Pre-Buy Inspection Report

This is the text of the form we use to check out and report on a vehicle prior to purchase (and sometimes after purchase in order to assess the maintenance needs). It is scheduled in the most efficient and logical sequence for us and begins with a road test. It takes between 2.5 hours (MGB, TR6, etc.) and 3.0 hours (XJ6 or Range Rover, etc.) spread over approximately 4 hours to allow for the vehicle cooling down prior to examination.

Our form is a 4 fold legal size document. You can select this text and paste it into a word processing document then format it to fit your printer.

Road Test

The vehicle was road tested to observe how it drives and feels to the user and to identify any areas that should be examined more closely during the workshop inspection. The following areas were evaluated: and any concerns recorded on the right.
 
[OK] Cooling system
fan clutch
belt squeal
runs hot
 
[OK] Handbrake function
 
[OK] Brake feel
pull
fade
vibrate
 
[OK] Steering feel
loose bushings
 
[OK] Engine idle
power
smoke
miss
oil pressure
run on
 
[OK] Stereo
aerial
horns
 
[OK] Wipers
 
[OK] Washers
 
[OK] Cruise
 
[OK] Lighter
 
[OK] Clocks
 
[OK] Gauges
instruments
warnings
 
[OK] Lights
 
[OK] Driver door hinge spring
 
[OK] Air Conditioning
 
[OK] Heater
 

Body & Interior

The body and interior were examined to the extent possible without causing damage to the vehicle and the underbody was inspected while on the lift.
 
[OK] Bodywork
paint
rust
dents
 
[OK] Collision repair
 
[OK] Glass
 
[OK] Mirrors
 
[OK] Handles
 
[OK] Trim
 
[OK] Window function
 
[OK] Door function
 
[OK] Wiper blades
 
[OK] Trunk function
 
[OK] Sunroof function
 
[OK] Convertible top
 
[OK] Interior
carpet
headliner
seats
door panels
dash top
wood veneer
 
[OK] Seat belts
 
[OK] Center console clip
 
[OK] Owners manual
 
[OK] Spare wheel and jack
 

Underbody & Chassis

The vehicle was raised on a lift to inspect the underside and check the condition of the fuel system, brakes, exhaust, and chassis/body
 
[OK] Fuel system
tank
pump
filter
fuel lines
 
[OK] Exhaust system
 
[OK] Leaks
engine leaks
transmission leaks
differential leaks
 
[OK] Control arm play
anti roll bar play
bushing play
 
[OK] Engine mounts
transmission mounts
 
[OK] Body pan and frame
 
[OK] U-joints
 
[OK] CV joints
 

Steering & Front end

While raised, the vehicle was inspected for wear in the unloaded suspension and steering and for the condition of tires, ball joints and shock absorbers.
 
[OK] Tires
size
tread
pressure
spare
 
[OK] Front wheel bearing end play
LHS
RHS
 
[OK] Wheel nuts
 
[OK] Hub caps
 
[OK] Leaks
P/Steering rack
hubs
axle
 
[OK] Rack boots
 
[OK] Kingpin play
 
[OK] Ball joint play
 
[OK] Ball joint boots
 
[OK] Shock absorbers
front
rear
 

Brakes

In addition to the Road Test evaluation of the braking system, the major components were inspected from under the car. Road wheels and brake drums were not removed unless specifically noted
 
[OK] Front brake pads
rotors
 
[OK] Rear brake pads/shoes
rotors/drums
 
[OK] Brake hoses
pipes
 
[OK] Brake fluid level
color
 

Engine Compartment

The engine and associated equipment were inspected for completeness and condition. If we thought it necessary we performed a compression check. Age and mileage were considered when deciding what was noteworthy:
 
[OK] Oil level
condition
 
[OK] Transmission fluid
level
condition
 
[OK] Drive belts
tension
condition
 
[OK] Coolant hoses
 
[OK] Coolant level
specific gravity
 
[OK] P/S fluid level
 
[OK] Clutch fluid level
color
 
[OK] Spark plugs
 
[OK] Compression test (if needed)
 
F[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]R
 
F[ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]R
 
[OK] Fan clutch
 
[OK] Battery
 
[OK] A/C system
leaks
 
[OK] Windshield washer fluid
 
[OK] Engine clean
 
[OK] Ignition system
 

Final Notes

 

 

 

 

 

© 1997 Flying Circus English Cars Ltd.