Inspection record
Used-car viewing worksheet
Use one sheet from the listing review through the test drive. Write down what was checked, what needs proof, and what changes the price.
Vehicle and viewing details
Keep the vehicle identity, seller information, and price conversation on the same record.
Before the test drive
Start with the paperwork and the vehicle before it is warmed up or explained away.
- VIN matches the vehicle and paperwork.
- Service records show dates, mileage, and the work completed.
- Open recalls were checked with the VIN.
- Title, accident, and ownership history are explained clearly.
- Cold start has not been arranged before arrival.
Check recall status by VIN with the NHTSA recall lookup. A clean history report does not replace an inspection.
Walk-around and cold checks
Capture visible condition and early behavior before road noise or a seller's explanation distracts from it.
- Panel gaps, paint texture, glass, lights, and underbody marks.
- Tires match as a set; record brand, tread, age, and uneven wear.
- Brake discs, pads, and wheel condition do not conflict with the seller's history.
- Fluids, warning lights, leaks, and obvious smells are noted before the drive.
- Cabin controls, A/C, cameras, locks, and charging ports work as expected.
Road-test notes
Drive a normal route that includes low speed, turns, uneven pavement, and a safe stretch of faster road where possible.
- Cold idle, warm idle, starting behavior, and warning lamps.
- Steering tracks straight; record vibration, pull, clunks, or brake noise.
- Acceleration, transmission response, and engine behavior match the exact powertrain.
- Test rough pavement, turns, parking speeds, and normal road speeds.
- A/C, heat, electronics, and driver aids work under normal use.
Model notes
Use only the addendum that matches the vehicle in front of you.
Toyota RAV4 XA50
- Identify hybrid or gas before applying maintenance or battery advice.
- Record any weak 12-volt battery, slow cranking, or repeated short-trip history.
- Listen over driveways and uneven pavement for front or rear suspension noise.
- Note brake feel, moisture-related noise, matching tires, and highway stability.
Reference: Toyota RAV4 warranty and maintenance guide.
Honda Civic facelift
- Identify the 1.5T or 2.0 before treating drivability or maintenance notes as comparable.
- At idle, test A/C performance long enough to record any warm-air behavior.
- Record charging or battery warnings rather than accepting a vague explanation.
- Listen for front-end rattle over small bumps and brake noise at low speed.
Reference: Honda Civic maintenance minder.
Decision record
Do not let a positive first impression replace the evidence you wrote down.