Use this with a parent or trusted adult at the car. Check what you reviewed, flag concerns, and never skip an independent professional inspection.
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CAR YOU’RE CHECKINGName it so these notes stay clear.
SECTION 1 OF 6
Paperwork & identity
Confirm the car, seller, and records all tell the same story.
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Mark an item reviewed only after you actually check it.
DECISION CHECK
Keep building the picture.
31 items left to review before you compare the full picture.
0concerns
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Before you buy: an independent pre-purchase inspection is still essential—even when every box looks good.
MyFirstMiles provides a planning checklist, not a mechanical, safety, title, legal, or purchasing guarantee. Use a qualified independent mechanic and appropriate title, lien, recall, insurance, and vehicle-history resources before buying.
○VIN matches everywhereCompare the VIN on the dashboard, driver-door label, title, and vehicle history report.
○Title and seller matchConfirm the seller's identification matches the title and ask about any lien or branded title.
○Vehicle history reviewedLook for reported crashes, title brands, odometer issues, ownership changes, and where the car lived.
○Maintenance records make senseLook for regular oil changes and evidence that major scheduled services were completed.
○Open recalls checkedUse the VIN on the manufacturer's or NHTSA recall lookup and note any repair still needed.
Walkaround
○Body panels and paint look consistentCheck for uneven gaps, mismatched paint, overspray, dents, rust, or signs of prior repair.
○Glass, mirrors, and exterior lights workInspect for cracks and moisture, then test headlights, brake lights, signals, and hazards.
○Tires are safe and wear evenlyCheck tread, sidewalls, age, matching sizes, and uneven wear that may signal alignment or suspension trouble.
○No concerning leaks or damage underneathLook for fresh fluid, heavy rust, loose parts, bent areas, or obvious impact damage.
○Doors, hood, trunk, spare, and tools check outOpen every latch and confirm the spare tire, jack, wheel-lock key, and charging cable if applicable.
Under the hood
○Engine oil level and condition checkedWith the engine off on level ground, check the dipstick for proper level, contamination, or a burnt smell.
○Coolant level and condition look normalCheck the reservoir only when safe. Never open a hot pressurized cooling system.
○Battery and terminals look healthyLook for corrosion, loose connections, swelling, leaks, and an old date code.
○Belts and hoses show no obvious damageLook for cracks, fraying, glazing, bulges, or wet connections without touching moving or hot parts.
○No obvious leaks, smoke, or strong odorsScan around and below the engine for fresh wet areas, burnt smells, coolant odor, or smoke.
Interior & controls
○Seats and every seat belt workBuckle each belt and check that seats, head restraints, and child-safety features are secure.
○Warning lights complete a normal self-checkLights should appear at startup and then turn off. A missing light can be as concerning as one that stays on.
○Windows, locks, mirrors, and controls workTry every switch, key, remote, camera, sensor, wiper, washer, and power outlet.
○Heat, air conditioning, and audio workTest multiple fan speeds and temperatures, defrost, vents, speakers, and phone connectivity.
○No signs of water damage or masking odorsCheck carpets, seat rails, trunk, and headliner for dampness, staining, rust, mold, or heavy fragrance.
Test drive
○Cold start is smoothIf possible, start the engine cold and listen for prolonged cranking, knocking, rattling, or unusual exhaust smoke.
○Steering tracks straight without vibrationOn a safe, level road, note pulling, looseness, shaking, unusual effort, or noises while turning.
○Brakes stop straight and quietlyUse a safe area to check for grinding, pulsing, pulling, a soft pedal, or warning lights.
○Transmission shifts smoothlyCheck reverse and forward engagement, acceleration, cruising, and slowing for slipping, hesitation, or hard shifts.
○Suspension stays controlled over bumpsListen for clunks or squeaks and watch for excessive bouncing, leaning, or instability.
○Engine runs smoothly at normal temperatureWatch the temperature gauge and note rough idle, loss of power, smoke, smells, or new warning lights.
Before money changes hands
○Independent pre-purchase inspection completedChoose a qualified mechanic who is not connected to the seller and ask for a written findings report.
○Diagnostic scan and readiness monitors reviewedAsk the inspector to check stored and pending codes and whether monitors were recently reset.
○Flagged repairs have written estimatesPrice the work before negotiating so a low purchase price does not hide an expensive first month.
○Vehicle-specific insurance quote obtainedUse the exact VIN and intended drivers, coverage, and deductibles—not a general estimate.
○Final price, financing, and paperwork verifiedRead every figure and term, confirm how payment and title transfer will occur, and never rush because of pressure.