Buyer toolkit

Interactive inspection checklist

Walk through every used car the same way a mechanic would. Check items off as you go, ask our AI assistant anything that feels off, and print the completed sheet for your records.

Your progress

0 of 35 checked

Exterior

Walk around in daylight. Mismatched paint and ripples signal past repairs.

0/6

Paint condition is consistent across panelsWatch for color shifts under different angles
No rust on wheel arches, sills, or under bumpers
No body damage, dents, or filler ripples
Windshield and windows free of chips or cracks
Headlights, taillights, and turn signals all work
Panel gaps are even; doors and hood align cleanly

Interior

Sit in every seat and try every switch.

0/6

Seats are free of tears, sag, or heavy wear
No dashboard warning lights after startup
A/C blows cold and heat gets hot
Infotainment, windows, locks, and mirrors all work
Odometer reading matches the title and service records
No musty smell that could indicate water damage

Under the hood

Check cold, before the engine warms up.

0/6

Oil level is correct and amber, not gritty or milky
Coolant is topped up and the right color for the car
Belts and hoses show no fraying or deep cracks
Battery terminals are clean and firmly attached
No visible oil, coolant, or transmission-fluid leaks
Air filter is clean and recently serviced

Tires & brakes

Uneven wear often hides suspension or alignment issues.

0/5

Tread depth is above 4/32" (penny test passes)
Wear is even across all four tires
Brake pad thickness is at least 4 mm
Rotors are smooth, not scored or lipped
Spare tire, jack, and tools are present

Test drive

Drive for at least 15 minutes on a mix of roads.

0/6

Engine cranks and starts quickly from cold
Idle is smooth and quiet; no shaking
Acceleration is steady; no hesitation or misfires
Car brakes straight without pulling to either side
Steering is centered; no vibration or drift
Transmission shifts smoothly, not harshly or slipping

Documents

Paperwork tells the real story of the car.

0/6

Title VIN matches the dashboard and door-jamb VIN
Service records show consistent maintenance history
Accident history is clean (CarFax/CARPROOF)
All open manufacturer recalls have been completed
Warranty status is confirmed (remaining or expired)
No liens or outstanding loans against the vehicle

Ask the Beadr AI

Type any question about the car you're looking at. Answers are guidance only, not a replacement for a qualified mechanic.

Try asking:

“Should I worry about transmission slipping in a 150k km Honda?”
“How bad is surface rust on the rear subframe?”
“Is it normal for the check engine light to flicker on cold start?”