Used Vehicle Buying Checklist

Build Your Shortlist by Needs and Budget

Start by writing down what you need the vehicle to do: how many passengers you carry, how much cargo you haul, whether you plan to tow, and the roads you drive day to day. Then compare those needs against the specific vehicles you are considering, rather than choosing by model badge or body style alone.

Budget should include ownership costs beyond the purchase price: fuel, insurance, registration, tires, and maintenance. Larger engines, diesel engines, and AWD or 4WD systems can cost more to run and service, even when the purchase price is similar.

• List the passengers, cargo, towing, and driving conditions you expectInclude occasional uses, not just the common case.
• Compare purchase price with estimated fuel, insurance, and maintenance costsRunning costs vary widely between vehicles.
• Narrow your shortlist to specific vehicles whose seating, cargo, drivetrain, and ratings match your needsCompare specific vehicles, not badges or body styles.

If You're Shopping for a Truck: Confirm Towing and Payload Ratings

Towing and payload capacities depend on engine, axle ratio, cab configuration, bed length, equipment, passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight. A model line’s advertised maximum is not the rating of every truck in that line.

Before using a truck to tow, confirm its vehicle-specific ratings and the suitability of the complete truck-and-trailer setup.

• Check the tire-and-loading placard and certification labels on the specific truckUsually on the driver door jamb.
• Review the manufacturer ratings and owner’s manual for that truckEngine, axle ratio, and cab affect capacity.
• Compare the ratings with the loads and trailer you actually plan to useCount passengers, cargo, and trailer tongue weight.

If You're Shopping for an SUV: Compare Seating and Cargo Space

Compare specific models rather than assuming that every two-row or three-row SUV has the same space. Third-row access, cargo room with seats occupied, and passenger comfort vary widely between models.

Check seating and cargo space with every row in the position you will actually use. Bring the measurements of strollers, luggage, or other items you carry, and try access to the rear seats.

• Check passenger comfort in every row, including the third row if presentAdults and children may have different experiences.
• Measure cargo space with seats up and foldedBring measurements of items you carry.
• Try installing and removing child seats if you use themCheck the owner’s manual for child-seat attachment information.
• Test access to the rear seats or third rowSome models require sliding the second row.

Check Tires and Drivetrain

Whatever you drive, the tires and drivetrain should suit the roads and conditions you expect to encounter. If the vehicle has AWD or 4WD, remember that it does not replace suitable tires or careful driving.

Check tire condition, tread, matching sizes, and manufacturer recommendations. If the vehicle has AWD or 4WD, review how that specific system operates in the owner’s manual.

• Check tire condition, tread depth, and that all tires are the same size and typeWorn or mismatched tires can affect handling.
• Ask about tire age and any recent tire replacementsTire rubber ages even if tread looks adequate.
• Identify the drivetrain type and how it operatesFront-, rear-, all-, or four-wheel drive.
• Compare the drivetrain with the roads and conditions you expectAWD/4WD adds cost and may reduce fuel economy.

What to Check on a Test Drive

A test drive is your chance to evaluate how the vehicle performs under real conditions. Pay attention to braking, steering, shifting, visibility, and any unusual sounds, and try the features you will use every day.

• Check braking feel and stopping distanceNote any pulling, vibration, or noise.
• Test steering responsiveness and trackingThe vehicle should track straight on a flat road.
• Check that the transmission shifts smoothly through all gearsInclude downshifts and reverse.
• Listen for unusual sounds from the engine, transmission, or suspensionOver bumps, at speed, and while turning.
• Check visibility in all directions, including blind spotsAdjust mirrors and seats to your position.
• Test the climate control, lights, wipers, and infotainmentConfirm everything works before you buy.
• Test the trunk, liftgate, tailgate, folding seats, or other cargo features you needAsk about any faults you notice.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Ask these questions for each vehicle on your shortlist. The answers help you compare vehicles and decide whether a specific vehicle is the right fit.

At OpenBook Auto, every vehicle receives a 100+ point inspection before it is offered for sale, so you can ask our team about the findings for any vehicle you are considering. You can also arrange an independent inspection before making your decision.

• What maintenance records and vehicle-history information are available?Ask to see documentation rather than summaries, and compare it with the service schedule.
• What inspection findings are available, and are there any outstanding concerns?Ask about completed and pending work.
• What are the manufacturer ratings for this specific vehicle?Request the tire-and-loading placard and any build sheet.
• Has the vehicle had any aftermarket modifications?Lift kits, wheels, exhaust, and other changes can affect ratings, handling, emissions, and warranty.