is the headliner tight and not sagging?

Is the carpet free of water stains, mildew smell, or rust on seat brackets?

Lift the floor mats and feel underneath. Damp carpet, rust on metal, or musty smell = possible flood damage.

Do all power windows, locks, mirrors, and seats work in every position?

Is the interior free of smoke, mildew, or 'covered up' heavy air-freshener smell?

After ignition, do all warning lights cycle and then turn off (no permanent CEL/ABS/airbag)?

Does the engine start cleanly from cold without rough idle or long cranking?

Insist on a cold start. A warm engine hides many problems — sellers often warm the car up before you arrive.

Is there no blue, white, or black smoke from the exhaust on startup?

Blue = burning oil. White (persistent) = coolant in cylinders. Black = rich fuel mixture.

Does the transmission shift smoothly through all gears with no flare or jerks?

Are there no clunks, grinding, or whining noises while driving?

Do the brakes stop the car straight, without pulsation, squeal, or pulling?

Is the steering wheel centered when driving straight on a flat road?

Is there no vibration at highway speeds (50–75 mph)?

Does the parking brake hold the vehicle on a slight incline?

Is the title in the seller's legal name and matches their photo ID?

If the title is in someone else's name (a 'curbstoner' or unauthorized seller), do not buy.

Does the VIN on the title match the dash plate AND the door jamb sticker?

Is the title clean (no salvage, rebuilt, flood, or junk brand) — or is the brand fully disclosed and priced in?

Are there service records covering at least major maintenance (timing belt, transmission, brakes)?

Is the registration current (not expired more than a few months)?

Has the vehicle passed its most recent smog/emissions check (where required)?

Have all open recalls been completed?

Check at NHTSA.gov by VIN. Open recalls are free to fix at any dealer.

Is tread depth uniform across each tire (inner, center, outer)?

Uneven wear (inner or outer edge worn) signals alignment problems. Use the penny test or a tread gauge.

Are sidewalls free of cracks, bulges, or weather checking?

Are tires free of flat-spotting (vibration even after warm-up)?

Are brake pads at least 3 mm thick (across all 4 wheels)?

Are rotors free of deep grooves, scoring, or rust pitting on the friction surface?

Are the rotors free of warping (no pulsation under braking)?

Does the A/C blow cold within 60 seconds (below 50°F at the vent)?

Does the heater blow hot within a few minutes once warm?

After startup, are all dash warning lights off (no CEL/ABS/SRS/TPMS/oil)?

Do all power windows go up and down at full speed?

Do all door locks work from key fob and from interior switches?

Do all wipers and washers work, including rear (if applicable)?

Do all interior dome, map, and trunk lights work?

Does the infotainment system boot, accept input, and play audio?

Does the backup camera display a clear image when in reverse?

Does Bluetooth pair with your phone and play media/calls?