Auto News 5

One aspect of the vehicle certification process is an inspection list, which is set forth by the manufacturer. You should ask for a copy of this inspection checklist for the vehicle you’re interested in. The programs that meet our guidelines based on the standardized list below will be indicated by a 100% Inspection Score on the program details page for each brand.

IntelliChoice Vehicle Inspection List Standards

VIN Inspection

• VIN matches other VINs on vehicle and paperwork/proper attachment (original/no alterations)
• Vehicle has required state decals (emissions, inspection, etc.)
• Service bulletins and recall updates performed on vehicle
• Check vehicle for trouble codes
• Oil change/scheduled maintenance performed

• Starting cold/hot
• Engine idle quality
• Engine performance/smooth acceleration
• Engine noise (cold/hot and high/low speeds)
• Automatic transmission/transaxle noise (cold/hot)
• Automatic transmission shift points/slippage (operational/smooth/proper shift points/check at all shift points)
• Shift interlock (operation)
• Drive axle and transfer case bearings or gear noise/vibration (adjust or replace)
• Transfer case (proper switch between 2WD and 4WD)
• Clutch operation (smooth engagement/slippage/chatter)
• Steering/rack and pinion/steering linkage performance (steering wheel free play/center steering/response/smoothness)
• Brakes/ABS (effectiveness/operation/noise/no pulling or pulsating)
• Note: ABS may pulsate under hard application, which indicates proper operation.
• Cruise control operation (including resume)
• Gauge/speedometer/tachometer/odometer (operation)
• Body/suspension (performance/noise/rough road test)

• Frame inspection (check for repairs, damage, abnormal tire wear, inability to obtain proper alignment specifications)
• Note: Overall vehicle inspection should take place at this point for rust and damage due to natural disaster. Look under carpet in trunk, interior and under dash for flood damage.
• Body panels (check for damage, dings, dents, alignment, mismatched paint and overall paint condition)
• Bumpers/fascia (check for damage, alignment and improper repairs)
• Note: Slightly mismatched paint is fairly common on some vehicles with plastic bumpers.
• Doors/hood/trunk/tailgate (check release mechanisms manual/automatic, hinges, alignment and proper attaching devices)
• Note: Bolts and overspray are indications of damage repairs.
• Grille/trim/molding/roof rack (check for bends, dings, parts missing and proper attachment)

• Windshield (damaged, pitted, repaired, wiper marks, cracked)
• Side/rear windows (damaged, pitted, repaired, cracked)
• Mirrors (condition of mirror, hinge, operation)
• Wipers (condition of mechanism/blade)
• Wipers (operation/speeds/delay)
• Washer (fluid level/spray pattern)

• Head lights, high/low beams (alignment/lens condition/operation)
• Tail lights (lens condition/operation)
• Brake lights/high mount brake light (lens condition/operation)
• Parking lights (lens condition/operation)
• Hazard lights (lens condition/operation)
• Reverse lights (lens condition/operation)
• Turn signal/side marker lights (lens condition/operation)
• License plate lights (lens condition/operation)
• Fog/driving lights (lens condition/operation)

• Seat belts (condition/operation)
• Air bag (exterior condition/intact/no codes/dash light operation)
• Note: When inspecting the air bag system, look carefully at the steering wheel for abnormal wear (could indicate vehicle has been repaired and a used steering wheel and air bag have been installed).

• Radio, satellite radio, cassette, CD, speakers (condition/operation)
• Antenna (condition/operation)
• Navigation system (operation)
• Alarm/theft deterrent system (condition/operation)

• Air conditioning system/climate control system (condition/operation/charge via sight glass)
• Air cabin filter (condition/change per maintenance schedule)
• Heating system/climate control system (condition/operation)
• Defogger/defroster (operation)

• Clock (condition/operation)
• Horn (condition/operation)
• Lighter/power outlet(s) (condition/operation)
• Ashtray (condition/operation)
• Glove box/glove box light/center armrest/console (condition/operation)
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel (operation)
• Steering wheel lock (operation)
• Mirrors/rear view (condition/operation/memory function)
• Instrument panel/lights & warning lights (condition/operation/bulb check)
• Warning chimes (operation)
• Interior courtesy/dome/map lights (operation)
• Fuel filler door release (operation)
• Interior door handles (operation)

• Carpet (condition/appearance)
• Floor mats (condition/appearance)
• Door trim/panels (condition/appearance/attachment)
• Headliner (condition/appearance)
• Sun visors (condition/appearance/vanity mirror & light)

• Luggage compartment mat/trim/carpet/cargo net (condition)
• Luggage compartment light (operation)
• Jack/tools (condition)

• Seat upholstery (condition/worn/ripped/cracked/faded)
• Seat/headrest adjustments (manual/automatic/memory operation)
• Heated seat (operation)

• Sunroof/moonroof (condition/operation)
• Convertible top (condition/operation/rear window & zipper operation)
• Convertible top boot (condition)

• Door locks/controls (manual/automatic operation)
• Child safety locks (operation)
• Windows/controls (manual/automatic operation, locks)

• Fluid leakages (record where and what is leaking)
• Oil in air cleaner (can indicate excessive blow-by or faulty PCV system)
• Water in oil (check underside of oil filler cap)
• Inspect timing belt (condition/change per maintenance schedule)
• Fluids (condition/levels)
• Belts (condition)
• Hoses (condition)
• Wiring (condition)
• Engine mounts (condition)

• Hoses (condition)
• Coolant (condition/level/leaks/freeze point/voltage/corrosion)
• Radiator (condition/pressure check/tube/fins)
• Cooling fan/fan clutch/fan motor (condition/operation/auxiliary fan operation)
• Water pump (noise/leaks)
• Pressure test cap/system
• Recovery tank (condition/fluid level/sensor operation)
• Belts (condition/cracks/glazed/frayed/proper adjustment)

• Fuel pump noise/external fuel pump leakage
• Fuel lines/hoses/pressure (leaks/record reading)
• Fuel filter (condition/replace per maintenance schedule)
• Air filter (condition/replace per maintenance schedule)

• Starter operation (record starter draw/amperage)
• Alternator/charging (record regulated voltage/maximum amperage output)
• Ignition system (operation/scope)
• Battery (condition/fluid/level/load test/record readings)
• Check pre-glow system (diesel)

• Entire exhaust system (condition/leaks/damage/noise)
• Catalytic converter and shielding
• Perform emission control tests and record readings

• Transmission system (condition)
• Automatic transmission/transaxle fluids (condition/level/leaks/fill or change oil and filters)
• Manual transmission/drive axle/transfer case fluids (condition/level/leaks/fill or change oil)
• Transmission mounts (condition/cracked/oil-soaked/broken/replace worn mounts)
• Universal joints/CV joints/boots (condition)
• Differential/drive axles (condition/leaks/damage)
• Clutch (adjustment/fluid level)

• Inverter coolant (check level and condition)
• Hybrid battery (inspect air intake)
• Hybrid electronics control unit (run diagnostic)
• Auxiliary battery (perform charge test)
• Multi-information display (operation)
• Perform diagnostic scan (check for codes and software updates)

• Correct size
• Tread depth (3 readings per tire)
• Condition/abnormal wear (sidewalls/alignment problems)
• Pressure (record reading for each tire)
• All tires match
• Spare tire (condition/inspected same as other tires)
• Wheel (condition/runout/curb damage/finish)

• Fluid (condition/level/leaks/top off as necessary)
• Rack and pinion/steering linkage (condition/leaks/boots)
• Power steering pump and hoses (leaks/noise/operation)
• Suspension system/control arms/ball joints/bushings (condition)
• Tie rods and idler arm (operational to factory specifications)
• Sway bars/links/bushings (operational to factory specifications)
• Springs (vehicle ride height/check for spring sag)
• Struts/shocks (leakage/bounce test)

• Calipers/cylinders (operation/condition/leaks)
• Brake fluid (level/condition/top off as necessary)
• Pads/shoes (condition/wear/percent remaining/replace linings if necessary)
• Rotors/drums (condition/wear/resurface or replace as required/measure and record readings)
• Brake system lines/hydraulics/hoses/fittings (condition/wear/leaks)
• Parking brake (operation/adjustment/condition)
• Master cylinder and booster (operational/leaks)