Used Car Inspection Checklist: Don't Buy Without Checking These

Buying a used car without a proper inspection is like buying a house without looking inside. In Regina's harsh climate, where temperatures can drop to -30°C and roads are salted for months, used vehicles face unique challenges that make thorough inspections even more critical. A comprehensive inspection can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs and ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

Whether you're browsing all vehicles on our site or visiting a dealership, this step-by-step checklist will help you identify potential problems before you sign on the dotted line.

Why Used Car Inspections Matter in Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan's extreme weather conditions create specific wear patterns on vehicles. Salt corrosion, freeze-thaw cycles, and extended cold weather operation put extra stress on engines, transmissions, and body panels. A vehicle that looks good on the surface might be hiding expensive problems underneath.

Additionally, SGI requires all vehicles to meet safety standards for registration. Catching safety issues during your inspection prevents delays and additional costs when registering your purchase.

Before You Start: What You'll Need

• Flashlight or smartphone light
• Magnet (to detect body filler)
• Paper towels or rags
• OBD-II scanner (optional but recommended)
• Notebook for taking notes
• Camera for documenting issues

Step 1: Exterior Inspection

Body and Paint Assessment

Check for rust and corrosion: Saskatchewan's road salt is particularly aggressive. Look carefully at wheel wells, door frames, rocker panels, and around the rear bumper. Surface rust might be manageable, but structural rust is a deal-breaker.

Examine paint consistency: Walk around the vehicle in good lighting. Colour variations, orange peel texture, or overspray on trim pieces often indicate accident damage or poor repair work.

Test panel alignment: Doors, hood, and trunk should align properly with consistent gaps. Misaligned panels suggest collision damage that might affect structural integrity.

Use the magnet test: Run a magnet along body panels. If it doesn't stick, there's likely body filler underneath, indicating previous damage.

Lights and Glass

Test all lighting: Check headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. In Saskatchewan's long winter nights, proper lighting is essential for safety.

Inspect windshield and windows: Small chips can spread quickly in extreme temperature changes. Check for cracks, especially along edges where they're most likely to expand.

Tires and Wheels

Measure tread depth: Use a quarter coin - if you can see the caribou's nose, the tread is too worn. Uneven wear patterns indicate alignment issues, suspension problems, or poor maintenance.

Check sidewalls: Look for cracks, bulges, or patches. Sidewall damage is particularly dangerous and requires immediate replacement.

Examine wheels: Bent or cracked wheels can cause vibration and tire wear. Curb rash might indicate careless driving.

Step 2: Interior Inspection

Seats and Upholstery

Test seat adjustments: All power seat functions should work smoothly. Manual adjustments should move freely without binding.

Check wear patterns: Excessive wear might indicate high mileage or poor care. Look for tears, stains, or odours that might be expensive to remedy.

Dashboard and Controls

Test all electrical systems: Turn on lights, radio, air conditioning, heating, and all accessories. In Regina's climate, a functioning heater isn't just comfort - it's safety.

Check warning lights: Start the engine and ensure all warning lights turn off after the initial startup sequence.

Test climate control: Both heating and air conditioning should work effectively. A non-functioning heater can be dangerous during Saskatchewan winters.

Safety Equipment

Verify seatbelt operation: All seatbelts should retract smoothly and latch securely.

Check airbag warning lights: The airbag light should illuminate briefly at startup, then turn off. A continuously lit airbag light indicates a system problem.

Step 3: Under the Hood

Engine Bay Visual Inspection

Look for leaks: Check for oil, coolant, or other fluid leaks. Small seepage might be normal on higher-mileage vehicles, but active drips are concerning.

Inspect belts and hoses: Cracked, frayed, or bulging belts and hoses should be replaced. In cold weather, deteriorated rubber components are more likely to fail.

Check fluid levels and condition: Oil should be relatively clean and at proper levels. Coolant should be clear, not rusty or oily. Low fluid levels might indicate leaks or poor maintenance.

Engine Operation

Listen to engine idle: The engine should idle smoothly without excessive vibration or irregular sounds. Knocking, ticking, or grinding noises often indicate expensive internal problems.

Check exhaust smoke: Blue smoke indicates oil burning, white smoke suggests coolant leaks, and black smoke means fuel system problems.

Test block heater (if equipped): In Saskatchewan, a functioning block heater is essential. Check that the cord is in good condition and the heater operates properly.

Step 4: Mechanical Systems

Braking System

Test brake pedal feel: The pedal should feel firm and not sink to the floor. Spongy or low pedals indicate air in the lines or worn components.

Listen for brake noises: Squealing often means worn pads, while grinding indicates more serious damage.

Check parking brake: The parking brake should hold the vehicle securely on an incline.

Steering and Suspension

Test steering response: The steering should be responsive without excessive play. Pull or vibration might indicate alignment issues or worn components.

Check for suspension noises: Listen for clunks, squeaks, or rattles when driving over bumps. These often indicate worn struts, shocks, or bushings.

Evaluate ride quality: The vehicle should ride smoothly without excessive bouncing or swaying.

Transmission

Test automatic transmission shifting: Shifts should be smooth and occur at appropriate speeds. Harsh shifting, slipping, or delayed engagement are red flags.

Check manual transmission operation: The clutch should engage smoothly, and all gears should select easily without grinding.

Inspect transmission fluid: Automatic transmission fluid should be red or pink and smell sweet. Brown, black, or burnt-smelling fluid indicates problems.

Step 5: Road Test

Preparation

Verify insurance coverage: Ensure you're properly covered before driving. Check with your insurance provider about test drive coverage.

Plan your route: Include city streets, highway speeds, parking lot manoeuvres, and hill climbing if possible.

During the Drive

Test cold start performance: In Saskatchewan's climate, how a vehicle starts and runs when cold is crucial. The engine should start readily and warm up smoothly.

Evaluate acceleration: The vehicle should accelerate smoothly without hesitation, jerking, or unusual noises.

Check highway performance: At highway speeds, the vehicle should track straight, maintain speed easily, and not exhibit vibration or noise.

Test all systems: Use air conditioning, heating, radio, and other accessories during the drive to ensure they work under load.

Step 6: Documentation Review

Service Records

Review maintenance history: Regular oil changes, scheduled maintenance, and prompt repairs indicate good care. For vehicles in Saskatchewan, look for evidence of regular undercarriage cleaning and rust prevention.

Check recall compliance: Verify that any manufacturer recalls have been completed.

Legal Documentation

Verify ownership: Ensure the seller has clear title to the vehicle.

Check SGI requirements: Confirm the vehicle will pass SGI safety inspection if required. Our guide on SGI vehicle registration provides detailed information about registration requirements.

Red Flags: When to Walk Away

Some issues are too serious or expensive to overlook:

• Structural rust or frame damage
• Engine knocking or serious mechanical noises
• Transmission slipping or harsh shifting
• Multiple electrical system failures
• Evidence of flood damage
• Mismatched paint or poor collision repairs
• Missing or incomplete documentation

Professional Inspection: When It's Worth the Cost

For expensive vehicles or when you're unsure about your findings, consider hiring a qualified mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection. This typically costs $150-300 CAD but can save thousands if major problems are discovered.

Professional inspections are particularly valuable for:

• Luxury or high-performance vehicles
• Vehicles with complex systems
• Cars with suspected problems
• High-mileage vehicles
• Any purchase over $15,000 CAD

After the Inspection: Making Your Decision

Once you've completed your inspection, evaluate your findings:

Minor issues: Small problems like worn wiper blades or minor cosmetic issues shouldn't derail a good deal but can be negotiation points.

Moderate concerns: Issues like worn tires or brake pads are normal maintenance items. Factor repair costs into your offer price.

Major problems: Serious mechanical or structural issues should either result in walking away or significantly reducing your offer.

Remember our article on how to negotiate used car prices for tips on using inspection findings in negotiations.

Saskatchewan-Specific Considerations

Winter Preparation

When inspecting vehicles in Regina, pay special attention to winter-readiness:

• Block heater functionality
• Battery condition (cold weather is hard on batteries)
• Coolant mixture appropriate for extreme cold
• Tire condition and tread depth
• Heating system effectiveness

For more detailed information about cold weather preparation, check our cold weather car preparation checklist.

Rust Prevention

Saskatchewan's road salt creates unique challenges:

• Look for evidence of regular undercarriage cleaning
• Check for aftermarket rust protection treatments
• Pay extra attention to areas where salt accumulates
• Consider the vehicle's history - city-driven cars often have more salt exposure

Summary and Next Steps

A thorough used car inspection is your best defence against buying someone else's problems. Take your time, be systematic, and don't be afraid to walk away from a vehicle that doesn't meet your standards.

Key takeaways:

1. Be thorough: Check every system and component systematically
2. Document everything: Take photos and notes of any issues
3. Know your limits: Get professional help for complex or expensive vehicles
4. Factor climate: Saskatchewan's harsh conditions create unique wear patterns
5. Use findings wisely: Minor issues are negotiation points; major problems are deal-breakers

Once you've found a vehicle that passes your inspection, you'll be ready to move forward with confidence. Browse our complete inventory to find vehicles that meet your criteria, or if you're looking for something specific like reliable cars under $20,000, we have options that have been thoroughly vetted.

Remember, buying a used car is a significant investment. Taking the time to inspect properly now can save you thousands in repairs later and ensure you get years of reliable transportation through Regina's challenging driving conditions.