How to inspect a used vehicle

March 3, 2026

Summary:

Take notes and pictures when inspecting a used vehicle.
There are four main areas to inspect: interior, exterior, under the hood and when driving.
Get your vehicle inspected by a professional before you buy.
Buy an already inspected CarBravo certified used vehicle.

Come prepared

While a used car can be a good deal, they’ve also been around the block a few times. So you need to make sure you know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line. That’s why we recommend getting used vehicles inspected by a professional or you can inspect it yourself. There are four main areas to inspect: the interior, the exterior, under the hood and when driving. If you don’t have a trained technician to help with the inspection, there are some things you can do yourself.

To inspect it yourself, make sure to go during the day when you have a lot of daylight to see every nook and cranny. In the dark, you may miss a dent, a scratch or a leak. Take note of the vehicle’s overall condition and use the vehicle history report to help you find points of concern. Pull out your phone or a pad of paper to write down things you notice or if you have any questions. Take some pictures of features you like, the mileage, imperfections, rust and more. Even bring a napkin or paper towel to check fluids. Then you can use all your notes, pictures and the vehicle history report to compare this vehicle to other used vehicles.

Exterior inspection

Take a really good look. Maybe grab a magnifying glass? We’re kidding, but get up close and personal.

Check paint for deep scratches, peeling or dents.
Look for large rust patches or paint attempting to cover rust.
Make sure paint matches on all panels, as mismatched paint could be covering repairs.
Look for gaps between bumpers and body panels.
Look for cracks and chips in the windshield.
Turn on windshield wipers to see if they work properly.
Ensure that all the tires are the same size and brand.
Check the tire treads to see if they are uneven or worn down.
Check for leaks and damage under the car.

Interior inspection

Sit down and buckle up.

Check seats for cracks, tears, holes and stains.
Smell the inside of the car for smoke or strong fragrances masking other smells.
Sit in every seat and adjust them to make sure they all move properly.
Test out every seatbelt and buckle yourself in.
Open and close windows and sunroofs then check for gaps, damaged weatherstripping, leaks and drafts.
Turn on the vehicle to see if any warning lights turn on.
Turn on turn signals, radio, A/C, heated seats and steering wheel, hazard lights and more.
Review the mileage on the odometer and compare it to the vehicle’s age. For more info on how to compare, check out our article, “Does car mileage matter?”

Under the hood inspection

Lift the hood and take a look.

Check to see if hoses are loose, frayed, stiff or cracked.
Look at the color of the oil. Engine oil is typically amber colored, but this can sometimes vary.
Check to see if coolant, transmission and brake fluids are at a normal level.
Check the battery for corrosion.
Look for radiator leaks or fluids that are rusty in color.
Look for evidence of animals burrowing or chewing. Vehicles left outside for long periods of time may become a home to little furry creatures.

Driving inspection

Now get in the car and go for a spin.

Test out the parking brake and regular brakes. Do they engage? Are there any noises?
Drive in silence and listen for rattles, squeaks and odd sounds.
Drive on city roads and highways. Are there vibrations? Does it accelerate well?
Test out the steering on straight and curved roads. How does it handle on turns?
For EVs and hybrids, dashboard displays should show when the battery is charging, and the correct range based on odometer mileage.

Do Your Homework

Before you make a final decision, do your homework and learn the vehicle’s history. Many used car dealers will provide a used vehicle report that can help you better understand the vehicle’s background. A good vehicle history report can reveal if a vehicle has had flood damage, been in a collision, undergone major repairs and possibly even show you the vehicle's maintenance history. If the seller does not provide a vehicle history report, you can purchase one yourself at a reasonable cost from an online provider — you just need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Spending a few extra dollars now may save you more in the long run.

Review the vehicle history report to check any areas with previous damage.
Ensure the vehicle has a clean title.
Check for a history of flood damage or insurance claims.

In addition to a vehicle history report, also be sure to check for any unrepaired safety recalls the vehicle may have. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers an online tool that will tell you if a vehicle is under recall.

Leave it to the professionals

If the vehicle passes your inspection, you may be ready to take the next step and purchase. If not, getting a professional inspection can help catch any issues that aren’t visible to the untrained eye. Technicians can not only inspect the basics like scratches, leaks and stains, but they’ll notice a slight vibration in the steering or a clicking noise during a drive around the block. Should you choose to purchase a private-party used vehicle or a non-certified used vehicle, we’d highly recommend getting a professional to do the used vehicle inspection.

Another option is to consider a certified used vehicle from a reputable seller. At CarBravo, there’s no need for extra inspections — all our vehicles are already certified through a Multi-Point Inspection by a Certified Service Technician. Which means they inspect multiple parts, places and features across a vehicle to help make sure it is in good-working condition. Every one of our technicians undergoes GM-backed training and only uses the best tools and parts when working on CarBravo vehicles. They know what they’re doing and have the skill set to back it up.

Once inspected and certified through our 126-Point Inspection, a CarBravo vehicle receives a Standard Limited Warranty — helping to give you peace of mind once you drive off the lot in your new-to-you CarBravo certified used vehicle.

Learn about CarBravo certified used vehicles

IMPORTANT RECALL INFORMATION: Before a CarBravo vehicle is listed or sold, GM requires dealers to complete all safety recalls. However, because even the best processes can break down, we encourage you to check the recall status of any vehicle through your GM account and NHTSA.

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