Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Exterior Inspection (5 minutes)

• Overall condition: Walk around the car. Does it look well-maintained? Any obvious damage?
• Paint and rust: Look for rust bubbles, areas of mismatched paint (sign of repainting), or excessive corrosion.
• Dents and scratches: Take photos of any damage. Deep dents or scratches suggest poor care or accident history.
• Glass and lights: Check for cracks in windows, mirrors. Test all lights (headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators).
• Trim and bumpers: Look for broken trim, cracked bumpers, or signs of impact.
• Doors and locks: Open/close all doors smoothly? Do locks work? Any stuck hinges?

Tires and Suspension (3 minutes)

• Tire tread: Place a coin into the tread. If you can see the top of the coin, tread is too low. Minimum 2mm depth required by law.
• Tire wear pattern: Even wear across all tires = good. Uneven wear (inner or outer edges worn more) = suspension or alignment problems.
• Tire age: Check sidewall for manufacture date (week/year). Tires older than 6 years should be replaced.
• Spare tire: Check if spare is included and in good condition.
• Suspension: Push down on car's corners. It should bounce 2–3 times then settle. Excessive bouncing = worn suspension.

Interior Inspection (4 minutes)

• Seats and upholstery: Check for tears, stains, or excessive wear. Leather cracking? Fabric fading?
• Dashboard: Look for cracks, peeling, or damage. Test all buttons (AC, heater, wipers, lights).
• Steering wheel: Check for wear or damage. Should be smooth to turn with no grinding noises.
• Air conditioning: Turn on A/C. Does it blow cold air? After 20 seconds should be noticeably cold.
• Windows and locks: Test all windows—should move smoothly. Central locking should work from driver's door.
• Warning lights: Check dashboard. Are any warning lights on? Red warning lights = potential problems.
• Odometer: Check mileage against service records. Large jumps suggest it hasn't been serviced regularly.

Engine Bay Inspection (4 minutes)

• Oil level and color: Pull dipstick. Oil should reach "full" mark. Color should be golden/brown, not black or milky.
• Coolant level and color: Check expansion tank (not radiator). Coolant should be green, pink, or orange. Milky = internal leak.
• Hoses and connections: Look for leaks, cracks, or loose connections. Squeeze hoses gently—should be firm, not brittle.
• Battery: Check for corrosion (white/blue crusty deposits). Battery should be secure. Check age on label.
• Engine cleanliness: Very dirty engine = poor maintenance. Some dirt is normal.
• Leaks: Look underneath engine for oil stains or leaks. Small drips acceptable, pools = problem.

Test Drive (5 minutes)

• Starting: Engine should start smoothly without excessive cranking. No grinding noises.
• Idling: Engine should idle smoothly without shaking. Check for unusual sounds or smells.
• Acceleration: Gradual acceleration should feel smooth. No hesitation, jerking, or loss of power.
• Braking: Brake response should be firm and immediate. No soft pedal or grinding sounds.
• Steering: Steering should respond smoothly. No pulling to one side. No excessive play.
• Transmission: Smooth gear shifts (manual or automatic). No slipping or grinding.
• Unusual noises: Listen for knocking, squealing, grinding, or rattling. Identify source if present.
• Smells: Any burning, sweet, or fuel smells? These indicate problems.

Documentation Verification (2 minutes)

• VIN Match: Compare VIN on log book with:
  • • Chassis plate (usually on driver's door jamb)
  • • Engine block
  • • Insurance certificate
  All should match exactly.
• Mileage consistency: Compare odometer reading with service records. Should be consistent progression.
• Service history: Review service records. Should show regular oil changes (every 5,000–10,000 km).
• Ownership history: How many previous owners? Ownership changes should match log book entries.

Red Flags: Walk Away Immediately If You Notice:

Quick Scoring System

Rate the vehicle on a 1–10 scale for each category:

When to Hire a Professional Mechanic

Consider hiring an independent mechanic (KES 3,000–5,000) if:

• Car costs above KES 2 million
• High mileage (above 150,000 km)
• You noticed multiple issues during inspection
• Seller won't let you get pre-purchase inspection
• You're unsure about your mechanical knowledge