A used car inspection checklist for buyers

Before buying, check the bodywork, exterior equipment, interior, electrics, engine, gearbox, brakes, steering and items supplied with the car. The original inspection form provides “Normal” and “Defect” options for each point.

This is a text version of an archived 2025 checklist. The current GRANT Check-Up standard is published on our “What we check” page.

Bodywork condition

1. Roof

2. Bonnet

3. Front left wing

4. Front left door

5. Rear left door

6. Rear left quarter panel

7. Boot

8. Rear right quarter panel

9. Rear right door

10. Front right door

11. Front right wing

12. Engine bay

13. Rear bumper

14. Front bumper

15. Front left door opening

16. Rear left door opening

17. Front right door opening

18. Rear right door opening

19. Boot opening

20. Other bodywork defects

Exterior equipment

21. Left rear light

22. Right rear light

23. Rear indicators

24. Reversing light

25. Door mirrors

26. Front indicators

27. Right headlight

28. Left headlight

29. Fog lights

30. Horn

31. Wipers

Interior condition

32. Interior rear-view mirror

33. Armrest

34. Headlining condition

35. Door trim condition

36. Steering wheel condition

37. Driver’s seat

38. Passenger seat

39. Rear seats

40. Dashboard

41. Instrument cluster

42. Glazing

43. Door seals

Electrical system

44. Air conditioning operation

45. Heater operation

46. Rear light bulbs

47. Indicator bulbs

48. Headlight bulbs

49. Fog light bulbs

50. Sidelights

51. Interior lighting

52. Indicators

Engine, engine bay and exhaust

53. Oil level

54. Visual check of joints for leaks or oil seepage

55. Coolant level

56. Coolant condition

57. Engine starting performance

58. Smoothness of engine operation

59. Exhaust pipe colour

60. Rear silencer condition

61. Air conditioning and radiator condition

62. Smoke or crankcase gases from the oil filler cap and dipstick

Gearbox

63. Oil level

64. Contamination in the oil

65. Jerks when selecting or changing gears, stationary and driving

66. Visual check of joints for leaks

Brakes and wheels

67. Brake fluid level

68. Brake fluid condition

69. Front brake discs, if visible

70. Front brake pads, if visible

71. Rear brake discs, if visible

72. Rear brake pads, if visible

73. Brake disc vibration while driving

74. Brake squeal

75. Front left tyre

76. Front right tyre

77. Rear right tyre

78. Rear left tyre

Steering and road behaviour

79. Steering rack play

80. Power steering: leaks and noise

81. Unusual chassis noises while driving

82. Clutch condition

Mechanical components

83. Flywheel noise

84. Clutch release bearing noise

85. Clutch condition

86. Unusual chassis noises while driving

Items supplied with the car

87. Number of keys

88. Service and tool kit

89. Spare wheel

90. Inspection document present

Frequently asked questions

Which areas does this checklist cover?

Bodywork, exterior equipment, interior, electrics, engine, gearbox, brakes, steering and items supplied with the car.

Is this the current GRANT Check-Up checklist?

No. This is an archived inspection form from 2025. The current standard is on our “What we check” page.