Used Car Buying Checklist — Printable Version
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🖨 Print / Save as PDF Run a VIN Check — €19.99

✓ Used Car Buying Checklist

56 checks · Documents · Bodywork · Engine · Interior · Test Drive · Purchase

coc-auto.eu
VIN checks from €19.99
Certificates of Conformity
🔍 Run a VIN Check BEFORE the viewing Reveals accidents, mileage fraud, theft, outstanding finance & more. Do this first — it may save you the trip.
€19.99 coc-auto.eu/
check-your-vin/
📋 Before You Go 7 checks
VIN obtained from seller
VIN history report run Do first
Seller identity verified
Price checked vs. market
Car is where seller says it is Scam flag
Viewing arranged in daylight
Second person / mechanic coming
📄 Documents 8 checks
Registration cert. present Essential
VIN matches on car & docs
COC present (if EU import)Get one at coc-auto.eu if missing
Service history booklet
MOT / roadworthiness cert.
Number of owners confirmed
No outstanding finance Critical
Previous sale receipt (if avail.)
🚗 Bodywork & Exterior 10 checks
Panel gaps consistent all around
Paint colour consistent (no resprays)
No rust on sills / wheel arches Costly
No ripples, bubbling, or filler
Windscreen & glass free of cracks
All lights working (front & rear)
Tyres: legal tread, no uneven wear
All four tyres same brand/type
Boot shuts flush, spare wheel present
Underside: no leaks or serious rust
🔧 Engine & Mechanicals 9 checks
Starts cleanly from cold
No warning lights on dash Investigate
Oil level correct & clean colour
Coolant level correct, no leaks
No smoke from exhaust when revved
No unusual noises at idle / revving
Engine bay clean & dry (no leaks)
Cambelt replacement confirmed Check
Gearbox changes smoothly (all gears)
🪑 Interior 8 checks
All windows, mirrors, seats work
Air conditioning blows cold
Heating works on all blower settings
Infotainment / Bluetooth / USB work
Wear matches claimed mileageExcessive wear = possible clocking
No water ingress / damp / mould
Airbag warning light is off Safety
All keys & spare keys present
🛣️ Test Drive 8 checks
No pulling to one side
Brakes responsive, no juddering
Steering precise, no excess play
No vibration through wheel / floor at speed
No clunking over bumps
Clutch bites at normal point (manual)
No warning lights during drive
Engine temp reaches & holds normal
🤝 Before You Pay 6 checks
Issues reflected in agreed price
Written receipt on purchase
Payment method is traceable / secure
All keys, docs & extras handed over
Insurance arranged before driving
COC obtained if registering in EUcoc-auto.eu can source this
Free printable checklist · coc-auto.eu VIN history reports · Certificates of Conformity (COC) VIN check: coc-auto.eu/check-your-vin/ — €19.99