Car Inspection Checklist 2025 | What to Check Before Buying a Car | Mottars Blog

Your Complete Car Inspection Checklist

Buying a car is a significant investment. A thorough inspection can save you thousands of naira and prevent future headaches. Use this comprehensive checklist before making any purchase decision.

📋 Pre-Inspection Preparation

Bring a flashlight
Bring a friend for a second opinion
Schedule inspection during daylight
Bring this checklist
Allow 30-60 minutes for thorough inspection

🚗 Exterior Inspection

Body & Paint

□ Check for dents, scratches, or rust spots
□ Look for paint mismatches (signs of repainting after accident)
□ Inspect panel gaps - should be even all around
□ Check for signs of body filler (tap lightly, listen for hollow sounds)
□ Inspect roof for damage
□ Check door edges for repaint overspray

Tires & Wheels

□ Check tread depth (should be at least 2mm)
□ Look for uneven wear patterns
□ Inspect sidewalls for cracks or bulges
□ Check tire age (look for DOT number - should be less than 6 years old)
□ Verify all four tires match
□ Check spare tire condition
□ Inspect wheel rims for damage

Lights & Glass

□ Test all headlights (high and low beam)
□ Check taillights and brake lights
□ Test all turn signals
□ Check hazard lights
□ Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
□ Check side and rear windows
□ Test wipers and washers

Doors & Locks

□ Open and close all doors smoothly
□ Test all locks (key and remote if applicable)
□ Check door seals for damage
□ Test child locks

🪑 Interior Inspection

Seats & Upholstery

□ Check for tears, stains, or excessive wear
□ Test all seat adjustments
□ Inspect seatbelts (pull hard to ensure they lock)
□ Check for odors (musty = water damage, smoke = smoker's car)
□ Test headrests

Dashboard & Controls

□ Check all gauges and warning lights
□ Test air conditioning (should blow cold air)
□ Test heating system
□ Test radio and sound system
□ Check all power outlets
□ Test cruise control (if equipped)

Electronics

□ Test power windows (all four)
□ Test power mirrors
□ Test power seats (if applicable)
□ Check interior lights
□ Test central locking
□ Check USB ports and charging points

Visibility

□ Check all mirrors (rearview and side mirrors)
□ Test rear defroster
□ Check for windshield cracks from driver's seat

🔧 Engine Inspection

Under the Hood

□ Check oil level and color (should be amber, not black)
□ Check coolant level and color
□ Inspect brake fluid level
□ Check power steering fluid
□ Look for leaks (oil, coolant, transmission fluid)
□ Inspect belts for cracks or fraying
□ Check battery terminals for corrosion
□ Look for rust in engine bay

Engine Sound

□ Listen for unusual noises when starting
□ Check for excessive smoke from exhaust
□ Listen for knocking or rattling sounds
□ Check for smooth idle

🚙 Transmission & Drivetrain

□ Check transmission fluid (should be red/pink, not brown)
□ Test all gears (automatic or manual)
□ Listen for grinding sounds when shifting
□ Check for transmission leaks
□ Test parking brake

🛣️ Test Drive Checklist

Starting & Acceleration

□ Engine should start immediately
□ Smooth acceleration without hesitation
□ No unusual noises during acceleration

Braking

□ Brakes should stop smoothly
□ No pulling to left or right when braking
□ No squeaking or grinding sounds
□ Parking brake holds car on incline

Steering

□ Steering should be responsive
□ No excessive play or looseness
□ Car should track straight
□ No vibration in steering wheel

Suspension

□ Drive over bumps - should absorb smoothly
□ No clunking or banging sounds
□ Car should not bounce excessively
□ Test on various road surfaces

Different Speeds

□ Test at low speeds (city driving)
□ Test at highway speeds
□ Listen for wind noise
□ Check for vibrations at different speeds

📄 Document Verification

□ Verify Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches documents
□ Check vehicle registration papers
□ Verify customs papers (if imported)
□ Check insurance certificate
□ Verify previous ownership transfer papers
□ Check original purchase receipt
□ Verify mileage matches documents
□ Check for outstanding loans (contact FRSC)

⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For

⚠️ Fresh paint on older car (hiding damage)
⚠️ Mismatched VIN numbers
⚠️ Seller refuses inspection
⚠️ Price too good to be true
⚠️ Missing or suspicious documents
⚠️ Excessive rust or body damage
⚠️ Warning lights on dashboard
⚠️ Unusual odors (burning, musty)

✅ Professional Inspection

For additional peace of mind, consider a professional inspection from a trusted mechanic. They can:

Check engine compression
Inspect undercarriage for hidden damage
Run diagnostic tests
Check computer systems
Verify vehicle history

📝 Inspection Notes

Take photos and notes during inspection:

Document any issues found
Take photos of damage or concerns
Note mileage and condition
Record seller's responses to questions

Next Steps After Inspection

Review your checklist
Decide if issues are deal-breakers
Use findings in price negotiation
Get professional opinion for major issues
Make informed decision

Buying Through Mottars

When buying through Mottars, you get additional protection:

Verified dealer credentials
Detailed listing information
Multiple high-quality photos
Direct messaging with dealers
Reviews and ratings
Platform dispute resolution

Conclusion

A thorough inspection is your best defense against buying a problematic car. Take your time, be thorough, and don't be afraid to walk away if something doesn't feel right. When buying through Mottars, you have the added security of verified dealers and detailed listings.

Download this checklist and use it for your next car inspection. Find quality cars on Mottars today!

Car Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before Buying Any Vehicle