12 things to inspect before buying a used vehicle

Before you arrive

Pull a CARFAX Canada or AutoCheck report (VIN required). Look for accident flags, title brands (salvage, rebuilt), and odometer discrepancies.

Check if there are outstanding recalls at Transport Canada's recall database (tc.gc.ca).

Exterior inspection

1. Panel gaps Stand back and look at the gaps between body panels. Inconsistent gaps signal prior body repair — which may or may not have been done properly.

2. Paint overspray Open doors and check jambs. Fresh paint on door edges but not jambs means the car was painted without removing the door — often done for a quick hide.

3. Undercarriage Kneel and look for rust (surface or structural), fresh undercoating (which can hide damage), or fluid stains on the ground beneath the vehicle.

4. Tires Uneven wear across the front or rear axle indicates alignment or suspension issues. Worn edges suggest improper inflation history.

Engine bay

5. Fluid levels and colour Oil should be amber-brown (dark brown is okay; black or gritty is not). Coolant should be green or orange, not brown or milky. Milky coolant = head gasket concern.

6. Visible leaks Fresh oil residue on gaskets, valve covers, or the front of the engine signals active seeps.

7. Belt condition On timing-belt engines (not chains), a cracked or glazed belt is a repair waiting to happen.

Interior

8. Electronics function Every button. HVAC, heated seats, windows, mirrors, lights, infotainment. Problems here are expensive to trace.

9. Odours Musty or mould smell = water intrusion. Burning smell = electrical or brake issue. Air freshener masking something = ask more questions.

Test drive

10. Cold start Start the vehicle cold. Rough idle, misfires, or excessive smoke on startup are revealing.

11. Braking Hard brake from 60 km/h. Vehicle should stop straight, no pulsing in the pedal, no pulling.

12. Transmission response Automatics should shift smoothly at highway speeds. Manual clutches should engage cleanly, no slipping under load.

Pre-purchase inspection (PPI)

For a used vehicle over $15,000, spend $100–$200 on a pre-purchase inspection by an independent shop. Ask them to put it on a lift. This is the single best money you can spend before signing.