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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.

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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. Pick a time and we’ll show you on one of yours.

More free calculators and templates, or see pricing.

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