carassessments.com.au Book a demo
Free template

Vehicle appraisal checklist for car dealers

A vehicle appraisal checklist makes every inspection the same, so your offers are consistent and you don't miss the $2,000 problem. This one follows the 11 sections we use in the app, from exterior to documents and keys.

What’s in it

  • 11 inspection sections with checks under each
  • Space to note readings: tyre tread, brake pad thickness, odometer
  • Road test and service history checks
  • Documents and keys checklist, including PPSR

Vehicle appraisal checklist for car dealers

1. Exterior

  • Walk around in good light; photograph all four corners.
  • Panel gaps even; no overspray on rubbers, badges or glass.
  • Paint: colour match between panels, chips, scratches, clear coat failure.
  • Dents and hail damage (check the roof and bonnet at an angle).
  • Glass: windscreen chips and cracks, compliance labels on all glass.
  • Lights and lenses: cracks, moisture, mismatched brands.
  • Rust: wheel arches, sills, door bottoms, tailgate.

2. Interior

  • Seats: tears, wear, stains, all adjustments work.
  • Headlining, carpets and boot lining: stains, water marks, damp smell.
  • Dash warning lights on start, then off.
  • Air conditioning blows cold; heater works.
  • Infotainment, reversing camera, sensors, Bluetooth.
  • Windows, mirrors, locks and central locking.
  • Odometer reading recorded; wear fits the kilometres.

3. Engine bay

  • Cold start: listen for rattles, ticks and knocks.
  • Oil level and colour; no milky residue under the filler cap.
  • Coolant level and colour; no oil in coolant.
  • Leaks: oil, coolant, power steering, brake fluid.
  • Belts and hoses: cracks, glazing.
  • Battery: age, terminals, test result.
  • Engine start video recorded.

4. Underbody

  • Undercarriage photos taken.
  • Rust on chassis rails, floor pan and mounts.
  • Accident repair signs: kinked rails, fresh welds, new paint underneath.
  • Exhaust: leaks, rust, broken hangers.
  • Oil or fluid leaks from engine, gearbox, diff.
  • CV boots and driveshafts.

5. Tyres and wheels

  • Tread depth on each tyre (mm): FL ____ FR ____ RL ____ RR ____ Spare ____.
  • Uneven wear (points to alignment or suspension issues).
  • Matching brands and sizes; build date on each tyre.
  • Rim damage: kerb rash, cracks, bends.
  • Spare, jack and wheel brace present.

6. Brakes

  • Pad thickness (mm): front ____ rear ____.
  • Disc condition: lip, scoring, warping.
  • Brake fluid level and condition.
  • Handbrake holds on a slope.
  • ABS light off.

7. Steering and suspension

  • Play in the steering wheel.
  • Bounce test each corner; shocks not leaking.
  • Clunks over bumps; knocks on full lock.
  • Ride height level side to side.
  • Aftermarket lifts or lowering noted (check compliance).

8. Electrics

  • OBD scan: stored and pending fault codes recorded.
  • All exterior lights, indicators and hazards.
  • Horn, wipers, washers.
  • Power windows, sunroof, seats and mirrors.
  • Charging system output.

9. Road test

  • Starts easily hot and cold.
  • Gear changes smooth, no slipping or flare (auto); clutch take-up and noise (manual).
  • Pulls straight under braking; no vibration.
  • Tracks straight; steering centred.
  • No warning lights, overheating, smoke or unusual noises.
  • Cruise control and driver aids work.

10. Service history

  • Logbook present and stamped; intervals followed.
  • Last service date and kilometres.
  • Timing belt or chain service due?
  • Recalls outstanding?
  • Receipts for major work.

11. Documents and keys

  • Seller photo ID matches the rego holder; proof of ownership sighted.
  • VIN on the car matches the paperwork.
  • PPSR search run: finance, written-off and stolen status.
  • Rego current; expiry recorded.
  • Number of keys (and remotes) recorded.
  • Owner's manual and spare key present.

Result

  • Score each section out of 10 and note the reconditioning needed.
  • Estimated recon cost: $____.
  • Appraiser name, date and signature.

Get the full template

Enter your email to see the rest, then print it or save it as a PDF. We’ll send the odd useful guide; unsubscribe any time.

Using it

  • Do the checks in the same order every time so nothing is skipped.
  • Use the readings (tread, pads, fault codes) to cost recon before you make an offer. Then work your offer back from retail with the car margin calculator.
  • A PPSR search is national and costs $2 online. See PPSR checks for dealers.
  • Roadworthy and safety certificate requirements on resale differ by state. Check with your state's transport department.

Questions dealers ask

What do dealers check when appraising a car?

Exterior, interior, engine bay, underbody, tyres and wheels, brakes, steering and suspension, electrics, a road test, service history, and documents and keys, including a PPSR search.

How long does a vehicle appraisal take?

It depends on the car and how thorough you are. Following the same checklist every time keeps it consistent.

Should I run a PPSR check during the appraisal?

Yes. Know about finance, write-offs or stolen status before you make an offer, then search again on payment day.

Stop doing this in a spreadsheet.

The app works this out on every car automatically, from appraisal to settlement. Leave your email and we’ll show you on one of yours.

More free calculators and templates, or see pricing.