Take this checklist to the viewing and use it to record what you actually observe. Ask the seller's permission before taking photographs, operating equipment or examining documents. Leave any inaccessible or uncertain item open for an independent inspector.
The checklist has 50 items across five areas. It is designed to produce useful questions and an evidence trail, not a safety score. A car with many ticks can still have a serious hidden fault.
Decide what each mark means
Record the VIN, viewing date, seller, odometer display and your notes alongside the checklist. Inspect in daylight with enough time to see the car cold where possible.
| Mark | Meaning | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Observed | You checked the item and recorded the result | Keep relevant photos or documents |
| Unresolved | A concern, contradiction or untested item remains | Ask for evidence or professional assessment |
| Not applicable | The feature or requirement does not apply | State why; do not count it as a pass |
Do not open a hot cooling system, touch high-voltage EV components or work beneath a car supported by a jack. Arrange a legal, insured test drive and stop if the car appears unsafe. NSW inspection guidance also recommends an independent licensed mechanic or repairer.
Identity and records: items 1–10
- 1. Physical VIN photographed or transcribed accurately from an accessible location.
- 2. Other accessible identifiers agree, with no unexplained alteration.
- 3. VIN, plate and vehicle description reconcile with the documents.
- 4. Exact variant, powertrain, build and model-year details established.
- 5. Seller identity sighted and authority to sell explained.
- 6. Registration status and transfer requirements checked through the relevant authority.
- 7. PPSR result saved for the correct identity; findings understood.
- 8. Service invoices and logbook form a plausible dated sequence.
- 9. Displayed kilometres compared with available historical readings.
- 10. Known damage, modifications, finance and outstanding recalls discussed.
The official Vehicle Recalls service can identify applicable campaigns; ask the manufacturer to confirm the specific VIN's completion status.
Exterior and visible areas: items 11–20
- 11. Panels examined in daylight for dents, paint differences and repair questions.
- 12. Doors, bonnet and tailgate operate and latch normally.
- 13. Accessible sills and seams checked for corrosion or unusual repairs.
- 14. Windscreen and other glass checked for damage.
- 15. External lamps and indicators tested with assistance.
- 16. Tyres checked for damage, uneven wear and suitable specifications.
- 17. Wheels checked for visible cracking, bends or impact marks.
- 18. Spare-wheel or repair-kit provision located and condition noted.
- 19. Safely visible ground and parking area checked for fresh fluid.
- 20. Towbar, racks and other accessories checked against the advertised inclusions.
Cosmetic repairs need explanation and assessment; they do not by themselves prove structural damage. Record the location and ask your inspector a specific question.
Cabin and equipment: items 21–30
- 21. Seats, adjustments and accessible mounting areas checked.
- 22. Seatbelts checked visually for damage and normal operation.
- 23. Child-restraint provisions checked against your actual requirements.
- 24. Warning displays observed through the appropriate start-up sequence.
- 25. Windows, mirrors, central locking and supplied keys operated.
- 26. Air-conditioning and heating tested in suitable conditions.
- 27. Infotainment, audio, cameras and parking aids checked where fitted.
- 28. Mats and accessible boot areas examined for moisture or staining.
- 29. Advertised driver-assistance features and settings identified.
- 30. Owner manual, service records and accessory instructions located.
Do not assume a dark warning display means all systems passed. A warning that behaves unexpectedly needs diagnosis. Check whether subscriptions or app-connected services can transfer to the next owner.
Powertrain and test drive: items 31–40
- 31. Cold-start availability confirmed; any pre-warming noted.
- 32. Unusual noises, smells, smoke or warning messages recorded.
- 33. Visible fluid levels checked only by the manufacturer's safe method.
- 34. Engine bay or motor compartment viewed without removing components.
- 35. Acceleration and cruising behaviour assessed on a safe route.
- 36. Transmission changes or clutch operation checked under normal use.
- 37. Steering checked for pulling, unusual play or noise.
- 38. Braking checked normally without hazardous emergency manoeuvres.
- 39. Suspension noises and ride behaviour noted on suitable roads.
- 40. After the drive, safely accessible areas rechecked for fresh leaks.
For EVs and hybrids, ask a suitable specialist about battery health, charging performance and the inspection scope. Dashboard range alone is not a battery-health test.
Ownership and handover: items 41–50
- 41. Independent inspection arranged, including unresolved viewing questions.
- 42. Immediate maintenance compared with the manufacturer's schedule.
- 43. Repair estimates obtained for confirmed work.
- 44. Insurance availability and terms checked for this vehicle.
- 45. Transfer costs, duty, transport and ownership reserve budgeted.
- 46. Price compared with genuinely similar vehicles.
- 47. Finance or written-off findings resolved before commitment.
- 48. Deposit and sale conditions read and agreed in writing.
- 49. Payment recipient, timing, receipt and key exchange agreed.
- 50. Local registration and insurance steps planned before driving away.
A safety certificate is a defined safety inspection, not a replacement for the broader condition work you need.
Turn the observations into a decision
In an illustrative viewing, a hatchback's equipment works, but a service invoice records higher kilometres than the dashboard. Keep that contradiction unresolved. Ask for original records and an explanation, then obtain specialist advice if necessary. Extra ticks elsewhere cannot cancel the discrepancy.
Proceed when the evidence supports the vehicle and the remaining costs fit your budget. Obtain a quote for a confirmed repair, hold for unresolved identity or security concerns, and leave the purchase if essential checks are refused. Use the red-flag guide to prioritise concerns and the private-sale guide to organise settlement.
Frequently asked questions
Does passing this checklist mean the vehicle is mechanically sound?
No. This is a buyer's observation checklist. It cannot diagnose hidden faults or replace an independent inspection, diagnostic work or specialist battery assessment.
Should I crawl underneath a vehicle during a viewing?
No. Inspect only safely accessible areas. Leave lifting and underbody checks to a qualified workshop with suitable equipment.
Does a missing compliance plate always indicate a problem?
No. Vehicle identification arrangements vary with age and approval pathway, and some newer vehicles use electronic approval records. Verify the correct requirements for the particular vehicle.