The 120-Point Vehicle Inspection Checklist

Every vehicle we inspect is run through the same 120-point protocol. It is structured, repeatable, and documented in a report you can hand to any mechanic. Here is exactly what that protocol covers.

1. Identity & documents (12 points)

1. VIN/chassis number matches logbook
2. Engine number matches logbook
3. KRA logbook verification
4. NTSA records check
5. Importation / registration papers present
6. Year of manufacture verified
7. Colour listed matches actual
8. Odometer reading vs. service history
9. Insurance validity
10. Road licence (REVS) status
11. Body number / stamping authenticity
12. Ownership chain audit

2. Exterior body (18 points)

13. Panel gaps and alignment (all doors, bonnet, boot)
14. Paint depth and blending scan
15. Rust on sills, wheel arches, floor
16. Underseal authenticity (imports)
17. Glass date codes match year of manufacture
18. Windscreen cracks or replacement evidence
19. Lights — all functions and housings
20. Bumper and grille fitment
21. Door and boot seals
22. Sunroof operation and drainage
23. Mirrors and indicators
24. Wheel arch liners
25. Frame rail inspection (front)
26. Crossmember and subframe mounts
27. Chassis leg straightness
28. Accident repair indicators (weld points)
29. Badging authenticity
30. Overall paintwork condition rating

3. Interior & electrical (24 points)

31. Seat condition and adjusters
32. Airbag indicators — no fault lights
33. Seat belt operation and pre-tensioners
34. Dashboard warning light self-test
35. Instrument cluster operation
36. Odometer tamper check
37. Steering wheel and column
38. Climate control (heat and AC)
39. Infotainment and speakers
40. Power windows and locks
41. Door hinges and stoppers
42. Boot operation and tools
43. Jack and wheelbrace present
44. Interior lighting
45. Roof lining
46. Carpet condition and moisture (flood check)
47. Immobiliser and key fob programming
48. Central locking
49. Bonnet release and latch
50. Fuel filler release
51. All switches — resistance and function
52. Parking sensors and camera
53. OBD-II readiness (no pending codes)
54. Battery health and charging voltage

4. Engine bay (22 points)

55. Oil level and condition
56. Oil leak sources (top and sump)
57. Coolant level and condition
58. Radiator condition and fan operation
59. Coolant hoses and clips
60. Belts and tensioners
61. Timing chain noise
62. Spark plugs condition
63. Air filter condition
64. Battery terminals and corrosion
65. Alternator output
66. Starter operation
67. Injector harness and connectors
68. Turbocharger (if fitted) — shaft play and seals
69. Intercooler and pipework
70. Exhaust manifold cracks
71. Engine mounts
72. PCV system
73. Fuel lines and leak check
74. Under-bay wiring condition
75. Coolant thermostat behaviour
76. Compression test sample cylinders

5. Drivetrain (16 points)

77. Transmission fluid level and smell
78. Clutch operation (manual)
79. Automatic gearbox shifting — cold and warm
80. CVT belt / chain health check
81. Differential condition
82. Drive shafts and boots
83. Four-wheel drive engagement
84. Gearbox mount
85. Gearbox oil leak check
86. Transfer case operation (AWD/4WD)
87. Clutch pedal feel and bite point
88. Reverse gear engagement
89. Torque converter behaviour
90. Transmission fault codes
91. Driveline lash on take-up
92. Wheel bearings — front and rear

6. Undercarriage (12 points)

93. Sill integrity and drain holes
94. Floor pan rust
95. Brake lines condition
96. Exhaust system — hangers and leaks
97. Suspension bushings
98. Ball joints and tie rod ends
99. Shock absorbers — leak and rebound
100. Springs and seats
101. Subframe condition
102. Fuel tank and straps
103. Differential and transfer case mounts
104. Body mountings

7. Tyres & brakes (10 points)

105. Tyre brand and age (DOT codes)
106. Tread depth — all four
107. Tyre wear pattern analysis
108. Spare tyre and condition
109. Brake pad thickness
110. Disc surface and run-out
111. Brake fluid level and age
112. Handbrake effectiveness
113. Brake pedal feel
114. ABS activation test (safe surface)

8. Road test (6 points)

115. Cold start behaviour
116. Steering straight-line stability
117. Braking performance and pull
118. Suspension noise over bumps
119. Engine response under load
120. Gearbox behaviour across full speed range

How to use this list

You don't need to be a mechanic to use it. Print the checklist and work through it in order with the seller present. Mark PASS / WARN / FAIL on every point.

• PASS — as expected for the car's age and mileage
• WARN — needs attention soon; factor it into the price
• FAIL — deal-breaker; require repair or move on

A car that returns more than a handful of FAILs is telling you the truth about its history. Listen.

This is the same protocol we run on every client vehicle, condensed for the roadside. When the stakes are higher — import purchases, commercial fleets, or high-value units — the full 120-point report is the right tool.