Spindy's: Vehicle Checklist

SECTION 1 - CHECKLIST: ASSESS CONDITION OF VEHICLE

DETERMINE THE VEHICLE'S CONDITION (C.A.R.)

To best guide you in your Classic Car search, please print and use our checklist

to help you properly assess the vehicle condition when you find one.

As discussed as part of our C.L.A.S.S.I.C. Model, this is the assessment portion of the model that feeds into that process (C.A.R.). The purpose of C.A.R. is to help you determine a vehicle's condition and provides you a checklist to do just that. Although this could also be used for modern day cars, this is designed with Classic Cars in mind, so many of the modern day conveniences are not included (i.e., Navigational Systems, Heated Seats, etc.).

A classic car will have it faults and you have to weight the pros and cons of any repairs against price. It is okay to buy a classic with faults as long as you know what you are getting and that the price compensates for any faults as it will require your time and effort to make repairs and/or have repairs made. To help with the inspection process, below is a checklist we developed that will help guide you through the process. Just print it and use it for any inspections you are planning.

Do note that this checklist is not meant to be a catch all, just simply a guide on the key things to check. A lot of this should be common sense, but there are many components and things can get overwhelming when looking at a car and you can realize you forgot to check something later when it is too late. For instance, you do not want to find out later the A/C doesn't work and that your forgot to check it, that could be expensive. That is why we created this checklist. It is more detailed than most and if you follow it, will help guide you through the inspection process. Use what is applicable. Many of the items noted may or may not be applicable to the vehicle you are inspecting.

Checklist: Assessment of condition using our checklist (4 part checklist)

Analyze Drivability: Test drive the vehicle and assess the vehicle’s drivability

Rust: How and where to look for Rust

PART 1 - EXTERIOR CHECKLIST & ASSESSMENT

Alarm - Test

Badges/Emblems - Inspect to make sure all are correct and present

Body & Paint - Check for Body Filler (use a magnet)

Body & Paint - Inspect Door Sills & Door Jams

Body & Paint - Inspect Fenders/Hood/Trunk Lid for Alignment

Body & Paint - Inspect Front Grill/Nose

Body & Paint - Inspect Left Fender

Body & Paint - Inspect Left Quarter Panel

Body & Paint - Inspect Left Side Door(s)

Body & Paint - Inspect Pillars (A, B & C Pillars)

Body & Paint - Inspect Right Fender

Body & Paint - Inspect Right Quarter Panel

Body & Paint - Inspect Right Side Door(s)

Body & Paint - Inspect Rocker Panels

Body & Paint - Inspect Roof

Body & Paint - Inspect Trunk Lid

Bumper - Inspect Condition of Front Bumper

Bumper - Inspect Condition of Rear Bumper

Chrome - Inspect all Exterior Trim/Molding/Windows

Chrome - Inspect Chrome Condition of Bumpers

Chrome - Inspect Condition of Badges/Emblems

Door Handles - Test Outside Door Handle Operations

Gas Cap - Inspect Condition and Seal

Glass - Inspect all Clear Glass (side windows, Windshield, etc)

Glass - Inspect all tinted Glass (T-Tops/Targa Tops/Sunroof)

Glass - Inspect any Aftermarket Tinting (bubbles, general condition)

Keyless Remote Entry - Test

Keys - Test Trunk Key

Lights - Test Fog lights

Lights - Test Hazzards

Lights - Test Headlights

Lights - Test License Plate Light

Lights - Test Low & High Beam on Headlights

Lights - Test Parking lights

Lights - Test Reverse Lights

Lights - Test Trunk Light

Lights - Test Turn Signal (Left Front)

Lights - Test Turn Signal (Left Rear)

Lights - Test Turn Signal (Right Front)

Lights - Test Turn Signal (Right Rear)

Radio - Check to make sure Antenna is Present

Radio - Test Power Antenna Test

Rubber - Check Weather Stripping

Side Mirrors - Inspect

Suspension - Do a Bounce Test

Tires - Check for Wear

Tires - Check Remaining Tread

Tires - Inspect for Rot

Trucks - Check/Inspect Tailgate

Trucks - Inspect Bed Condition

Vinyl Top - Inspect Vinyl Top/Roof

PASS / FAIL

DESCRIPTION

COMMENTS / NOTES

IN GOOD AND/OR WORKING CONDITION?

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PART 2 - INTERIOR CHECKLIST & ASSESSMENT

Arm Rest - Inspect on Doors and/or Seats

Ashtray - Check for Smoker Residue Ashtray(s)

Brakes - Test Parking Brake

Carpet - Check Carpet for Moisture under the Floor Mats

Carpet - Check for any Odors/Smells (Mildew)

Carpet - Check for Tears and/or Burns

Chrome - Inspect Interior Trim

Cigarette Lighter - Test

Climate Control - Inspect/Test Air Vents

Climate Control - Test Blower (Lo/Med/Hi)

Climate Control - Test Fresh/Recirculate

Climate Control - Test Heater

Climate Control - Test/Inspect Air Conditioning

Console - Inspect for Cracks

Cruise Control - Test

Dash - Check Fuel Gauge

Dash - Check Odometer

Dash - Check Oil Gauge

Dash - Check Speedometer

Dash - Check Tachometer

Dash - Check Volt Meter

Dash - Check Water Temperature

Dash - Inspect Front Dash Condition

Dash - Inspect Rear Deck Condition

Dash - Test Clock

Door Handles - Test Inside Door Handle Operations

Door Panels - Inspect Both Sides

Floor Mats - Inspect Condition

Gearshift Handle - Inspect Condition

Glove Box - Inspect

Headliner - Inspect Headliner

Headliner - Inspect Visors

Horn - Test

Keys - Test Door Keys

Keys - Test Glove Box Key

Keys - Test Ignition Key

Lights - Test Interior/Dome Light

Lights - Test Turn Signal Lights on Instrument Panel

Lights - Test Visor/Vanity Mirror

Lights - Test Check Engine Light

Lights - Test that all Instrument Lights work

Power Convertible Top - Test

Power Locks - Test

Power Mirrors - Test

Power Seats - Test

Power Sun Roof - Test

Power Windows - Test

Radio - Make Sure Speakers all Work

Radio - Test all Radio Controls

Radio - Test AM/FM/8-Track/Cassette/CD

Rear Defroster - Test

Seatbelts - Check that Seatbelts Adjust Properly

Seatbelts - Extend Properly

Seatbelts - Inspect for any Wear

Seats - Check for Tears and/or Burns

Seats - Check Headrests

Seats - Check Seatback Condition

Steering Wheel - Check Telescoping Wheel

Steering Wheel - Check Tilt Steering

Tire & Jack - Check for water in this area

Tire & Jack - Make both are Present

Trunk Release - Test

Window Handles - Test for Up/Down

Windshield Washers - Test that Washers Work

Windshield Wipers - Test Front Wipers

Windshield Wipers - Test Rear Wiper

DESCRIPTION

IN GOOD AND/OR WORKING CONDITION?

COMMENTS / NOTES

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PART 3 - ENGINE/UNDERCARRIAGE CHECKLIST & ASSESSMENT

DESCRIPTION

CHECKS OUT GOOD?

COMMENTS / NOTES

Battery - Check for Corrosion

Battery - Check to make sure it is Secure

Battery - Inspect Cables

Brakes - Check Brake Fluid Level

Brakes - Check for Brake Fluid Leaks

Brakes - Inspect Brake Lines

Climate Control - Check for Evidence of A/C Leaks

Cooling System - Check Coolant Levels

Cooling System - Check for Leaks

Cooling System - Inspect Radiator

Cooling System - Inspect Radiator Fan/Blades

Cooling System - Inspect Radiator Hoses

Drive Axles - Check CV Joint/Boot Condition

Drive Axles - Check for Axle Leaks

Drive Axles - Check for Differential Leaks

Engine - Check Engine Oil

Engine - Check for Leaks

Engine - Inspect all Belts

Exhaust - Check for Leaks

Hood - Inspect Underhood Insulation

Hood - Test Hood Release

Hood - Test Hood Shocks

Steering - Check for Leaks

Steering - Check Power Steering Fluid

Suspension - Inspect Shocks

Transmission - Check Fluid

Transmission - Check for Leaks

Undercarriage - Inspect

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PART 4 - DOCUMENTATION CHECKLIST

Owners Manual Present

Paperwork - Review Restoration Records

Paperwork - Review Service Records

Paperwork - Vehicle Documents Available (i.e., Build Sheet, etc.)

Plates - Check for Current Plates

Registration - Check for Current Registration

Run a Carfax/Autocheck (only good for 1981 and newer vehicles)

Title - Verify Title is Clear (No Lien, Not a Salvage or Rebuild)

VIN - Check for VIN on Door Jam/Windshield

DESCRIPTION

PRESENT AND/OR CHECKS OUT GOOD?

COMMENTS / NOTES

PASS / FAIL

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SECTION 2 - ANALYZE DRIVABILITY: TEST DRIVE

DESCRIPTION

CHECKS OUT GOOD?

COMMENTS / NOTES

Acceleration - Test

Air Conditioning - Check for Operating Noise

Air Conditioning - Test Cooling

Air Conditioning - Test Temperature Control

Brakes - Inspect for Brake Pulsation

Brakes - Test Braking Performance

Dash - Test Fuel Gauge

Dash - Test Odometer

Dash - Test Oil Gauge

Dash - Test Speedometer

Dash - Test Tachometer

Dash - Test Volt Meter

Dash - Test Water Temperature

Drive Axles - Check for Noise During Acceleration

Drive Axles - Check for Noise when Cornering/Turns

Engine - Check for Normal Idle

Engine - Check for Smooth Idle

Engine - Test Cold Starts

Engine - Test Hot Starts

Engine - Test Operating Temperature

Engine - Test Performance

Engine - Test Starter Functionality

Noise - Check for any Rattles/Squeaks (Inside & Outside)

Noise - Check for Excessive Wind Noise

Noise - Check for Tire Noise

Noise - Listen for an Non-normal Sounds

Smoke - Any Smoke Present

Steering - Any Steering Noise

Steering - Check for Centered Wheel

Steering - Check Steering Wheel Play (Wheel Balanced/Any Shaking)

Steering - Does Vehicle Track Straight (No Extensive Pull)

Steering - Test Performance

Suspension - Check for Noise

Suspension - Test Handling

Suspension - Test Performance

Transmission/Gears - Make sure Clutch Engages Smoothly

Transmission/Gears - Make sure Gears Shift Smoothly

Vibrations - Check for any Vibrations

PASS / FAIL

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SECTION 3 - RUST: HOW AND WHERE TO LOOK FOR RUST

DESCRIPTION

RUST PRESENT?

COMMENTS / NOTES

Inspect Lower Radiator Support

Inspect Below the Battery in the Engine Compartment

Inspect Around the Headlights/Parking Lights

Inspect Below the Front Bumper

Inspect the Hood and Inside Lip of the Hood

Inspect Frame Rails

Inspect the Front Fenders (inside edge over the tire & at the rocker)

Inspect the Front Fender Where it Meets the Rocker Panel

Inspect the Floorboards (inside and out)

Inspect Under the Hood Around the Edges of the Windshield

Inspect Around the Front Windshield

Inspect Around any roof Glass (T-Tops, Sunroof)

Inspect Areas Around the Side Windows

Inspect the Rocker Panels

Inspect the Bottom Edges of the Doors

Inspect the Rear Quarter Panels

Inspect Around the Antenna

Inspect Around any Sealed Areas

Inspect the Area Around the Tail Lights

Inspect the Floorboards from the Underside Front to Rear

Inspect Under the Spare Tire and Jack

Inspect Rear Quarter Panels from Inner Sides of the Trunk

Inspect Below the Rear Bumper

Y / N

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When looking at a vehicle, the first thing you see is the cars exterior. This section of the checklist is designed to guide you through the items to inspect on the cars exterior. Be sure to circle the car many times and try everything. Open and close doors, check glass for cracks, inspect paint, etc. Always be sure to inspect a vehicle in good light during the day (not at night). If you see mis-matched paint, good indication the vehicle may have been in an accident. Have a magnet with you and place it on any paint mismatch areas to check for body filler. If the magnet does not stick, this indicates the bodt has been repaired.

Next you want to go through the interior. Test every function you can to make sure it is operating as it should. Remember that replacement parts, especially original parts, can be expensive and hard to come by depending on the type of vehicle. You want the majority if not all of the components in working order, or at least the components you want in working order. On a lot of these older cars, the clocks are usually not working which doesn't matter - at least to us. Make sure the A/C works and the other switches. Check under the floor mats and check the carpet for any moisture. If the carpet has been wet for long time, you can bet there will be rust under there, plus there could be mildew.

Now it is time to check the engine compartment and undercarriage. Inspect all hoses and belts for any wear or cracks. Is the engine clean and appear to be well maintained? Do parts appear to be missing? Do you see any replacement parts? Any evidence of leaks anywhere? Check the suspension by pushing on the corners of the car. It should only move up/down a time or two without any noise. Check the coolant (on a cold engine only, never open the cap when hot) - it should be green or yellow depending on the brand. Check the oil - the oil should be full and a yellowish/honey color. Check the transmission fluid if it is an automatic - the fluid should be a reddish color. Bottom line, check for anything unusual.

The final part of the assessment portion of checklist is to review what documentation is with the vehicle. Determine what original documentation is available with the vehicle and how extensive the service records are. If the seller advertises as a restoration that they did, they should have receipts. If they did the work themselves, they should still have receipts for parts and paint. If someone else did the restoration, they still will hopefully have receipts to show the work that was done. Make sure the title is clear and not a salvage or rebuild. There are lots of cars from the south with flood damage that are salvage vehicles. Just beware and be smart. Check the VIN at all locations on the vehicle (located on the dash on drivers side at the corner of the windshield at the A-pillar, and many times on the door jam and possibly in the glove box). They should all match and they should match the VIN on the title. If they do not, you could have problems with the vehicle inspection and registration at DMV (which may vary depending on state laws). It may also indicated a stolen vehicle.

Of course this section and any of the previous sections can be done in any order you wish to do so and do not have to be in this sequence.

Now that you have done all the visual and functional checks of the vehicle, it is time to road test. Perform cold and hot engine starts. Fire up the engine when it is cold. Did it start okay? Check the exhaust, any smoke present (black, blue/gray or white smoke)? If so, consult with your mechanic. If consistent, especially with black smoke, this could mean the vehicle is burning excessive amounts of oil. Go through all gears including reverse. Does everything shift smoothly? How does it shift if an automatic? How does the clutch feel? As you begin driving, increase your speed and makes sure the gears shift when they should if an automatic. Did it shift to second when it should have? If a manual, move up in gears, any issues? While at a slow speed, test the brakes. Any vibration or non-normal noises? Did the car pull to one side when braking (should be straight)? After driving for a spell, are there any unusual noises present? Do you smell the scent of any burning oil or other fluids? Check all the temperature gauges and make sure temperatures are where they should be - are they in the normal range? Test the air conditioning - does it blow cold? Be sure to test the vehicle at all speeds and recheck gauges as appropriate. Make sure the speedometer and the odometer. Once you are done and parked, recheck all the fluids (oil and transmission) to make sure there is not a burning smell present and recheck for leaks. DO NOT pull the radiator cap following the test drive as severe burns will result.

And finally, it is time to check for rust. Look for rust or corrosion in all the typical places. Rust is a cancer which is very damaging to a vehicle, especially to older cars in wet or humid climates (i.e., midwest). Do a complete walkaround of the vehicle a few times. Get inside the engine bay, under the car and in the trunk and wheel wells. Basic premise is that any area that has a seal or gap that can trap water, these are the most likely places that rust will form. Where metal meets plastic or even other metal, water can get trapped and the moisture over time will turn the metal to rust. Rockers and floorboards are infamous for rust in those regions with snow and the roads are salted down. Check for blistering in the paint which could be a sign of painted over rust. Some rust repairs are easier that others and some more livable than others. Your call on what you can live with and/or want to tackle.